I'm a father of three AFROTC kids who passed on the academies but as I understand pilot slots, there is more opportunity by attending USAFA. Others here can discuss that in more detail.
Absolutely correct---Once in the flight room- it doesn't matter where you went to get there, it matters that everyone helps everyone get those wings at the end!
I believe there are more pilot slots for USAFA cadets. I think I read that they had more slots then cadets wanting them a few years or go. I may be wrong.
I will say, he had to be very structured and disciplined on his very own. He commissioned and graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in May 2021. That's current as of this year! Quite a few put pilot as their least preferred option, some even as a joke, not thinking it would happen. Big Blue said they needed bodies in the BUFFs, and it was set, they would be going to pilot training.
Oh My!!!!
I believe it is higher percentage and not more slots. They have about 1000 seniors vs our 2000 seniors. I think it’s pretty much a 50/50 split for slots. We just have more people that want to be pilots, so lower percentage. I think are seeing about 33% selection rate with percentages rising of people who want a pilot slot.
Congratulations to your son,That's Awesome! My DS is starting his 1st year of AFROTC at BU, he got the HSSP Type-1, so elated, the AF offered him a 5th year so he can complete his Masters in ME/Aero before he commissions, he definitely signed that deal, he also wants to be a pilot.I believe there are more pilot slots for USAFA cadets. I think I read that they had more slots then cadets wanting them a few years or go. I may be wrong.
My son applied to USCGA and wad decline last decision, so accepted his University offer. Orientation day, his first stop was AFROTC table to sign up.....offered a Commanders TYPE 1 sophomore year....offered a pilot slot...etc....
His last year (he had to go 5 due to ROTC)-- I asked him if he was glad USCGA declined him. He said-- YES!!! He got to experience college life with a taste of military. He marched in the marching band (Go DAWGS)--- was an honor guard, and had a small job. He had to experience balancing his life with the college atmosphere. Showing up to PT twice per week at 6 AM being a college student, is not easy in itself
Also, USAFA cadets report to their pilot training base quickly after graduation. Not sure if they go on casual duty or go into the next UPT class.
My son did not have to report to his base until March 2022. He got a engineering job for 8 months and also got his private pilots lic. during this time.
As his class went to flight training- he was on casual duty at his base because of his PPL. Another great thing--he learned the base, the surroundings, volunteered recording communications in the tower (which he said was fantastic learning).
Today he just completed his Cross Country and is getting ready for Formation Flying training. (c/o 23-07)
Boston U or Baylor?
Given that you are both a cadet sponsor and father of 3 AFROTC - This is super helpful. Thank you! I remember my days of going on every weekend ski trip available and sleeping in late at my sponsors house. I have been curious how the times may have changed (after all, it was pre cell phone).I'm a father of three AFROTC kids who passed on the academies but as I understand pilot slots, there is more opportunity by attending USAFA. Others here can discuss that in more detail.
As for other areas, your son should tour the Academy and colleges. ROTC will offer a more normal college life (e.g., going out for pizza at Midnight, more time out of uniform, have a job on campus, full summers off - though ROTC offers great summer programs such as Project Go, etc.). It also offers the student a chance to socialize and hang out with a diverse group of students including those who aren't ROTC. My kids all had/have ROTC friends and non-ROTC friends. Having said that, we see more and more normalcy in cadet life with our sponsored cadet and our friends' sponsored cadets. Once they have access to a ride, they are away almost every weekend (skiing, hanging out at sponsor's homes, renting Airbnbs for parties) - our cadet eats out more often than our kids do at a regular college.
There are also some life skills learned via ROTC - our kids worked, created a budget, paid rent and utilities, searched for off campus housing, had to buy groceries and cook, etc.
Both routes are good for the right personality. My oldest thought he wanted USAFA but after going on a college tour for Spring Break. My youngest probably would have chosen USNA but he wasn't notified until he'd committed to a university and cadre and gotten excited about it. Taking your son to visit schools is a great tool, and a really fun way to hang out with your son for a week.
Good luck!
Dawgs? = UGA?I believe there are more pilot slots for USAFA cadets. I think I read that they had more slots then cadets wanting them a few years or go. I may be wrong.
My son applied to USCGA and wad decline last decision, so accepted his University offer. Orientation day, his first stop was AFROTC table to sign up.....offered a Commanders TYPE 1 sophomore year....offered a pilot slot...etc....
His last year (he had to go 5 due to ROTC)-- I asked him if he was glad USCGA declined him. He said-- YES!!! He got to experience college life with a taste of military. He marched in the marching band (Go DAWGS)--- was an honor guard, and had a small job. He had to experience balancing his life with the college atmosphere. Showing up to PT twice per week at 6 AM being a college student, is not easy in itself
Also, USAFA cadets report to their pilot training base quickly after graduation. Not sure if they go on casual duty or go into the next UPT class.
My son did not have to report to his base until March 2022. He got a engineering job for 8 months and also got his private pilots lic. during this time.
As his class went to flight training- he was on casual duty at his base because of his PPL. Another great thing--he learned the base, the surroundings, volunteered recording communications in the tower (which he said was fantastic learning).
Today he just completed his Cross Country and is getting ready for Formation Flying training. (c/o 23-07)
Absolutely!!!!! DET 160!
That is FANTASTIC! Congratulations to him! ROTC and labs pushed my son into 5 years. Last year was gravy though.
That is great! My son is interested in GaTech if not USAFA...Det 165.
Had to take a quick moment to say this is a really nice post. Really well said.I'm a father of three AFROTC kids who passed on the academies but as I understand pilot slots, there is more opportunity by attending USAFA. Others here can discuss that in more detail.
As for other areas, your son should tour the Academy and colleges. ROTC will offer a more normal college life (e.g., going out for pizza at Midnight, more time out of uniform, have a job on campus, full summers off - though ROTC offers great summer programs such as Project Go, etc.). It also offers the student a chance to socialize and hang out with a diverse group of students including those who aren't ROTC. My kids all had/have ROTC friends and non-ROTC friends. Having said that, we see more and more normalcy in cadet life with our sponsored cadet and our friends' sponsored cadets. Once they have access to a ride, they are away almost every weekend (skiing, hanging out at sponsor's homes, renting Airbnbs for parties) - our cadet eats out more often than our kids do at a regular college.
There are also some life skills learned via ROTC - our kids worked, created a budget, paid rent and utilities, searched for off campus housing, had to buy groceries and cook, etc.
Both routes are good for the right personality. My oldest thought he wanted USAFA but after going on a college tour for Spring Break. My youngest probably would have chosen USNA but he wasn't notified until he'd committed to a university and cadre and gotten excited about it. Taking your son to visit schools is a great tool, and a really fun way to hang out with your son for a week.
Good luck!
Had to take a quick moment to say Thanks!