Editorial note:
Think seriously about becoming a military trained pilot in your plans to become a professional aviator. Today's absolute best flight training in the world, is given by various branches of the U.S. military. The Navy for example, invests approximately $1,000,000 to train its pilots. A military pilot, once trained, becomes a very valuable asset to that service. There are significant financial incentives today for aviators to stay in the service. This financial "incentive" is rapidly closing the gap that once existed between flying for a major airline and the military pilot.
Becoming a military pilot also represents another "avenue" for the financially "challenged" high school or college student that wants to become a professional aviator, but unfortunately doesn't have the money to pay for "flight training" on their own. Think about this....flying some of the most advanced and exciting aircraft on the planet, getting paid well for doing it , and then fully retiring after 20 years from military flying. Next stop in your flying career... proceed straight to the airlines at age 42 or 43... for nearly another whole career (and second retirement at age 60) flying airliners represents a very lucrative option to many retired military aviators. Going to the airlines, or to corporate aviation (with a full military retirement check in your back pocket) gives one a lot of confidence... and many future options to think about.
It is however, becoming more and more competitive to get into the military flight programs today. If this interests you at all, make a call to your ""Officer Programs Recruiter" today, for the latest information, and whether this career path is right for you.
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission.
U.S. Marine Corps
U.S. Marine Corps recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission.
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Air Force recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission.
Army
Army officer recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission.
Army Warrant Officer
Army flight training as a Warrant Officer...great opportunity for many.
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard officer recruiting programs available, and flight training beyond your commission.
U.S. Navy SEAL
U.S. Navy SEAL program. If becoming an aviator is just one of your interests, but maybe not your highest priority... yet... think about this... IF you are searching for something very special to do before commencing your flying career, consider becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. What is a SEAL, how do SEALS operate, what is their mission, can I qualify? ...are all very natural questions. To answer just one of the questions... what is their mission:
SEAL Missions
"Special Operations is characterized by the use of small units with unique ability to conduct military actions that are beyond the capability of conventional military forces. SEALs are superbly trained in all environments, and are the master’s of maritime Special Operations. SEALs are required to utilize a combination of specialized training, equipment, and tactics in completion of Special Operation missions worldwide.
A tactical force with strategic impact, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) mission areas include unconventional warfare, direct action, combating terrorism, special reconnaissance, foreign internal defense, information warfare, security assistance, counter-drug operations, personnel recovery and hydrographic reconnaissance. Although NSW personnel comprise less than one percent of U.S. Navy personnel, they offer big dividends on a small investment. SEALs' proven ability to operate across the spectrum of conflict and in operations other than war in a controlled manner, and their ability to provide real time intelligence and eyes on target, offer decision makers immediate and virtually unlimited options in the face of rapidly changing crises around the world.
The most important trait that distinguishes Navy SEALs from all other military forces is that SEALs are maritime special forces, as they strike from and return to the sea. SEALs (Sea, Air, Land) take their name from the elements in and from which they operate. Their stealth and clandestine methods of operation allow them to conduct multiple missions against targets that larger forces cannot approach undetected."
For answers to the rest of your questions, go to their website above, which should provide you most of the answers... and the means to look further if you are interested.
The Navy SEAL program is NOT for everyone, but if something like that sounds interesting to you, and you think you might be qualified... give it your highest consideration.
