Should I switch or stay with my current plan?
Posted by NoBrother6088@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 14 comments
Just graduated HS, and I have already signed up for a 4-year active-duty contract in the Army and ship to basic training in less than two weeks. I have been thinking of switching to the Army National Guard instead to pursue an aviation degree program that I visited earlier in the year. This school has a 99% acceptance rate, and I can attend with 100% tuition and mandatory fees covered through their indigenous peoples' grant (not including Guard benefits, which offers a 100% tuition waiver). It offers a B.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Science and the R-ATP. The problem is; however, I was diagnosed with ADHD almost 5 years ago and never was prescribed medication, nor have I ever been treated for it. When I processed into the military, they claimed they could find no record of a diagnosis, and I enlisted without any issues. Right now, I'm stuck in a crossroads between switching over to this program or going forward with my current contract. I would hate to spend 4 years in active duty knowing that I could've been a pilot sooner. On the other hand, going active duty right now could potentially provide more stability (and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which can be used for a Part 141 school). So, any advice, especially from any veterans who are now pilots, would be greatly appreciated.
x4457@reddit
If you have no records of ever being diagnosed with ADHD, you were never diagnosed with ADHD.
I can't speak to the AD vs Guard thing, but your medical issue seems like it isn't an issue to me.
NoBrother6088@reddit (OP)
They didn't find any, what I'm concerned about is whether or not there is one because I got a 504 plan in 8th grade but never used it, and I don't want to be in the situation where the FAA finds out before I do.
StageMajestic613@reddit
LOL the FAA would have find out where you went to school, subpoena a minors school records, track that to medical records and subpoena those, etc. You were not medicated for it; I would forget about it.
NoBrother6088@reddit (OP)
Am I just being paranoid?
StageMajestic613@reddit
Probably. The rules seem to be no symptoms in 4 years. You also have to realize the medical stuff is all voluntary self reporting. If you have no medical records, and you were not taking ADHD drugs, I would not do anything.
https://pilot-protection-services.aopa.org/news/2023/october/01/pay-attention-former-adhders-your-future-is-bright
ltcterry@reddit
This school has a 99% acceptance rate
Not very selective, is it? Every loser who applies gets accepted.
What's a much better number to know is how many people who start finish the program? Or even finish Private?
SympathyZestyclose13@reddit
I’m a 26M airline pilot flying heavy’s. Enlisted in the air national guard in high school came back from my basic and tech school and went to college got my finance degree and paid for flight school out of pocket senior year. Was offered a commission flying KC135s but ended up flying for oil company and went to fly cargo after because AF flight training was so backed up. That’s kinda the way I did it and timing was on my side luckily.
2021wrxbase@reddit
I am currently in the Army National Guard and working on my aviation degree while flying. Its really up to you if you want to fly now or later. Its very easy to balance flight training, school, part time job and the guard. You can utilize FTA and STA through your state which pays for your credits but you could possibly use that money for the cost of flight training. If it were me I would go into the National Guard and go fly since that is my main passion. Also the Guard is just better on quality of life lmao.
NoBrother6088@reddit (OP)
QOL is part of the reason I really considered it. It didn't really set in until I graduated. Thanks for the advice.
Discount_Confident@reddit
Sounds like you need to find out if you were ACTUALLY diagnosed or if someone just suspected you had it and told you that you had it.
This-Aardvark-1431@reddit
Army vet here. First off, honor your contract and make good use of that gi bill. You'll still need to do 4 years of guard or reserve after active duty to complete your 8 year military service obligation, so do the guard unit once you leave active duty and follow your plan then. Depending on your job and location, you can potentially still work on your PPL during your active duty time. Good luck!
ResponsibilityOld164@reddit
No. You were diagnosed with ADHD.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
Just graduated HS, and I have already signed up for a 4-year active-duty contract in the Army and ship to basic training in less than two weeks. I have been thinking of switching to the Army National Guard instead to pursue an aviation degree program that I visited earlier in the year. This school has a 99% acceptance rate, and I can attend with 100% tuition and mandatory fees covered through their indigenous peoples' grant (not including Guard benefits, which offers a 100% tuition waiver). It offers a B.S. in Aviation and Aerospace Science and the R-ATP. The problem is; however, I was diagnosed with ADHD almost 5 years ago and never was prescribed medication, nor have I ever been treated for it. When I processed into the military, they claimed they could find no record of a diagnosis, and I enlisted without any issues. Right now, I'm stuck in a crossroads between switching over to this program or going forward with my current contract. I would hate to spend 4 years in active duty knowing that I could've been a pilot sooner. On the other hand, going active duty right now could potentially provide more stability (and the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which can be used for a Part 141 school). So, any advice, especially from any veterans who are now pilots, would be greatly appreciated.
Please downvote this comment until it collapses.
Questions about this comment? Please see this wiki post before contacting the mods.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. If you have any questions, please contact the mods of this subreddit.
AutoModerator@reddit
Hi, I'm a bot and it looks like you're asking a question about medical issues: diagnosed.
Medicals can be confusing and even scary, we get it. Unfortunately, the medical process is very complex with many variables. It's too complex, in fact, for any of us to be able to offer you any specific help or advice.
We strongly suggest you discuss your concerns with a qualified aviation medical examiner before you actually submit to an official examination, as a hiccup in your medical process can close doors for you in the future. Your local AME may be able to provide a consultation. Other places that may provide aeromedical advice include: AOPA, EAA, the Mayo Clinic, and Aviation Medicine Advisory Service.
For reference, here is a link to the FAA's Synopsis of Medical Standards and for more in-depth information here is a link to the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Also, feel free to browse our collection of past medical write-ups and questions in our FAQ.
Finally, we suggest you read the instructions on the medical application very closely. Do not volunteer information that isn't asked for, but also do not lie. Some people may urge you to omit pertinent information, or even outright lie, on your medical application in order to avoid added hassle and expense in obtaining a medical certificate. Know that making false statements on your medical application is a federal crime and that people have been successfully prosecuted for it. But for heaven's sake, don't tell the FAA any more than you absolutely have to.
If you're not in the United States, the above advice is still generally correct. Just substitute the FAA with your local aviation authority.
Good luck!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.