USAFA Majors

[baileydb]

Hi-
I have begun the applications process for USAFA class of 2019. One of the questions I need to answer for my congressman on his nomination application asks what I plan to do in the military. I have considered several options, including piloting and military intelligence. So I have a couple of questions:
1) Today I watched the Thunderbird demonstration at the USAFA graduation and it was INCREDIBLE! I have highly considered being a pilot, however, I get airsick. I have heard that with experience, you can get over it. Has anyone found this to be true from experience. Also, I get pretty bad hay fever during the summer and I have heard this can disqualify you from pilot training. Anyone know whether or not this could be a factor?
2) I originally wanted to major in Behavioral Sciences with an emphasis on leadership after taking AP Psych last year, however, I don't know what kind of career opportunities are available with such a degree. Also, would my chances of admission be lower if I chose such a "fluffy" degree.
3) Finally, I have been told by my Dad (an army officer with 22 year's service) that I would do well to work in Military Intelligence. I don't know what sort of work that would be though. I assume that a Military and Strategic Studies major would equip me for the job, but I also don't know what kind of classes that would involve (math, science, reading...?)
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks!!

 

[Stealth_81]

Majors do not matter very much for your career after USAFA. My son was a Behavioral Science major and he is now a fighter pilot. You can be a pilot with any degree. Friends of his who are in Intelligence have degrees in Physics, History, and Systems Engineering so it's really a wide variety. Intelligence slots went fairly quickly for his class, so major in something that you'll do well in there so that you get the AFSC you want.

Stealth_81


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[Invisibility]

Personally, I used to get queasy in the back of a small plane. I never puked, but I wasn't comfortable. This spring I took an intro glider flight program which included an acrobatic flight. I didn't have a problem. I'd imagine it differs for everyone, but I've seen improvement for me.

Most majors translate into most AFSCs (jobs). Obviously, if you want to be an engineer, you probably need to major in engineering. The same goes for other technical career fields. Most majors can work with intel, as far as I know, but some work better. Behavioral Science is pretty decent, as far as I know.

You don't declare until after you're in, so how "fuzzy" or "techy" your degree is doesn't matter for the Academy's standpoint. About 50% of cadets are fuzzy majors. It's one of the few places you can do that AND get a "free" (monetarily, anyway) college education AND commission into the Air Force.

Whatever your major is, you will be taking a large core filled with techy classes. Yes, some history, english, philosophy, and the rest, too, but I warn you about the math and science because you sound like you're leaning "fuzzy" anyway.

In answering the Congressman's question... don't worry too much! It's not a contract, and you can't predict the future anyway. What is your dream? Tell him or her about that. I think I had a similar essay question... I said I wanted to go to grad school, do intelligence or cyber warfare, and do meaningful work with my life. Grad school is no guarantee. Intel and cyber are not guarantees. I suppose meaningful work (as I define it) is pretty much guaranteed, but that's it. It's OK to say something even if you're not 100% certain it'll work out. (Just, for your own purposes, make sure you still want to be in the Air Force if it doesn't.)

 

[baileydb]

Thank you guys for the advice! Would you be able to tell me what a career in military intelligence involves? It sounds pretty cool, but I really don't know what they actually do... Also, Invisibility, since I'm pretty sure you're a cadet, would you be able to tell me about what percentage of Summer Seminar attendees get accepted to USAFA the next year? I keep hearing different answers, some say it almost guarantees you a slot next year, and others say about half go back. What's your take on it? Thanks!