Do I need engineering to go Air force?

Fl4546

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I'm a Junior in high school and am interested in going to USMMA. I've learned that the academy gives the option to join any of the military branches to become a pilot although I'm curious to know if I would have to choose the engineering route over a deck one to do this. If so how is it handling both AFROTC plus the studying for engineering? I'm not taking any physics classes, so it would be a bit of a problem for me.
 
I'm a Junior in high school and am interested in going to USMMA. I've learned that the academy gives the option to join any of the military branches to become a pilot although I'm curious to know if I would have to choose the engineering route over a deck one to do this. If so how is it handling both AFROTC plus the studying for engineering? I'm not taking any physics classes, so it would be a bit of a problem for me.
You do not have to major in Engineering, but if you have no physics experience, you are probably not going to make it on the deck side either.
 
I'm a Junior in high school and am interested in going to USMMA. I've learned that the academy gives the option to join any of the military branches to become a pilot although I'm curious to know if I would have to choose the engineering route over a deck one to do this. If so how is it handling both AFROTC plus the studying for engineering? I'm not taking any physics classes, so it would be a bit of a problem for me.
Take AP Physics 1 algebra based at minimum, will make KP Physics a breeze. I took that and the Calc based one as I was paranoid I wouldn't make the cut, but if you have a good foundation, the only hard part of physics is staying awake in 1st period lab.
 
Take AP Physics 1 algebra based at minimum, will make KP Physics a breeze. I took that and the Calc based one as I was paranoid I wouldn't make the cut, but if you have a good foundation, the only hard part of physics is staying awake in 1st period lab.
All right, but would you say physics is doable without prior knowledge on deck side? I live abroad and am doing the IB program so I don't have AP classes but I do a higher-level chemistry and maths course which I know would help for KP. But yeah I'm also kinda paranoid that the physics part will be a dealbreaker.
 
All right, but would you say physics is doable without prior knowledge on deck side? I live abroad and am doing the IB program so I don't have AP classes but I do a higher-level chemistry and maths course which I know would help for KP. But yeah I'm also kinda paranoid that the physics part will be a dealbreaker.
Physics is definitely doable without prior knowledge. Everyone takes physics on either side initially. That being said, I would recommend taking some sort of physics class in high school to achieve familiarization with the topic.
 
All right, but would you say physics is doable without prior knowledge on deck side? I live abroad and am doing the IB program so I don't have AP classes but I do a higher-level chemistry and maths course which I know would help for KP. But yeah I'm also kinda paranoid that the physics part will be a dealbreaker.
KP Physics is basic classical mechanics and e&m. Like basic basic mechanics and super watered down e&m. If you have any calculus background it will be trivial. Try to take a intro physics course at least to be familiar with concepts.
 
You earn a bachelor of science and while at the academy even if you don't choose to major in engineering you will be required to take classes associated with engineering. In particular calculus, physics and chemistry. Good Luck Kid. Its tough especially Plebe year but if you make it through you'll be part of a brotherhood thats priceless.
 
Alright cool, thanks guys
answer is no you don't need it. But as a deck major grad if I could go back I would select one of the ABET Accredited engineering majors (forget straight engine). Makes you more competitive for life after the service and the job market in general.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE... if your goal is to go AF flight, if you are commissioning AF out of KP you need to make that commitment entering your junior year. However, you are committing AF without knowing whether or not you have received an aviation billet. This differs from those pursuing Navy and Marine Corps flight.
 
IMPORTANT NOTE... if your goal is to go AF flight, if you are commissioning AF out of KP you need to make that commitment entering your junior year. However, you are committing AF without knowing whether or not you have received an aviation billet. This differs from those pursuing Navy and Marine Corps flight.
True. If you fail the USAF medical quals you might end up babysitting ballistic missile silos in the middle of Nebraska (needs of the service). If you fail the medical quals for Navy or USMC flight you just go back to being a Naval Reservist designated as an SSO (Strategic Sealift Officer)
 
IMPORTANT NOTE... if your goal is to go AF flight, if you are commissioning AF out of KP you need to make that commitment entering your junior year. However, you are committing AF without knowing whether or not you have received an aviation billet. This differs from those pursuing Navy and Marine Corps flight.
True. If you fail the USAF medical quals you might end up babysitting ballistic missile silos in the middle of Nebraska (needs of the service). If you fail the medical quals for Navy or USMC flight you just go back to being a Naval Reservist designated as an SSO (Strategic Sealift Officer)
So, realistically how possible is it to get that aviation billet through KP, and can I do anything to heighten my chances? Because right now naval aviation sounds like a better idea than ending up babysitting missile silos. I checked out the medical quals for AF and I'm fit, not colorblind, and not on drugs so I think I'm doing good in that aspect.
 
It's absolutely realistic. There is just more risk with AF. KP get's a fair amount of Navy and Marine aviation billets every year. My opinion is grades/performance are the key drivers for billets in general. others will weigh in I'm sure.
 
It's absolutely realistic. There is just more risk with AF. KP get's a fair amount of Navy and Marine aviation billets every year. My opinion is grades/performance are the key drivers for billets in general. others will weigh in I'm sure.
From recent grads, I know of two that went Air Force with goal of flying - one is now flying drones and the other I believe special operations. Another got a slot in AF pilot training and was at top of his class. The needs of the military is something always to remember. But also being a superstar may open doors.
 
Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will offer pilot and NFO slots to first class mids who apply and are qualified. You will know what your offer is before making the decision to sign up. Air Force is different, requires an earlier commitment, and does not guarantee a flight spot.
 
So, realistically how possible is it to get that aviation billet through KP, and can I do anything to heighten my chances? Because right now naval aviation sounds like a better idea than ending up babysitting missile silos. I checked out the medical quals for AF and I'm fit, not colorblind, and not on drugs so I think I'm doing good in that aspect.
Very possiblee. Navy and USMC flight give you more options if for some reason you're not medically qualified since you don't have to commit till you find out you have been accepted which is 1st class(senior) year. AF flight I believe you have to commit by 3rd class(sophomore) year. Your eyesight could go bad in that time and if you don't qualify medically, you could very well end up babysitting missile silos in Podunk.
 
Of course the options of the Air Force and Naval Academy are there, too. . . .
 
What about Army flight commitment? No one has mentioned them. Remember that most Army aviation is helicopters.
 
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