There are a number of ways to do this via the military. Below are some examples, they are not all encompassing. I have not included some small programs that have specific desired outcomes. The majority of military pilots start down one of the below paths.
This thread does not address each Services selection process. Only 20% of Naval Aviators fly pointy nose aircraft, AF is about the same. Realize this when signing up. If all you want to do is fly tactical aircraft, go guard or reserves. They only way to guarantee an outcome.
Also in the Navy/MC switching communities (helo to fighter) is very rare.
It is less rare in the AF but not common. Switching aircraft within community in the AF is not unheard of. (Viper to Eagle)
Do your own home work.
1. Service Academies:
Navy/MC and AF. If you are physically qualified you will get an opportunity to go to flight school. (There are some years that a few bottom feeders in the class don't get their choice, but that is not common.)
Navy/MC allows you to select pilot only, don't get pilot, you can select another community, ships or subs for example.
AF is more complicated, but generally, you will get a shot at flight school.
Army. Usually goes to folks in the top 30 percent of the class.
2. ROTC:
Navy/MC same as the Academies. There are some examples of people getting drafted(generally for subs) but the better you do in school, the less likely that will happen.
AF has the rated process. You commit to serving in a rated position. Better you do, better your chances. But they can assign you a position you may not want. Again, not common, but it happens.
Army is training officers to lead soldiers. Getting AD aviation goes to top performers and Army selection process is a hybrid. You have to compete for active duty first. You could align with a reserve unit that will let you fly to increase your chances.
OCS:
MC has the PLC program and OCS.
PLC: You sign up while in college and can get an aviation guarantee. Stay physically qualified, complete Bulldog in one or two summers, graduate, complete TBS and you will go to flight school.
OCS: Same as above but you do Bulldog and TBS back to back then to flight school.
You can earn an aviation slot out of Bulldog or TBS, but it is usually very competitive.
Navy: You sign up for a flight slot, go to OCS, graduate and start flight school.
AOCS (officer and a gentleman movie) no longer exists. All Naval officers go through the same program, but you know where you are going pilot/NFO/sub/ship... before you start.
AF: You sign up for a rated position. You may not get pilot. PIMA will have to explain in detail.
AANG/ANG/Airforce reserves.
DO THIS!!! If all you want to do is fly, do this!
You know what you will fly and where. You can do it part time or full time.
The standard path includes enlisting while in college. Graduate and apply for a home grown position. Home grown positions go to folks based on their reputation in the unit. Go to flight school, get trained, return and fly whatever unit your unit flys.
The one downside, your unit may switch aircraft. Fargo was one of the most decorated Viper units, they are flying drones now.
Some units have home grown slots that go to people off the street. These type of selectees generally have their pilot license, but there are some that don't.
Again only a summary. Do your own homework.
OS
This thread does not address each Services selection process. Only 20% of Naval Aviators fly pointy nose aircraft, AF is about the same. Realize this when signing up. If all you want to do is fly tactical aircraft, go guard or reserves. They only way to guarantee an outcome.
Also in the Navy/MC switching communities (helo to fighter) is very rare.
It is less rare in the AF but not common. Switching aircraft within community in the AF is not unheard of. (Viper to Eagle)
Do your own home work.
1. Service Academies:
Navy/MC and AF. If you are physically qualified you will get an opportunity to go to flight school. (There are some years that a few bottom feeders in the class don't get their choice, but that is not common.)
Navy/MC allows you to select pilot only, don't get pilot, you can select another community, ships or subs for example.
AF is more complicated, but generally, you will get a shot at flight school.
Army. Usually goes to folks in the top 30 percent of the class.
2. ROTC:
Navy/MC same as the Academies. There are some examples of people getting drafted(generally for subs) but the better you do in school, the less likely that will happen.
AF has the rated process. You commit to serving in a rated position. Better you do, better your chances. But they can assign you a position you may not want. Again, not common, but it happens.
Army is training officers to lead soldiers. Getting AD aviation goes to top performers and Army selection process is a hybrid. You have to compete for active duty first. You could align with a reserve unit that will let you fly to increase your chances.
OCS:
MC has the PLC program and OCS.
PLC: You sign up while in college and can get an aviation guarantee. Stay physically qualified, complete Bulldog in one or two summers, graduate, complete TBS and you will go to flight school.
OCS: Same as above but you do Bulldog and TBS back to back then to flight school.
You can earn an aviation slot out of Bulldog or TBS, but it is usually very competitive.
Navy: You sign up for a flight slot, go to OCS, graduate and start flight school.
AOCS (officer and a gentleman movie) no longer exists. All Naval officers go through the same program, but you know where you are going pilot/NFO/sub/ship... before you start.
AF: You sign up for a rated position. You may not get pilot. PIMA will have to explain in detail.
AANG/ANG/Airforce reserves.
DO THIS!!! If all you want to do is fly, do this!
You know what you will fly and where. You can do it part time or full time.
The standard path includes enlisting while in college. Graduate and apply for a home grown position. Home grown positions go to folks based on their reputation in the unit. Go to flight school, get trained, return and fly whatever unit your unit flys.
The one downside, your unit may switch aircraft. Fargo was one of the most decorated Viper units, they are flying drones now.
Some units have home grown slots that go to people off the street. These type of selectees generally have their pilot license, but there are some that don't.
Again only a summary. Do your own homework.
OS