How To Become a Fighter Pilot

Becoming a fighter pilot isn't something thatextensive paperwork, and even to be nominated
happens overnight. It requires lots of time,by your Congressman. To improve your chances
dedication and perseverance if you want to beof success, start preparing your application early,
successful. A special type of person is required toand certainly don't start any later than your junior
join such an elite group. Funnily enough, mostyear.
people think that becoming a fighter pilot is mostlyThe bad news is that just because you made it
about flying, when in fact that isn't the case. Youinto the service academy, pilot training slots are
also need to successfully train as an officer. Sostill extremely limited. Being accepted by the
you're primarily an officer, even if you continue onacademy is a piece of cake by comparison.
to be a fighter pilot. Your primary job is to defendHowever pilots are in demand right now, as all the
the USA against its enemies, and any careermilitary streams are struggling to retain the pilots
aspirations are secondary to that.they have. So if you're keen to be a fighter pilot,
There are three possible ways to train as anit's a little easier than usual to obtain a slot. How
officer - service academy, Officer Candidatelong that lasts, nobody knows.
School (OCS) or Reserve Officers Training CorpsYou might also find that The Reserve Officers
(ROTC). As a high school student, you shouldTraining Corps is the best option for you. With
apply to a service academy if you want tothis, you study at a college or university as
become an officer. You can choose between thenormal, but add in the officer training
Air Force Academy, Annapolis (Navy & Marines),requirements. On top of your regular studies you
West Point (Army) or the U.S. Coast Guardwill have to attend military training and courses,
Academy. All of them put you through rigorousspend at least one summer on a training camp
military training, and you also obtain a Bachelor ofand attend weekly meetings. Most of the time
Science degree. If you have a strong aptitude toyou live as a civilian, only donning your military
advanced math and science then you'll have agarb when you're actually attending military
much better chance of succeeding.classes. When your officer training is complete,
If you're planning to enter one of the academies,you can then apply for specific programs such as
then be aware that the competition to get in ispilot training. Competition is tough, and you'll need
fierce. You'll need a high school grade pointto pass some rigorous academic, medical and
average of 3.8 as a cadet, as well as a SATtesting requirements to be successful.
score of 1300. This has to include a minimum ofFor those who decide a little later in life to
1050 for verbal and math. It's a good idea tobecome a fighter pilot, The Officer Candidate
have a strong extra-curricular activity record asSchool (OCS), sometimes called The Officer
well, even more so if those activities demonstrateTraining School (OTS), is the best route. Within 4
leadership or athletic skills.months OCS will take a college graduate with no
So if you want to enter a service academy, earnbackground in the military and turn him into an
a commission and receive a college education, theofficer. Again, you have the opportunity to apply
path is simple. It's not easy though - you'll need tofor pilot training school when you qualify as an
perform very well in high school, and not justofficer, but the competition is just as fierce. It's
inside the classroom. It takes a long time to workalso necessary for you to begin training as a
your way through the application process. Youfighter pilot before you turn 27, so this third
certainly don't just hand over a simple form andoption is only available for a limited time.
expect to be accepted into a service academy.Steve Dolan always wanted to be top gun but
You need three letters of recommendation,didn't quite make it.