

For more information on specific requirements, contact a recruiter for the branch in which you are interested in entering. Training in all branches will include flight simulation, classroom training, and basic flight instruction. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences.Įach branch of the armed services has specific training requirements for its military pilots. Some schools focus solely on aviation education, such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the University of North Dakota John D. Most state-supported colleges and universities have aviation programs, as do many private schools. You are then required to spend a minimum of five years on active duty, beginning as a junior officer.Īnother option is to attend a four-year school that has a Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program. If you choose one of these four academies, you will graduate with a bachelor's degree. Most applicants also need a nomination from an authorized source, which is usually a member of the U.S. You will need to have a very strong academic background, involvement in community activities, and leadership experiences. Competition to enter these institutions is intense. Coast Guard Academy (for the Coast Guard). Naval Academy (for the Navy and the Marines), or the U.S. Military Academy (for the Army), the U.S. Air Force Academy (for the Air Force), the U.S. You may want to attend one of the four service academies: the U.S. There are several paths that you can choose from to get your postsecondary education. Physical education courses will also be important, as your physical health and endurance levels will constantly be challenged in the military.

Courses in engineering, meteorology, computer science, aviation law, business management, and military science are especially helpful. Postsecondary TrainingĪ four-year college degree is usually required to become a military pilot. Applicants who are 17 years old must also have the consent of a parent or legal guardian. To enter the military, you must be at least 17 years old. It's also a good idea to take a foreign language, which may expand your job opportunities. High school courses in science, mathematics, physics, computers, and physical education will be the most helpful. You will need at least a high school diploma in order to join the armed forces, and a college-preparatory curriculum is recommended.
