#Fighter pilot in cockpit full
To see a full list of fighter squadron locations in the Guard and Reserve, check out the BogiDope Map. You can be hired with no military experience (and before signing any military service obligation) to fly the A-10, F-15C, F-16, F-22, or F-35. One of the biggest benefits of the Guard and Reserve is that you only apply to the units that you want to join. The tagline you often hear is “one weekend a month, two weeks in the summer,” though as a fighter pilot you’ll have to spend at least one full week per month in your squadron just to maintain your qualifications. These two organizations are theoretically backups for the Active Duty Air Force, and they’re intended to be a part-time job for most pilots. The path I wish I’d known about is the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. If on the other hand, there are only 3 fighter slots available, your dream of flying fighters may be over forever. For example, if you’re ranked 5th in your pilot training class, and there are 5+ fighter slots available, you will have the opportunity to pick one (although it may not be the exact fighter you want). However, the needs of that particular branch of service will determine which aircraft are available when it’s your turn to choose. Your performance at pilot training relative to your peers will determine the order in which you can choose your aircraft. Since you’re serving out your 8-10 year obligation, you don’t get to decline any of these orders. You’ll be deployed to combat zones for 6-12 months at a time, sometimes with only 72 hours notice. You’ll be assigned to a new base every 3 years, or so. (You commit to 10 years after completing pilot training in the Air Force, only 8 years in the Navy and Marine Corps.) This leaves you beholden to the whims of the Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps. Then you will commit to 10(ish) years of full-time military service before knowing what airplane you will fly.
The Active Duty path essentially entails competing for the opportunity to attend pilot training while earning a commission through a service academy, ROTC, or OTS/OCS. This path offers fantastic pay and benefits and a government pension if you serve a full 20 years. You show up for work 5 days per week, whether you’re flying or not. Being an Active Duty pilot is a full-time job. This is what most people think of when they picture someone serving in the military. The first path is serving on Active Duty (i.e.
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