Any pilots?

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

I havent seen you drive either, but with that truck you doin i have a feeling it isnt slow and cautious

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

So, I know a guy who is about to graduate from A&M and fly A-10 Warthogs. He originally wanted cargo or tanker but after a flight in an F-16 he changed his mind. He said that when it came time to pick the Air Force Academy guys got first pick and they took all the figher slots and the closest thing he could get was the A-10 (which is still an awesome plane) but why is it that they got the first pick?

I really was thinking of giving the afrotc a go, but what is the actual possibility of flying coming out of rotc? I know its already a low number as it is trying to fly...still just wondering if it is one of those things you always wish you could do, you just dont?

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Any pilots?

So, I know a guy who is about to graduate from A&M and fly A-10 Warthogs. He originally wanted cargo or tanker but after a flight in an F-16 he changed his mind. He said that when it came time to pick the Air Force Academy guys got first pick and they took all the figher slots and the closest thing he could get was the A-10 (which is still an awesome plane) but why is it that they got the first pick?

I really was thinking of giving the afrotc a go, but what is the actual possibility of flying coming out of rotc? I know its already a low number as it is trying to fly...still just wondering if it is one of those things you always wish you could do, you just dont?

I LOVE the Warthog. The flying tank. The Flying Fortress of the modern Air Force. Ugliest plane in the Force, technically it shouldn't be able to fly, and just as deadly as the AC130H/U gunship. I have heard from different AF personnel that the name either comes from it's ugliness, or the hoglike grunting of it's Gatling guns

I remember watching a PBS Frontline documentary filmed on the first Gulf War about 5-6 years after it ended. An Iraqi general was interviewed and was asked questions about the mental psyche of his ground troops. He said he knew the war was over even before the final allied ground assault when one day, as an Iraqi armor battalion were moving their tanks and APC's across the desert, a lone A10 appeared on the horizon. Even though the A10 never engaged the armor and ground troops (or even flew near their position), his entire battalion panicked. Foot soldiers dove into sand berms. Tanks and APC's stopped in their tracks and their crews abandoned them to take cover. Just an awesome testimony to the power and presence of that aircraft.

Tell your buddy that while the A10 is not as glamorous as an F16, F22, or F35, he'll be part of a very select fraternity of pilots absolutely loved and respected by Army ground troops.

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

I LOVE the Warthog. The flying tank. The Flying Fortress of the modern Air Force. Ugliest plane in the Force, technically it shouldn't be able to fly, and just as deadly as the AC130H/U gunship. I have heard from different AF personnel that the name either comes from it's ugliness, or the hoglike grunting of it's Gatling guns

I remember watching a PBS Frontline documentary filmed on the first Gulf War about 5-6 years after it ended. An Iraqi general was interviewed and was asked questions about the mental psyche of his ground troops. He said he knew the war was over even before the final allied ground assault when one day, as an Iraqi armor battalion were moving their tanks and APC's across the desert, a lone A10 appeared on the horizon. Even though the A10 never engaged the armor and ground troops (or even flew near their position), his entire battalion panicked. Foot soldiers dove into sand berms. Tanks and APC's stopped in their tracks and their crews abandoned them to take cover. Just an awesome testimony to the power and presence of that aircraft.

Tell your buddy that while the A10 is not as glamorous as an F16, F22, or F35, he'll be part of a very select fraternity of pilots absolutely loved and respected by Army ground troops.

Wow thats some awesome info!!! I didnt know all that!

The part you said about the soldiers panicking when they saw it is amazing!


So do you know how possible it is to fly coming out of rotc? Would it be very probable or would you be lucky to get to?

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Any pilots?

So do you know how possible it is to fly coming out of rotc? Would it be very probable or would you be lucky to get to?

I don't know that information, but it seems to me that you would have to be billeted for a pilot slot. Successful completion of college ROTC only guarantees your commission as an officer, not what you will be doing specifically. Your ROTC instructors can shape your career path, but I think you still have to test out on a series of aptitude tests and physical stamina exams. Armed Services pilots are routinely strong in the logical sciences (especially math and physics).

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

I don't know that information, but it seems to me that you would have to be billeted for a pilot slot. Successful completion of college ROTC only guarantees your commission as an officer, not what you will be doing specifically. Your ROTC instructors can shape your career path, but I think you still have to test out on a series of aptitude tests and physical stamina exams. Armed Services pilots are routinely strong in the logical sciences (especially math and physics).

Yeah thats what I was thinking also, and as far as I can see thats all correct. Ive been thinking of going military so I think the best way for me to tell if its what I really want is to try out afrotc next year.

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

Okay guys, this isnt really for update or discussion but more of a rant for me...Well, I recently went to my schools AFROTC detachment and had a talk with the captian, it was really informative and he was a very nice guy and made sure not to bs me. My rant is that during the talk he said to note that the summer options and activities will be fun for me during my first year and such and that when I sign the contract my junior year things would get less fun, becaue for a lack of a better term "they have you hooked". He kept stating that I would definitely have fun and its a great organization, he also stated that if I wished to be a pilot and acually accomplished that than I would have a 10 year commitment. The thing that upset me about the whole thing was that I was hoping for the meeting to be a deciding point for me and it wasnt.

I just keep frustrating myself with the age old question of "what do I want to be when I grow up?" and not being to answer the question is making me mad. With so many options now Im not sure where to turn. Any advice or words of wisdom are welcome, and if anyone has any tips on how they decided what career path to choose would be great also. Thanks guys for reading this if you actually do

[Underdawg736]

Re: Any pilots?

I feel ya John. When I was in high school I wanted to be an architect or some sort of graphic designer since I love to draw. I wanted to graduate and join the Marine Corps and follow in my fathers footsteps.
Fast foward 12 years, I'm an NCO in the Army Reserve and I'm an EMT, and will be working on getting my Paramedic within the next several years. Two things I didn't imagine myself doing when I got out of school.

I don't know much about getting your wings in the military except that it's a very long and rough process. If it's something you truly want to go after then by all means CHASE IT!!! In the military....Army at least we train in three steps. crawl...walk...and run, you'll be doing ALOT of crawling and walking before you can run in the avaition areas. If you can "**** it up" all the bs that's associated with the military then I'm positive that you'll be rewarded.
I hear it takes at least 7 years to get into the seat of a fighter. Do you take any kind of flight classes? Getting a jump start would definately benefit you. If you do stay the course and go into the AF, when you get out you'll have no problems getting a job as a pilot in the civilian sector.
I hope this helps ya!

[VTXFrank]

Re: Any pilots?

I've spent 20 years as a UH-60 Blackhawk mechanic/crew chief. I've logged well over 3,000 hours as a crew chief. Wasn't able to be a pilot due to my eyes, so I took the next best job to get me into aviation. As a kid, I got into a lot of trouble and was bored too easily. ADHD for sure, but the doc's didn't really know about that in the 80's. But the Army is the only job I can see myself being successful at since I thrive on change, being busy and intense situations. I have tremendously enjoyed being in Army aviation over the last 20 years and I can't see myself having done anything besides aviation and having as much job satisfaction as I've had in this field.

I'm retiring soon and I'm FAA certified with an Airframe and Power Plant license. I don't know yet if I'll be able to work in the Aviaion field due to some injuries I've got, but we'll see here soon. Anyone looking for a fun job/career with a lot of job satisfaction and a busy lifestyle should look hard at the aviation career path.

[akimel]

Re: Any pilots?

My third son is a Marine and is now in flight school. He's wanted to fly jets ever since he saw Top Gun in the 6th grade, but he changed his mind in his senior year of high school, and so did not explore ROTC. In his senior year of college his heart went back to jets, and so he contacted the Navy and the Air Force. He discovered that he was at a disadvantage for a flight contract because he had not been involved in the respective branch's ROTC program. This was not a problem, however, for the Marines, who were willing to sign him up to a flight contract. Something to keep in mind as you are making your decision.

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

Thanks a lot for your input guys, I have to say that I really have loved avaition since I was little, probably has to do with my grandfather being a pilot and such. However, I never really considered flying in the military much until the end of my senior year in highschool. I went with my uncle to see his friend fly an F-16 in the air force reserves and it was amazing! Then, I went and saw the Thunderbirds and tons of other pilots at an air show. It all got me thinking, and I saw that it is something that could actually be achievable. However, then I get to thinking if it is really something I want to do, or if I want to do like my father and finish my accounting degree and work for a bank of some sort. Not the most exciting job but I can make good money and live nice. I know that is the wrong reason to do something but for some reason I cant seem to make a decision, and its driving me nuts! Except when I detail

Akimel, that is amazing about your son, its inspirational really! It is very interesting that the air force and navy turned him down and the marines picked him up! (always loved the marines!) What is the marine pilot school like? Does he know what he will be flying?

While still on the topic, I have to say that I dont only like jets, I love going to avaition museums and seeing all the history. Dang grandpa just had to get me started on planes and cars when I was little!

[akimel]

Re: Any pilots?

John, Marine pilots are trained in the Navy program. He has qualified for jet training and is now stationed at the Navy Air Base in Meridian, Mississippi. If he survives this phase, he will be winged as a Naval Aviator and will fly the F18 Hornet. If you'd like to talk to him, send me a PM. HE LOVES IT!!! It's been incredibly challenging for him, but HE LOVES IT!!!

Don't give up on your dreams, John.

Al

[john m.]

Re: Any pilots?

John, Marine pilots are trained in the Navy program. He has qualified for jet training and is now stationed at the Navy Air Base in Meridian, Mississippi. If he survives this phase, he will be winged as a Naval Aviator and will fly the F18 Hornet. If you'd like to talk to him, send me a PM. HE LOVES IT!!! It's been incredibly challenging for him, but HE LOVES IT!!!

Don't give up on your dreams, John.

Al

Thats awesome! F-18 is an amazing plane! Saw a few of those at the air show and have to say that those jets are capable of some insane things! Sending you a PM!