Decisions about AFROTC

[F22>F35]

Hello, this could be a long one.

Right now I am a Freshman in College within the exploratory programs deciding a major. I was accepted into AFROTC (because I really want to be a pilot) before the year started but then turned it down due to losing an interest in the Air Force. After months of trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. I am working towards becoming a pilot and in order to be a commercial pilot I do not need a specific major. This is why I am in the exploratory studies, looking at majors like physics and computer science (I can only take CS next term because I am currently taking the prerequisite math course) However, after observing my roommate (who just recently scored really well on the AFOQT!!!!) and watching him go through ROTC as a sophomore (he went to community college and started as a sophomore) I am getting more and more inspired to do the same. I’d like a stable career, and the Air Force can give me that. However I know that this is something that I have to really want to do. Every time I get the feeling that I want to join/reapply I am stopped by thoughts of DODMERB (I have ADHD and hay fever) and asking myself if I could do the work to catch up. Of course I’ll need to start conditioning and all that to prepare for it, but it’s a choice I’m unsure about. I would very much like to become a pilot, and my roommate says that pilot slots are open, but if I join later, then the slots will be filled up most likely by the current class. Could I become a pilot with ADHD and hay fever? Will slots still be open? Is there anybody else experiencing the same?

 

[thibaud]

No one can tell you what's best for you, but you can't go wrong now if you trust your instincts. If you're not certain you want be an Air Force officer, then don't do AFROTC.

Probably best to keep it simple for now and just follow the commercial pilot route while getting the very best academic experience/education you can. Given your ADHD, for the near term, you should probably buckle down and focus squarely on your classes. You'll need to excel at math if you want to get into any sort of competitive CS program these days.

If you can get a CS degree, you'll have plenty of good options when you graduate. But I don't think, based on what you've said, that being a USAF officer is a good fit for you. YMMV. Good luck!

 

[Humey]

I wouldnt worry about the slots as it doesnt work that way. In you junior year/third year, they give out pilot spots based on several factors. So your friends who are freshman or sophomores now are no closer to getting a spot than you do (except for the fact that they are in AFROTC and you arent) You will compete against them for that spot when you reach that point. As for DODMERB, medication for ADHD may hurt you while Hay fever maybe okay and assuming you arent taking presciption medicine. Honestly the medical is beyond me.

 

[F22>F35]

No one can tell you what's best for you, but you can't go wrong now if you trust your instincts. If you're not certain you want be an Air Force officer, then don't do AFROTC.

Probably best to keep it simple for now and just follow the commercial pilot route while getting the very best academic experience/education you can. Given your ADHD, for the near term, you should probably buckle down and focus squarely on your classes. You'll need to excel at math if you want to get into any sort of competitive CS program these days.

If you can get a CS degree, you'll have plenty of good options when you graduate. But I don't think, based on what you've said, that being a USAF officer is a good fit for you. YMMV. Good luck!

This is why I love this website because of the feedback and how fast I get it back. That sounds like a wonderful plan, and hopefully I’ll follow it. As for being unsure of being an officer, I’d have to think more about it. Thank you!

 

[Tex232]

If you’re only interested in being an Air Force pilot and not serving in any other capacity then I agree ROTC is not the way to go, however OTS/OCS might be a better fit for you. The Air Force OTS program lets you select your AFSC (your job) during the application process, rather than you applying first and then being told what job you get. You can apply for OCS as a pilot candidate, and if you are not accepted then no harm no foul, since you won’t be under contract.

 

[Tbpxece]

HEvery time I get the feeling that I want to join/reapply I am stopped by thoughts of DODMERB

If that's all it takes to stop you, then you don't have a shot.

my roommate says that pilot slots are open, but if I join later, then the slots will be filled up most likely by the current class.

Does your roommate understand how many pilots we have? Don't take career advice from your roommate.

Could I become a pilot with ADHD and hay fever? Will slots still be open? Is there anybody else experiencing the same?

You can have ADHD, but you cannot be medicated for it.

The Air Force OTS program lets you select your AFSC (your job) during the application process, rather than you applying first and then being told what job you get. You can apply for OCS as a pilot candidate, and if you are not accepted then no harm no foul, since you won’t be under contract.

USAF is OTS. Other branches are OCS. I know @Tex232 knows that, but that's for the benefit of other readers.

OTS is much more competitive than ROTC. It can also take up to a year to get a seat if waivers are involved. DODMERB would still be required, as would the AFOQT and all other qualifying requirements.

 

[Tbpxece]

I’d like a stable career, and the Air Force can give me that.

If you want a "stable career" then look elsewhere. Military service is about as unstable a career choice as you can get. Especially as an officer. Particularly as a pilot.

Coders have stable careers. Given your degree, go check that out. You could also look at GS positions in DoD. Plenty of those out there and they are actually pretty stable while still giving you the ability to have a military-esque experience.

Good luck, kid.