Getting it all rolling :)

[Shawn14]

Alright, I'm sure everyone has had to deal with this subject and I'm terribly sorry for it. I'm not asking for a big arguement or to waste too much of anyone's time, just a little tid bit of info. Im fifteen, and in the 10th grade. I am enrolled in all AP classes, am in my second year of two varsity sports swimming and Track. This is also my second year as vice president of my year or class. I'm also begining for a privet pilot liscence. Now with this in mind, what should i apply for with fighter pilot in mind. USAFA , USNA , college with ROTC , or all? I would particularly like the air force, just preferance. But i have no problem with boats nor water. Flying for ither of the two would be just fine, as long as i could do it. So basically I'm just wondering... What should I do now to help getting into an academy, witch academy is more likley to make you a fighter pilot, and does it sound like im on the right track? any extra info is great. Thanks a lot everyone! Oh, i have 20/10 vision. (thank you god)
-Shawn

[USAFDefender]

Doesn't matter which service you go to. They both fly and they both have fighters. They both have schools in which how well you do determines which aircraft you fly. Top of the class get to pick fighters if they want it. Beyond that...I know nothing. Are there even any flyboys on these boards?

[Shawn14]

Thanks a lot, would you recommend applying straight out of highschool or wait a bit?

[USAFDefender]

You only get older from here. I would do it right away.
Here's something that, while not "set in stone", is generally true for the USAF:

Generally, Air Force pilots move through the ranks quick and have a much greater chance at general ranks or high echelon leadership due to the fact that Air and Space Power is the main mission of the USAF. There's one Security Forces general...and we had a Security Forces wing commander once and I guess that created quite a buzz in the flyboy community (a cop commanding over flyboys?? gasp)...most wing commanders and up are grounded pilots.

Now, how the Navy works I could only speculate. I'd imagine ship commanders and the like work their way up quickly, just like most of the Marine and Army generals you see on TV command, or have commanded, infantry units.

Guess my point is, if you are wanting to make aviation in the military a career with stars and full-birds in your sights, I would go Air Force.

(This is just generalizing and speculation..there may very well be as many aviation admirals as there are floating admirals...though somehow I doubt it)

[917th BO]

Braezin, you may be right. However, allow me to tell you what my personal observations have been.

I was 8 years in the USAF during Viet Nam. I was aircrew for 5 of those years. In that time I saw a lot of 10 year O-3's (captains). I will admit they were mostly on non-fighter aircraft but I did know quite a few fighter pilots who progressed not much quicker than cargo pilot types. And remember, that was during a military conflict.

Now I live in a "military town". I have been here in Beaufort, SC, since 1993 and have gotten to know a ton of military types, mostly Marine and some Navy FA-18 pilots. But several of them helo pilots. They seem to progress in ranks, even before 9-11, quicker than AF pilots did during Viet Nam. And there is a helo/Kingair female pilot who is 28 and an O-4(major).

Like I say, these are just personal observations and I know little of their military records. But if these Marines are in the less progressive branch, then they must be the very best of the Marines. I very seldom see an O-3 or lower Marine Pilot. And these guys look young!

Maybe there is some place where you can get the stats.

But if you are leaning toward the USAF, go for it. If USAF Jr. ROTC is available at your school, go the distance with them. Display commitment. Study hard, particularly math and science. If you qualify, get an appointment to the AF Academy and be determined and let that show. I don't mean throw it in anybody's face...just bear down and give it all you have. They will be looking for you and pick up on your commitment level. The AF appears to me to be more cerebral than the other services (JMHO) but none of the men and officers are dummies. Our entire military force at present is 100% voluntary so they are there because they want to be and that makes it more competitive. But if you want it, you can acheive it.

I wish you the best, Shawn. Our country needs committed men.

And ahead of time, let me say right now, "Thank you for serving."

I know you will do well.

[Shawn14]

I thank the both of you A LOT, this is all VERY useful, and im seeing USAFA to be a more likley situation for me. Now I havn't really looked into my schools ROTC Jr. Program but thank you for pointing that out. I was so focused on academics and varsity sports that if forgot about it. Once again, thank you, im not excatly a genius or the smartest kid in class, but i have commitment, I switched up to AP only becouse of this, and I didn't think I could do it but i have pushed myself far beyond what i ever imagined, social life still intact. I would once again like to thank you both, this was veryeasy to ready info and helped me a lot, more than most anything i've seen in all my searching. Oh do you know of anything that lets you have jet rides that aren't in Russia or Sweden -_-.
Thanks, Shawn.

Anyone play battlefield 2 :D (love the jet physics in that game)

[Grimmy]

Also, start writing to your Congressman. Start now. Explain your goal and what you are currently doing to achieve that goal.

Your reason for writing to your Congressman is, if you can impress him enough he can go along way into getting you in the door at the Acadamy.