Appointed...Need Advice

FlyFalcon said:
Oh this has changed! The supt let us know that 24 got almost all the slot they need just a sometimes with a two year delay. Meaning: they will do the job the dropped let's say Intel for two years then go to upt and become a pilot if they were on the waiting list
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They did this with the '91 and maybe '92. They called them "banked pilots". It was just after the first Gulf War and we were shutting down bases and aircraft as a peace dividend.
 
GoodRun said:
They did this with the '91 and maybe '92. They called them "banked pilots". It was just after the first Gulf War and we were shutting down bases and aircraft as a peace dividend.
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Wonderful to know. I didn't grow up with the pilot community and I'm not shocked our supt who did would be able to find a pre existing solution. It perfect for those who want the experience of another career field or don't mind waiting. It personally lifted my mood about the situation. I would much rather wait then never have an opportunity.
 
FlyFalcon said:
I recommend reaching out to see if there's any ROTC now academy people. I have a friend in 2027 who went to prep school and did a year of ROTC before coming here on his third try. I had 5 people from my squadron who had either two or more year living their life. 1 remains. That's not to discourage or say this isn't a right fit but I would ask around to see what people miss, and dive deeper because while I didn't care that I couldn't leave base or credits dont transfer a lot of people do. Best of luck to you!
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Did he go to NWP with you? I went to nwp in 2022, would be dope to get a prepster-reapplicant perspective
 
90210 said:
After 3 long years of applying, I have just received an appointment to USAFA. As truly humbled and thankful I am to receive this appointment after years of toil, I am really at a crossroads on whether or not I should accept the appointment. I'll explain my current standing.

I am a 2nd year AFROTC cadet slated to commission in 2026. I have done quite well for myself in my detachment with a good commanders ranking, flight scholarship, very high chances at selection to go to field training and good PCSM score. I love the culture, wingmen, and mentors I have here, and can see myself getting a Pilot slot if I continue.

The academy has been a longstanding dream of mine and something I feel the need to "see through". I am familiar with the differences between Academy and AFROTC, and have a great respect for both commissioning sources. Virtually everyone around me has said that leaving to go USAFA would be a very foolish choice. Arguments that I have heard are that going would "set me back" 2 years, add more to my plate than necessary, anything I want out of the academy can be done through afrotc, everyones a 2nd Lt. at the end of the day, you'd have to start from ground zero, and so on. With that being said, for some reason I still have a desire to go.

I would hate to make an emotional, impulsive decision that I end up regretting in the future. I would really appreciate insight from people who have been in a similar situation as I or just would like to share some thoughts. Thank you very much!
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If you had said that that you were in your third year of ROTC, I would have suggested that you were already past the point of no return. However, if you are in your second year of ROTC, the answer to the question is yours to make. You can justify either direction at this fork in the road. If you go to USAFA, you will probably validate several courses allowing you additional flexibility in the courses you want to take (beyond core and major requirements). If you take the ROTC fork in the road, you will graduate earlier and start your commissioned career earlier. However, the last time I checked, if you intend to go to pilot training, your chances are better out of USAFA than ROTC.

My last roommate at USAFA went to Texas A&M and spent a year in the Corps before coming to USAFA and getting the opportunity to experience basic training a second time in a two-year period. He graduated from USAFA and eventually caught up with his peers from the Texas A&M program because he was selected for promotion to Major one year early.

Given the unique opportunities available at USAFA that are not present at any ROTC program, I would have been tempted by going to USAFA despite having two years of college already completed. Having said that, there is no wrong answer. Your choice. Good luck!
 
As discussed above all are good points to consider but this is your choice to figure out. My daughter is graduating in May from the AF Academy (2024) and always wanted to be a pilot. For her it has worked out for her since her job drop was pilot. She was a Falcon Foundation and went to NWP so she entered one year after high school. Her first roommate during basic just finished her first year at Texas A&M in the ROTC program. The first week of basic she realized ROTC was a better choice for her and processed out. Her second roommate had completed 3 years at UT in the ROTC program and much like you dreamed about going to the Academy. She now also will be graduating with my daughter in May and was accepted into medical school. As mentioned, I do feel if pilot is your dream that your chances of getting a pilot slot is better but not saying you will not get one in ROTC. On another note, there will be many other cadets your age at the academy so don't feel like you will be older than everyone else. You have many choices and whatever choices you make just go with it and not second guess yourself. This week is 100 days until graduation, and they will find out which base they will be going to. Lots of excitement and a little worrying going on this week.
 
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