If you have always wanted to be a fighter pilot in the U.S. military, you should know that it can be difficult to get a pilot position.With hard work, dedication, persistence, and a little luck, your dream could become a reality.To get started, you need to join the armed forces and have a bachelor's degree.You have to go through a series of physical and written tests before you can receive the specialized training you will need to take to the skies.
Step 1: You should get a bachelor's degree.
The first thing you will need to do if you want to become a combat pilot is complete a 4-year degree program at an accredited university.Fighter pilots in the U.S. military need a minimum of a bachelor's degree.The subject of your degree is up to you.Engineering, physics, mathematics, geography, and meteorology are fields of study that will translate well into the kind of duties you will be performing as a pilot.If you will also be working while you are in school, it is a good idea to enroll at your earliest convenience to give yourself plenty of time to meet your academic requirements.
Step 2: Make sure you are within the required height range.
Cadets must have a standing height between 5'4” and 6'5” to pilot military aircraft.While being outside of this range isn't necessarily grounds for dismissal, you may be asked to report for additional screenings to prove that your stature is not a liability during training or operations.Screenings are designed to show that you are built to operate aircraft safely.
Step 3: To meet the military's rigorous vision requirements, you have to be able to see.
When it comes to the vision of prospective fighter pilots, the U.S. armed forces have high standards.Candidates must be able to pass several difficult tests that gauge their visual acuity, object recognition, depth perception, and reaction time if they want to be considered for the job.If you have sight defects such as partial color blind or astigmatism, your journey could be over before it begins.If your commanding officers think that you are a good candidate for a pilot position despite testing below standard for vision, you may be able to request a waiver.It could take several months for your waiver to be approved.
Step 4: Enlist in the armed forces.
Call or visit your local recruitment office if you haven't already done so.On the official website of the branch you are interested in joining, you can apply online.You will be expected to report to a nearby Military Entrance Processing Station for evaluation when the recruiter schedules a time and date.All 5 branches of the U.S. military use pilots for various types of air missions.The majority of combat initiatives are carried out by the Navy and the Air Force.A high degree of responsibility and potential risk is what comes with joining the military.Before making a decision, take some time to consider your options.
Step 5: If you want to serve in a branch of service, you need to pass the Physical Fitness Test.
After completing your enlistment paperwork and undergoing a medical check-up, you will be subjected to a series of physical challenges designed to test your basic level of fitness.Push-ups, pull-up, and sit-Ups are included in most PFTs, as well as running and swimming set distances.If you want to become a Marine, you need to take your PFT every 6 months to stay in top shape.Building your endurance and doing calisthenics exercises regularly will help you prepare for your PFT.
Step 6: You can take the Fighter Aircrew Conditioning Test.
To pass the FACT, you must complete a minimum of 50 total reps across 5 different strength exercises: the bench press, arm curl, lat pull, and leg press.You need to be able to perform between 20 and 50 reps each of push-ups, leg curls, and abdominal crunches as part of a separate endurance component.Your individual body weight is a factor of the resistance added to each exercise.If you divide your weight by 0.8, you can figure out how much weight you will be expected to bench press.The FACT is a physical exam for pilots.The exercises involve conditioning the body to endure high amounts of G-forces in flight.
Step 7: If you will be flying for the Navy or Marines, you need to be a member of theASTB.
A series of computer-based exams is used to assess a candidate's overall aptitude and knowledge of aviation procedures.The subjects of the tests that make up the ASTB are math skills, reading comprehension, mechanical Comprehension, aviation and nautical information, and naval aviation trait facet inventory.Each of the 4 values has a cumulative score for the MST, RCT, and MCT, which is used to determine your Officer Aptitude Rating.If you fail the ASTB on your first attempt, you can try again.You won't be allowed to take it again after that.
Step 8: You need to complete your undergraduate training.
You will be ready to begin your actual training if you make it through preliminary testing.The Air Force's Introductory Flight Screening is a 40-day program that takes place in both the classroom and the cockpit.It consists of 25 hours of Primary Flying Training, which may or may not include time running flight simulators.Before beginning your formal flight training, you don't need to have any independent flight experience.Along with fundamental combat aviation skills, you will be learning key support, safety, and emergency protocols and leadership principles, all of which are meant to shape you into the best pilot you can possibly be.
Step 9: You will be able to excel in flight training.
This is where you will grow as a pilot.Depending on your specialty and branch you are serving, the course you take will vary.Your time will be split between classroom learning, solo flying, and flight simulator sessions.You will be pushed into one of the advanced training tracks depending on your performance and class standing.Different tracts are centered around different things.It could take anywhere from 14 to 49 weeks to complete your advanced flight training.It is one of the most intensive training programs in the military.
Step 10: You can submit a single scope background investigation.
The SSBI is a type of background check used to vet military and government employees.To apply for the SSBI, you need to fill out and send in an e-QIP package.Once you get clearance, your commanding officer will give you more information.As part of the investigation, officials will look at your citizenship status, education and employment history.They will interview your friends, relatives, and other acquaintances if you make it through the initial phase.In some cases, your live-in spouses or roommates may also be subject to a National Agency Check.