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So, long story short after 3 years ROTC didn't work out for me, so at this point my options are to enlist now or pursue a commission through OTS or the ANG/Reserves. I only have 2 years left before I finish my degree, which means I can start applying to OTS late next year. I realize its probably the most competitive route and currently there are no pilot slots for FY14/15. I'm 22 years old so I know time isn't an issue yet.

My question is, should I enlist and finish my degree on AD, or should I just finish my degree now and start applying to OTS? I'm not 100% excited about enlisting to be honest (I've spent the last 8 years pursuing officer programs) but I will do it wholeheartedly if it means increasing my chances of going to UPT someday. I do think that given the resources I have I will probably have a fairly strong package for OTS, but if there are no pilot slots should I still apply?

Any advice would be appreciated.

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I had 1.5 years to apply and interview at guard/reserve units before I was too old. In that 1.5 years, there were close to 8 fighter boards I applied to, with 6 interviews, before being selected. On the heavy side, there were probably an additional 10 boards I could have applied to. Had to do some research -- individual unit websites, calling, emailing, keeping track of POCs, board dates, deadlines, etc. Since you're 22... do the math. A lot of opportunities.

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Thanks for the replies. I'm weighing my options and it looks like right now guard/reserve is the best one, I would need to get some flight hours soon though to be competitive. Enlisting has its pros/cons but I'm not ready to make that determination right now.

However, since my ultimate goal is to go AD, (yes I know AD is worse), is it possible to start out in the guard/reserve as a pilot than transfer over? Can you go from one airframe in the guard to another on AD?

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Do not enlist. Period. As competitive as OTS is for you, it'll be much more competitive when you're competing with other enlisted Airmen.

I'm AD and I love it, but apparently I'm in the minority based on much of what I read here. I've had good luck I guess.

Source: 4.5 years of college, then OTS.

Posted from the NEW Baseops.net App!

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