NorthCW

That's possible for fighters? I don't know anything about the Guard or Reserves, other than the fact that they don't work full time (except for active reservists, yes?) and have weekend drills once a month IIRC. Do they have a different selection process or requirements than AD does?

Thank you very much for the response, that's a lot of great advice and information and I appreciate it! You definitely helped clear up a lot for me. Side question: If I get accepted to USAFA, would it be possible to do both the flying team and Wings of Blue? Or should I try out the soaring program and try to become a instructor? Those are the main 3 programs that have my interest, the falconry program is also something I'm wanting to do, and ideally I'd like to try to get into as many programs as possible if I get there, but I don't know how much time between classes I'd be able to realistically put aside for them. I realize that I'm thinking over things that are way out in the future, and might not even happen, but I figured it's best to learn about the options out there now while I do have time to think things through and make the best informed decisions for if/when I do get faced with them, if that makes sense. Ha, I understand what you mean. I've only recently began working on pull-ups, I don't have a lot of strength in my back, just a result of years worth of poor fitness decisions on my end. But I am working on targeting my weak points and trying to build up endurance and strength. By the end of the year, my goal is to be able to do 10 consecutively. That's good to know, thank you. I'll definitely be remembering the reality and odds of actually being selected for fighters, and I'll be keeping my mind open. Also, with your last point of learning what it means to be in the military and to be a officer first, could you provide any opinions/advice on what it takes to not just be a officer, but a good officer? What I've come to understand from the small bit I've been told over the years, what makes a good officer, specifically a good new 2nd Lt fresh from USAFA, is the ability to trust the chiefs and more experienced NCOs under them and continue learning from them, building a mutual respect. More or less a be seen, not heard, laissez-faire type leadership, but not to the point of being walked over or ignored. Based off of yours (or anyone else's) experience, would you agree with that mindset? Haha, sorry for the confusion, I should've made it clear that the mile time was for a Civil Air Patrol PT test, which requires a mile rather than the standard mile 1/2. Either way, I do need to improve my run time. Thank you everyone who has responded!

Greetings! I apologize if this isn't the proper forum for this type of question, but I figured posting here would a safe bet. As the title implies, I'm in the process of beginning my career, but I need advice on which route will take me to where I want to be and what I can do to help me along. As of right now, my plan involves getting the Air Force Academy next year as my long term goal is to fly fighters for the USAF, and from what I can gather, USAFA is the direct route to fighters as far as the Air Force is concerned. (Please, correct me if that statement is false, that's just what I've gathered.) If I get in, I want to try for the powered flying team and/or Wings of Green. I also am thinking of majoring in either Aeronautical Engineering or MSS, I haven't decided yet as both subjects are incredibly interesting and appealing to me, however I'm leaning more toward Aeronautical Engineering. Any thoughts/opinions on which one would be more useful in my career are greatly appreciated. If I get rejected from USAFA twice, then I'll start shooting for either the Merchant Marine Academy or maybe the Naval Academy, and if that falls through for one reason or another, then try to get a slot via AFROTC. Background information: 17 years old, turning 18 next month. Home schooled entire life (if anyone from USAFA can provide opinions on whether this fact gives me any advantages/disadvantages, I'd appreciate the feedback.) Graduated early in 2014 with a 3.8 GPA. Flying single engine aircraft for 3 years now, still a student with 58 logged hours. I should have the means to finish the remaining 10 hours in my syllabus and get my PPL within the next few months. Civil Air Patrol cadet for 4 years, and soon to be training as a SAR cadet mission pilot. SAT scores are due back May 10th, but from my practice scores, I should be getting around a 1350-1400/1600 on the new SAT. (Practice tests for the old SAT were showing a 2250/2400.) This was my first time taking it, and I'm going to retest in June to increase my chances for a better score. Planning on taking the ACT soon, practice tests have been showing a score of around 32 Good vision, last time I took a vision exam, I got 20/10 in my right eye and 20/20 in my left. In a good physical state, I can do 75 pushups, 63 situps (2 minutes), best mile run was ~6:40, and the only thing I struggle with are pullups. I did get to a point where I could do 3 consecutively, then I slacked off too long and I'm back at struggling to get in 1 good form pullup. In the process of applying for USAFA once my SAT scores get in. If I don't get accepted next year, then I'll reapply to USAFA and apply to USMMA, USNA, and AFROTC. I plan on making a lifelong career out in military aviation, and honestly, it's not just a goal at this point, but also an increasingly intense passion. I love every aspect of aviation, from the mechanics and engineering involved, to the everyday challenges that arise. And the military lifestyle is also appealing to me, the physical aspects, the leadership involved, comradery, etc. Fighters are what I strive for and what call to me, specifically, the F-22. I just need to figure out what path to take that will eventually lead me to that slot. My top 3 ideal aircraft are: - F-22, - F/A-18 - A-10 Now, people like me who want fighters, especially the F-22 or F-15E, are a dime a dozen, I understand that. But what can I do that will set me apart, give me a good head start, and put me into the competition? Also, a few other questions I have: Which branch will give me a better chance of getting a fighter slot, and if I get into USAFA, would making the powered flying team help me any in UPT? Would it be possible to transfer to the USAF if I graduate from lets say, USNA or West Point? I know that USMMA gives you an option of which branch to commission into, is there any type of program or little known way to do the same through another academy? If I get selected for cargo, would there be a way to reapply for SUPT and get into a fighter squadron after a certain amount of time, or are you essentially stuck with what you're given? Although I have a bit of an idea of what to do, I'm not sure on what would be the best option for me, or if I even qualify for what I want to do to begin with. I know what I want, but I just am lacking a clear direction. Any advice, opinions, pro tips, personal experience, anything really, would be very helpful and incredibly appreciated. Thank you all in advance.