Is my dream reasonable?
Posted by steelersdude6@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 20 comments
Hey everybody this is gonna be my first post, i’m currently a junior in highschool who signed up for my PPL literally last week. I’m wanting to complete my PPL, then join the military (not sure which branch or what job yet) I scored a 69 on the ASVAB so most job fields are available to me including aviation. My plan is to use the G.I bill after my contract to pay for a 141 flight school and eventually get to the majors. Is this possible or am I reaching?
Zrxse@reddit
I think the army has a program where you can go directly to WOCS and flight school directly out of high school it’s called street to seat if you’re interested in rotary wing
Fearless_Risk_4840@reddit
Going in as a 155A will allow you to fly fixed wing in the army
Tuggernuggets@reddit
You can get a 3 year contract in the army and get the full GI Bill for a 141 flight school. Source: I served three years active and am using my full GI Bill for a 141 flight school.
steelersdude6@reddit (OP)
what’d you do in this army? anything related to aviation or no
Tuggernuggets@reddit
I was a bit different. I went to college then commissioned as an Army Engineer Officer. You can accomplish the same thing by just going in for a three year enlisted contract and getting out with the GI Bill to pay for everything. You can look into aviation related jobs which will make your path even easier. If I was you I’d probably enlist in the air force for 4 years and try for something on the flight line then go from there.
Tuggernuggets@reddit
I think only the Army offers 3 year contracts.
Nautilus2012@reddit
Do it. My recommendation if you're technically inclined, go Air Force in a communications job. They need Satcom and Radio people everywhere. Stay fit, do the time, meet some great people and see the world. It is a different lifestyle for sure. But you could even get an AA degree while in, get out, then eventually get your Commercial and CFI and apply those to degree credits at some colleges if that's something you're considering as well.
hmno12321@reddit
This is exactly how I did it, and I’m currently sitting right seat in an RJ. To me, it was all worth it. Just remember that you may be asked to deploy and fight in a very real war someday. Only consider joining the military if you truly feel a calling to serve, and a willingness to respond if your country asks you to go fight for whatever cause requires it. Many people (I knew several) join the military as a way to pay for future schooling or receive whatever benefits, while also hoping to never have to do real military things in some hostile place far from home. If this is what you really want, then good on you. I just want you to be sure of what you’re signing up for.
ltcterry@reddit
Another year of high school. Four years of military service. Four years of college. Two to three years as an instructor. Two to three years at a regional. Then eligible for “a major.”
Puts you in your late 20s or more likely early 30s. No unrealistic.
Only 20% of people who start flight training finish Private. Only 30% of the military-age population actually qualifies - grades, drugs, kids, fitness, etc.
Sounds daunting, but you wouldn’t be the first person to do this. And certainly won’t be the last to consider it.
You’re gonna turn 30 one day anyway!
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
I don't see a college degree as part of your plan in there.
PLIKITYPLAK@reddit
Using your GI Bill after you Enlist you can get your ratings while getting your degree. Plus the military has excellent TA benefits so they can start working on your degree while serving and get it 100% paid for.
BagOfMoneyNoChange@reddit
I understand that. But he didn't say he was going to do that.
KCPilot17@reddit
Sure, very possible.
Illinikek@reddit
You could also consider becoming a military pilot through ROTC or an academy.
PLIKITYPLAK@reddit
Not everybody wants the 12 year commitment. Enlisting then using your GI Bill is much more realistic path for the majority of High School students.
Illinikek@reddit
Yes true. But high school is an advantageous time to make that decision.
PLIKITYPLAK@reddit
I think that is the best path for someone your age to take. Serve 4 years, any service, any job. Then use your GI Bill to get your degree and your ratings.
deer_god11@reddit
Why would you be overreaching? Many people choose this route.
AvailableAd4131@reddit
Absolutely possible, great plan in my opinion. Get your first class medical before starting flight training though because that would be the only limiting factor.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Hey everybody this is gonna be my first post, i’m currently a junior in highschool who signed up for my PPL literally last week. I’m wanting to complete my PPL, then join the military (not sure which branch or what job yet) I scored a 69 on the ASVAB so most job fields are available to me including aviation. My plan is to use the G.I bill after my contract to pay for a 141 flight school and eventually get to the majors. Is this possible or am I reaching?
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