Airforce

[SH89]

Hello,

My questions are to those in this forum who are in/know the Airforce. First of all, I have thought about either becoming a pilot right after college or becoming a doctor(going to med school) then joining the airforce. My questions are:
How hard is it to become a fighter pilot ?
If I join the ariforce as an doctorcomplete my residency in the the airforce?
What are the benefits, differences, and career options between become an fighter pilot or doctor in the airforce?

 

[daveleau]

I attempted to do the med school route and instead became a Navigator (eyes not good enough for pilot). The USAF doesn't help people get into med school but rather pays for those already accepted. I was wait listed my first try and then subsequent attempts were less successful. Since I was planing on being a USAF doctor, I decided to go in anyway. They told me I could fly as a Navigator, so...that's what I chose. I have had opportunities to go to pilot training because of my performance as a navigator, but have turned them down because I enjoy my job so much.

As a doctor, you go into the USAF as a Capt, rather than a 2 Lt.
As a doctor, you get pay over and above a regular Capt.
As a doctor in the USAF, you can become a flight surgeon and fly with active duty squadrons. Our flight doc flies with us once every other month or so.
As a doctor in the USAF, you do not have to pay for malpractice insurance, but you have limited choices for your residency.

Is it hard to become a pilot? It is easier to become a pilot than it is to get into med school. If you are smart enough for med school, then you will likely do well enough on the AFOQT to qualify as a pilot. Try to get at least part of your private pilot's license. It helps a great deal if you have part or all of it done.
Is your vision 20/100 or better? If so, then you can be a USAF pilot. My eyes are 20/200...hence why I am a navigator on a B-52 (I had the choice of B-1, F15E, C-130, RC-135 or B-52 and chose the B-52).

There is a Pilot-Doctor program where you can do both in the USAF. You can be a pilot (not just a flight doc in a plane) and be a doc the rest of the week.

I have not completely ruled out med school, yet. I may reapply in a few years.

If you would like to talk, PM me or email me and I will give you my phone number or vice versa.

 

[daidhaid]

Plus pilots get to drop bombs from way way up there and launch rockets and stuff.
While Doctors only get to heal and fix people.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

You have similar options in the Army too, you can be a flight surgeon. Since Army is bigger, we have more installations in CONUS and OCONUS, and that gives you more options for places to go.

Is it hard to become a pilot/fighter pilot/chopper pilot? Of course it is hard but when I say yes it is hard, does that make you change your mind? Have some strong determination in what you want to do. I decided to become a pilot when I was 13 and I was sure of it by the time I was 15, I become a commercial pilot but my heart beat for the US military and here I am, putting things in order for a position with the US Army.

 

[WarSong]

...
Is your vision 20/100 or better? If so, then you can be a USAF pilot. My eyes are 20/200...hence why I am a navigator on a B-52 (I had the choice of B-1, F15E, C-130, RC-135 or B-52 and chose the B-52).
...

Shoulda chosen the Strike Eagle

 

[daveleau]

I'd have been happy, but my family wouldn't have been. Eagles are gone much more frequently than BUFFs.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

They do more dangeous stuff too... IMO...

 

[daveleau]

On a daily basis they do- absolutely. But there are things that BUFFs are tasked to do if we are called that I would consider as dangerous as anything done in the military.

 

[WarSong]

What...Big Ugly FAT Fella?


Naner naner boo boo....

 

[daidhaid]

What...Big Ugly FAT Fella?


Naner naner boo boo....

HEH HEH HEH
MMMMM The irony is quite tasty.
However, I can not refer to that post.
So I won't,,, nope you can't even tease me into violating a forum rule.
It is a clear violation of some very important forum rules to discuss the...
Oooops you almost tricked me. But I caught myself just in time, er at least i think i did.
Daveleau run a spellcheck see if i messed anything uop.

 

[daidhaid]

On a daily basis they do- absolutely. But there are things that BUFFs are tasked to do if we are called that I would consider as dangerous as anything done in the military.

Just curious,,, when was the last combat casualty in a B-52?

 

[inquisitor_11]

does riding the payload a la Dr Strangelove count?

 

[WarSong]

Dave, just want ya to know I was only giving you some friendly grief...what these guys say is beyond me

 

[inquisitor_11]

Dave, just want ya to know I was only giving you some friendly grief...what these guys say is beyond me

Come on mate, its just abit of friendly banter

 

[daveleau]

The Strangelove reference is getting pretty warm regarding my comment above. Great movie!

WarSong, I know. Eagle drivers do a great job. If I wans't married, I'd have jumped at the 15-E chance. But, the Stratofortress allowed a more stable homelife and a more nav-intensive job. I am mulling over an offer to go to pilot school despite my eyes. If I go, I can't wanting to be anything other than a fighter pilot. Just no UAVs.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

What are your opportunities after the AF in civilian life with Nav training?

 

[daveleau]

None, nada, zip, zilch. Unless, I go to Brazil where their aviation is rumored to still use navigators. I hope God blesses me with my master's to earn a living after the AF.

 

[HumbleSiPilot77]

He will make a way, I would get a commercial pilot license and fly civilian afterwards. Airlines will know that you won't get lost no mater what ... But whatever it is, He has a plan and make a way for He has great things in store for us.

 

[Dogbean]

Hello,

My questions are to those in this forum who are in/know the Airforce. First of all, I have thought about either becoming a pilot right after college or becoming a doctor(going to med school) then joining the airforce. My questions are:
How hard is it to become a fighter pilot ?
If I join the ariforce as an doctorcomplete my residency in the the airforce?
What are the benefits, differences, and career options between become an fighter pilot or doctor in the airforce?

I don't know the answer to that because I joined the Air Force to become a meteorologist (again). So I went to OTS after working 3 jobs in the civilian world already. But so far I love it. I've only been in a year.

 

[mycatspice]

Hey cool! A military forum! I'm enlisting into the Air Force next January!