 Air Force Advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
My son, Bradley, turned 18 last Monday, and has always wanted to be in the Air Force and become a pilot. He has been in the High School's AFROTC since he was a freshman, and is now an officer in the program. I don't have the resources to send him to college, which seems to be a requirement for a pilot, but he seems comfortable in taking another enlisted job until he can get into OCS or something. My concern is where he will be stationed, and his chances of being in some kind of combat theater with the Air Force. Anybody out there with any information or advice would be appreciated...Don't want him coming home in a box....
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,623 Likes: 2 |
USAF 1976-1980 here. It was a great learning experience for me.
Generally, you're safer in the USAF than in the Army or USMC. Depending on how he does on the aptitude tests, he may be able to wrangle a good AF job with somee degree of safety. Good luck!
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 365 |
Depending on his grades, determination, etc. he could apply for the Air Force Academy in Colorado. His education would be provided to him in return for (I beleive) a six year enlistment as an Air Force officer. He would graduate as a 2nd Lt. and would become a 1st Lt. probably within a year. He would most likely become a Captain within the six years and, again, depending on career field, could possibly make it to the rank of Major. But that would be hard.
As far as safety is concerned, Air Force casualties are low compared to other branches, but a lot depends on what career field he would be in. Most AF jobs are support oriented, so he would be "relatively" safe.
I was Air Force from 67-71. Got out because I "wanted to go home". But if I wasn't "young and dumb" I would have stayed for 20. I had a fantastic job in Civil Engineering, and was making rank fast. But back then I just didn't realize how good I had it.
Tell your son that the AF would be a great choise.
Paw
07 America, Pacific Blue/New England White.
SSgt. USAF 67-71
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
USAF 86 to 96 here.
There are, of course, no guarantees but if he is able to secure a good technical job (I was an avionics technician on cargo birds) he will be less likely to be "in the line of fire"
I would not trade a single day of my time for anything. I worked hard and learned a lot. Traveled a good deal and met some great folks; some of whom I still call "friend". I would be happy and proud if either of my daughters made that choice.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,730 Likes: 6 |
If I had known better I would have gone Air Force instead of Army. I actually thought about branch jumping across, but then just got out all together instead. I would have gone over as a light wheeled vehicle mechanic. I think it's a relatively small number that get to be pilots, but still worth a try. I had fun in my 5 years, I really think it's something everyone should experience if they don't take the college route.
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 728 Likes: 1 |
Have you checked the USAF http://www.airforce.com/opportunities/ for some info. The wife AmyLee and I met while stationed at Edwards AFB Ca. and now have two sons in the Air Force. Son Andrew, is now stationed at Edwards AFB where he was born and son Matthew is Stationed at McGuire AFB N.J., if you have questions fire away. I believe earlier posts, have summed up a lot of what your looking for. Bob 21 years USAF 1967-'88 AmyLee almost 10 years 1974-'84 
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 16
Complete Newb
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Complete Newb
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 16 |
If I'm not mistake one must posses a degree prior to applying for OTS. Is an ROTC scholarship a possability for him? Even with just HS ROTC he could enter as an Airman 1st Class (E-3)
AF,retired 85-09
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,026 |
You can fly in the Navy too, ever hear of the Blue Angels?
Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and will never be.----Thomas Jefferson
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690
Learned Hand
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OP
Learned Hand
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,690 |
His grades have to be superb, and believe me, they're far from that...Im just hoping he gets through basic training...He'll be fine...
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
I was in the Air Force in the early '80s. This April will make 10yrs for my daughter. She's a medical tech (SSgt). She's been stationed in Afghanistan, Iraq, now Korea. No real worries. Combat pilots aside, Air Force personnel are not front line troops. And if they are Combat Pilots, THEY are the Big Bad Wolf to be afraid of in the sky.  He has an opportunity for career, good job training, experience, travel, and a maturity he can get nowhere else. I'm USAF biased, of course. I wish him good luck.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,477 |
Other options:
USAF Reserve
Air National Guard
JB
"Long live the Duck Force!"
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,531 |
Ok , speaking as a pilot and former Air Force ROTC guy... forget the academy.... look at your local land grant colleges , they were begun under the Morril Act of 1876 for Ag & Engr training with the goal of producing military officers... of course Texas A&M is the greatest and we always BEAT the academy pukes . As far as flying and the services , keep this in mind , go Navy Aviation.... everyone thinks ship when you think Navy and consequently airplane for Air Force.... a good friend of mine now flying for Continental went Navy and came out with a "gazillion" hours of time in a P3 Orion and landed a hot seat in a 737. Moral of the story, if you want to be a military pilot (fixed wing or rotary) go Navy. and to be an officer do not think academy think Land Grant University and Guard or Reserves... often times school is paid for with a commitment.
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 664 |
My little brother is an AF Pilot. He went ROTC in College. Helped pay the bills and got him his Commission upon graduation.
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 Re: Air Force Advice
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,060 Likes: 6 |
A number of my friends and family have kids in the Air Force. They all think it's great. One pilot, and three supports. They all think it's great. Have not heard any negatives at all.
Fidelis et Fortis
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