I’m at a crossroads

[jack crab]

I don't know that I would want to be an E-2 (assuming a contract promotion) at age 27. Apart from the pay cut, painting rocks with an MBA may get old fast. You would be almost 10 years older than your peers. There may be some officer PJs, but I bet most are enlisted, probably 4-5 years younger, and PT studs.

Coming in as an O-1 or 2 at age 27 would not be as bad. However, bear in mind there are a lot of pilots but fewer pilots on flight status. There are any number of stories of service members who go through flight training, and then get assigned to the Uniform Review Board for 3 years awaiting a flying slot.

Recruiters can give you all sorts of contracts and guarantees of schools. Passing the school though is on you. If you don't pass your school, the service still owns you for the duration.

I've been both reserve and active, and officer and enlisted. In my experience, the reserves are something to do to enjoy all the things you miss about active duty, and to be reminded of all the reasons you left active duty.

[Sam]

Every time someone mentions Crossroads, this pops in my head:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd60nI4sa9A

Good luck to you man.

[Korgs130]

Coming in as an O-1 or 2 at age 27 would not be as bad. However, bear in mind there are a lot of pilots but fewer pilots on flight status. There are any number of stories of service members who go through flight training, and then get assigned to the Uniform Review Board for 3 years awaiting a flying slot.

Recruiters can give you all sorts of contracts and guarantees of schools. Passing the school though is on you. If you don't pass your school, the service still owns you for the duration.

I've been both reserve and active, and officer and enlisted. In my experience, the reserves are something to do to enjoy all the things you miss about active duty, and to be reminded of all the reasons you left active duty.

While some UPT graduates have been "banked" in to non-flying jobs in the past, right now the USAF is suffering a pilot shortage. Undermanned by more than 2,000 pilots as of the beginning of the year. The plan is to train 1,500 pilots a year for the next 4 years. The AF hasn't trained that many per year in over 25 years. If anyone is interested in being an USAF pilot, your timing couldn't be better.

My experience flying in the ANG was extremely similar to flying on active duty. Exact same flying requirements, same deployment schedule etc. The only difference was that I had also had a civilian job. I essentially had 2 full time jobs working 15-17 days a month at the guard in addition to flying 10-14 days at my airline. About 2/3s of my ANG squadron were either full timers (AGR/Technician) or "guards bums" that weren't officially full time, but flew/worked enough days that they didn't need a civilian job. Right now a lot of ANG and USAFR squadrons are looking for qualified candidates to send to UPT.

[arptsprt]

What I’m starting to realize is, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow. So many of us focus on shit and “things” that don’t matter. We all end up in the same place, it’s our individual journeys that are different and make us who we are.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Krazykarl]

You could always be a paramedic

Work 10 days a month? Use your education on a side job and make more money? Get paid to help people during their worst days? Something different every day? Work a job that people respect and admire? Get paid to workout?

Yes, paramedic/ firefighter fits all of those requirements.

[opngrnd]

If you are fit, and willing to work, 27 is not all that old. I shipped to BCT at 25. (I'm a reservist.) A few things to keep in mind:

1- Whatever community you join, it becomes part of your lifestyle. I taught TKD part time and loved TKD until a service injury, and left TKD behind. It is worth it to me, and in my mind simply a small payment for what we have. (I still serve in my church.)
2- There is nothing wrong with dipping your toes in the water and finding out you are better suited for a different direction. I lost my abilities to do the combatives/martial arts to the degree I used to enjoy, but I now get to focus a fair amount as a paid shooter and train others, which I enjoy even more.
3- 27 isn't old. Laying your head down at night knowing you are doing your best, and that you are doing the right thing, gives a peace many do not possess.
4- Lastly, I recommend surrounding yourself with the type of people you wish to emulate, regardless of your career path.

God bless you, young man.

[thepatriot2705]

Apologize about the delayed response. Two jobs and marathon/half marathon training keeps be busy.

Thanks for all the words of wisdom and advice so far. Definitely some good points raised and a lot to reflect on. I did speak with an AF recruiter today and I have more time than I thought for the PJ route. I’m working on the flying route as well by working towards my private pilots license. In the mean time, I’m going to start working on a training program to meet and exceed the PAST standards. Even if the AF doesn’t pan out, can’t hurt to be in shape.

I think the biggest thing holding me back is my family. I know they will support whatever I decide, but the stress it would bring to my mother is a significant factor. my parents have sacrificed so much for me. I want them to be able to enjoy life as comfortably as possible as they close in on their retirement years.


One more thing before I sign off for the night. I feel a sense of duty to this country. There are more ways to serve your country than the military. When I hear 21 veterans a day commit suicide, I am appalled and often wonder what we could do better. I wonder if it’s better to try to do something for the men and women who sacrifice so much for this great country.

[yoni]

I can't imagine being my age and wishing I had.

I have chase terrorist all over the world, I have a pension.

I own houses in Israel, Africa, Dominican Republic, USA, and maybe soon in Panama.

I speak multiple languages.

I am the CEO of one of the few companies of former Mossad.

My hand is in the game and I will never quit.

I have been blessed, I commanded and still command, some of the best lads on the face of the earth.

My best friends in the USA are formerly from a unit in the USA army that I think sill doesn't officially exist.

Or I could have been a doctor like my mother.

I think I chose wisely.

Regret is the worse punishment a man can have.

[Caduceus]

Don't rule out Coast Guard, their whole job is SAR and interdiction, maintanence of waterways, ice breaking...

to be honest, I'm 40 and I just contacted them about their Auxillary. The irony is I was in the Navy for years and never did a damn thing worth writing home about. "Join the Navy, see the world" turned into "Join the Navy, see the East Coast." Yippee.

[Firefly]

You know....

it seems like money isnt your motivator. I say go for it. All of it.

You might just make it.