Service Selection/Branching

HowBoutThemApples

HowBoutThemApples

Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2019
Messages
167
Good morning everyone, I'm working on my plan B, C and D currently, and I'm considering service selection after you complete ROTC, which leads me to two very important questions:

1. Does your major affect your service selection chances for Aviation at all? I have a desire to be a pilot and if that means I must pursue a tier 1 major that I'm not as interested in(although it interests me, just not my absolute passion) I will do so.

2. Does not doing ROTC your first year affect your service selection chances for Aviation at all? If I do not get the ROTC offer I will reapply, but If that will hurt my chances of branching Aviation I would like to know

I understand there's 3 different answers here for different services, and there's different anecdotes for each specific program, but any info is helpful!
 
Major has nothing to do with aviation selection. There are english majors, psych majors, history majors, etc. who fly.

You can enroll in the ROTC programs, as a nearly full participant, without the scholarship. You can do everything the others do except for summer training until you get a scholarship or contract. Many commission this way. There is no reason to miss a year if you're at a college with a ROTC unit.
 
kinnem said:
Major has nothing to do with aviation selection. There are english majors, psych majors, history majors, etc. who fly.

You can enroll in the ROTC programs, as a nearly full participant, without the scholarship. You can do everything the others do except for summer training until you get a scholarship or contract. Many commission this way. There is no reason to miss a year if you're at a college with a ROTC unit.
Click to expand...
I see. This perfectly answers my questions. I appreciate it.
 
I would like to think being say an aerospace engineer would give you an edge.
 
Just my opinion, but I bet that a 2.5 GPA Aerospace engineer is not likely going to out rank a 3.5 GPA history major on the OML, all other things being equal.

Generally speaking, if you major in something you have passion for, you will perform better.
 
Last edited:
Specifically regarding USMC Aviation - they don't care if you are an astrophysics major or underwater basket weaving - pass the ASTB, sign the aviation contract, OCS, graduate, go to TBS and report to flight school.
 
During the time in my unit, all of the Naval Aviation selects have been tier three majors. Your major truly does not define which selection you will receive.
 
Cadet35 said:
I would like to think being say an aerospace engineer would give you an edge.
Click to expand...
I seem to recall someone here who was an aerospace/aeronatical engineer, wanted pilot, had the PT/GPA/Aptitude/ASTB for it, until he got selected for SWO(n)?
 
Sean17 said:
Good morning everyone, I'm working on my plan B, C and D currently, and I'm considering service selection after you complete ROTC, which leads me to two very important questions:

1. Does your major affect your service selection chances for Aviation at all? I have a desire to be a pilot and if that means I must pursue a tier 1 major that I'm not as interested in(although it interests me, just not my absolute passion) I will do so.

2. Does not doing ROTC your first year affect your service selection chances for Aviation at all? If I do not get the ROTC offer I will reapply, but If that will hurt my chances of branching Aviation I would like to know

I understand there's 3 different answers here for different services, and there's different anecdotes for each specific program, but any info is helpful!
Click to expand...
Your major does not matter for army aviation. My cousin was selected for aviation, and he graduated with a degree in religion and philosophy.
 
Apologies Montana State AROTC. I see clearly now that major does not affect branching. Majoring in what you’re passionate about truly is best for success and well-being.👍
 
You may find that branching Aviation through AROTC may not be as competitive given that they will be extending to service obligation for Aviation from 6 years to 10 years starting last October. A 10 year plus obligation for Aviation in the other branches, Navy AF CG and Marines don't have the same issues since those aviators fly for most of those 10 years, Army Aviation Officers will fly early in those 10 years but will spend long stretches not flying and will move to more Staff positions for many of those years, many may decide that they do not want to spend that much time on Staff. Of course this is only speculation. There may be a greater need for new AV officers since they seem to be bleeding Captains.
 
Last edited:
This may already be clear to the original poster or others, but just want to point out that some service branches have guaranteed aviation contracts and some simply do not at this time. This means if you meet the qualifications and jump through the right hoops, there were for recent years (and confirm for next year) guaranteed aviation slots for Marine Option (MO) NROTC midshipmen. If you meet the criteria for Navy option NROTC-NO or AFROTC, you MAY branch aviation but there is no guarantee. As of a couple of years ago Army too had guaranteed aviation pending meeting qualifications but those pilots will sometimes fly rotating wing, not fixed wing *more commonly.

Marines: if you qualify and want to you'll be on your way to train
Air Force: The majority of Air Force AFROTC officers do not fly/ not everyone who wants to fly and is qualified does.
Navy Option: Same as air force.
Army: Confirm if they still have guaranteed aviation contracts.
Academies: You should look into how many AF/ Annapolis / WP Academy grads fly when they want.
Universal: , Some will and some won't make it through training once they branch aviation and arrive. Know of a few people who were off to Pensacola but then switched to be SWO after scrubbing out of flight school - it happens and is not rare. Recommend you all think about Plan Bs if aviation does not work out for each branch.

Good luck/ hope that helps.
 
Sean17 said:
Good morning everyone, I'm working on my plan B, C and D currently, and I'm considering service selection after you complete ROTC, which leads me to two very important questions:

1. Does your major affect your service selection chances for Aviation at all? I have a desire to be a pilot and if that means I must pursue a tier 1 major that I'm not as interested in(although it interests me, just not my absolute passion) I will do so.

2. Does not doing ROTC your first year affect your service selection chances for Aviation at all? If I do not get the ROTC offer I will reapply, but If that will hurt my chances of branching Aviation I would like to know

I understand there's 3 different answers here for different services, and there's different anecdotes for each specific program, but any info is helpful
Click to expand...

1. Your major doesn't matter. My cousin was selected for Army Aviation and graduated with a degree in religion and philosophy.

2. Whether you are selected for aviation is completely dependent upon the needs of the Branch of Service. Ultimately, it is safe to say that you will improve your chances of getting a top choice for your branch if you pass the flight physical and excel in all facets of your time in ROTC - academics, leadership, military training camps/summer cruises, and impress your cadre. I know that is not a specfic answer, but I hope it gives you some insight.
 
tier 3 major non STEM who selected NFO for NROTC. My minor in school is in religion. Do NOT choose a major because you think it'll "help" you get something. You will struggle academically in a subject you are not passionate about, which will bring down GPA and hurt your package. Lots of tier 3 majors select aviation.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top