OTS vs USAFA

A

aminger

New Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2022
Messages
2
Hello, I just received an appointment to the usafa after applying for the fourth time. I really like aviation and airplanes and I wanted to become a pilot at the air force. I could not get the appointment right after high school. But I got the opportunity to get in a German university. I always liked languages and had the opportunity to learn German during my school years, so language was not a problem. The reason I chose Germany was because education here is practically free. My parents only pay may food, housing and a very small university fee (very small compared to USA). I am in a 5 year degree program in aerospace engineering which will lead to diplom degree (MSc + BSc dual degrees under Bologna system in Europe). I really wanted to get into the air force as pilot. But I really got used to be here. I like being here and want to finish my degree. I realized I love the the technical part of aviation. Design and operation of aircrafts. I even got the chance to start glider lessons last summer.

Next May, I will finish my third year and I was offered internship in aircraft manufacturing company during summer, when I am supposed to report for BCT at usafa. I do not what to do. All these years I have been insisting to my congressman to nominate me and asking for letter of recommendations even from my German professors. I do not know what to tell my congressman when declining the offer. I have insisted him so much. I know I can not deffer my appointment two years even though I will be 22 after finishing my degree and would be still in the require age.

So my question, how does ots compare to usafa? I know a substantial part of usafa is getting a degree. I also know that ots is harder to get in, and may be even harder if there is no need for officers less say pilots. Will the offer of appointment to usafa help me when applying to ots?

I am more inclined to remain in my program. I realized I love engineering and my level of fluency in German has improved a lot. I have integrated here. But there is still that desire to become a military pilot.

Do you have any advise? Suggestion? How could I improve my chance to get accepted at ots? Will the offer of appointment help my application to ots? I even feel ashamed to decline the offer after insisting so much to my congressman, what will I tell him?

Thanks for your help.
 
If you actually want to become an Air Force pilot, take the "sure" route of USAFA. No guarantees you will get into OTS. You already have your appointment and have tried so hard to get it. Doesn't really make much sense in my mind to decline the appointment if you have applied 4 times and still want to fly. Yes it will cost you another 4 years but you will have graduated from one of the most elite institutions in the U.S. and made some "great" memories doing it. Also, I have several friends at USCGA who did 2 years of college before coming to the academy. They were able to validate courses from their previous colleges and get ahead. This then opened doors for them to take free electives and even double major. Just the $.02 from a CGA cadet who is also trying to fly.
 
Exact same thread posted in another forum. Mods, does it make sense to merge?
 
As I've posted on other threads, holding out for OTS basically puts the applicant at the mercy of USAF's recruiting and end-strength goals for that particular FY. The rated OTS board will evaluate your package on its own merits, so the fact that you received and refused a USAFA appointment offer isn't likely to move the needle one way or another. In short, by turning down the USAFA appointment and holding out for an OTS slot you're taking a huge gamble.

Something you haven't mentioned is whether you have any flight time at all. Applying for a rated OTS board with no flight hours could set you apart from your competition in a bad way, especially if you don't completely blow the TBAS out of the water.
 
Some questions to ask yourself:

1) You are finishing your 3rd year of University...do you really want to start over as a freshman? You are older and have a more international mindset... maybe you will come in and be a leader. Maybe you will be annoyed with all the young people.
Maybe you can validate some of your courses and continue taking German classes and double major or take more advanced classes.

2) Have your goals changed? As a high schooler, you wanted to be a military pilot. But now you realize as you are actually getting more involved that you like the design and operation. Would you be happy in the "technical" part of aviation if you didn't get into OTS/become a pilot? Or would you always regret not trying?

3) Can you take a leave of absence from your German University and attend AFA and decide how you like it? I don't believe you have to commit until after your second year.

3) What would you tell your Congressperson? "Thank you for your support and consideration for my application and the nomination that you have given me. I am declining the offer to continue my 4th year at University and I plan to try to serve my country through the OTS program when I graduate."

4) Are there other options such as the Air Force Reserve to become a pilot?

5) Maybe having German fluency will help you in the military. Are there study abroad opportunities at AFA you could take advantage of in Germany?


aminger said:
offered internship in aircraft manufacturing company during summer, when I am supposed to report for BCT at usafa. I do not what to do. All these years I have been insisting to my congressman to nominate me and asking for letter of recommendations even from my German professors. I do not know what to tell my congressman when declining the offer. I have in
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top