<p>If one attends the Academy, does the military obligation, what is next for most? What kind of civilian carrers awaits them??
thanks</p>
<p>um....lots of things? Anything from airline pilot to civil engineer to substitute teachers...</p>
<p>Aren't you jumping ahead of yourself you will owe many years b4 that comes up, or are we also to assume by asking this ? you're going to your min and get out?</p>
<p>President of the United States...I'm still waiting for the first one.</p>
<p>Seriously though, the majority of grads actually attend pilot training, so you see a lot of retired officers in the world of commercial aviation. Something like 85-90% of the jobs in the Air Force have direct civilian equivalents, so you can pretty much do whatever you like.</p>
<p>bullet, that's actually a very good question. Many people don't go to the Academy because they think they are married to the military because of it. Assuming that someone doesn't incur a greater commitment from pilot training or grad/med school, etc. then they only serve 5 active. Assuming someone enters the academy at 18, that means they can leave the active military at the age of 27. Honestly, plenty of people finish they BS or Master's at that age and are starting their civilian careers. Going to an Academy is a sacrifice or about 10 years, but it leaves plenty of time and options for having a civilian career.</p>
<p>Not saying that you owe 20, but what I am saying is alot will happen between now and when you are 27. Then if you add in pilot training and committment you are well into your 30's. To start thinking about what you might do in @20 years is wishing your life away. There are a lot of "what ifs" to put into the equation when you haven't even started your committment. The military for a career person is a long road with alot of twists, We have many friends that got out at 8, 12, 14, 20 and 20+, everyone has to make their decision based upon their needs and desires, owing no one else an explanation, but themselves.
Also, honestly the 1st few years in the service you are learning your skills and going through additional schools.
To be hired by the airlines, they will be looking for certain things, one is hours in an airframe.
Joining the defense world they are also looking for certain aspects, Masters, ACSC/CGSC, command positions, etc.
There are not many young capts that have the extra time during those 1st 5 years to get their Masters, attend SOS or any other PME, which makes them a valuable asset.</p>
<p>ALL of that said, the academy is seen as an excellent education and there will be jobs, but those being put out there are not realistic for 5 yrs. committment.</p>
<p>Many of your active duity profs at the academy have yet had the time to get a PhD and thus, are not eligible to be hired as a professor after they retire. I know of them personally.</p>
<p>Can't argue with that. :) Do you know any of the teachers here that are doing the AOC/master's program (can't remember the name of the program)? It's where they are sponsored to attain their master's and/or PhD as long as they return to the Academy to teach.</p>
<p>No, remember by getting any additional education you incur another committment, both are at the end of their careers and if they choose to get a Ph.D. they will pay for it on their own and not owe any committment. </p>
<p>Another thing to remember everytime you PCS you will incur another committment, go to a school the same is true. SO the thought that you can jump after 5 can be a little difficult if you use the AF's dime to get a Master's (3 yrs ?) If you PCS at your 3 year marker than you are in for 6. If you complete your Master's during year 4, then your committment ands at 7. Then they PCS you at 6 and you owe 3 more, take a promotion and it adds more time. Take PME or bonus and you get more...you see it is easy to keep piling on the committment.</p>
<p>O I'm quite aware since I plan on getting my master's straight out of here. I have no problem and I plan on staying in for quite awhile.</p>
<p>I thought you wanted to fly, if that's your plan you might have to wait for @ 3-4 yrs. before you can start your masters</p>
<p>The academy allows a small number of people to get their master's while the pilot slot is held for them. Basically, go do your master's for two years then have the pilot slot guaranteed available when you finish. A very good deal!</p>
<p>We knew a guy at our 1st base that did it. He is a full bird now, I think @ 4 yrs. below.<br>
We also knew another guy who did his Master's at Harvard ...he's out.</p>
<p>Bullet believes you should get your pilot slot first, than get your masters</p>
<p>I've heard that from a major here too. Is it just being behind in the career track compared to classmates or are there other reasons? Please, I am all ears!</p>
<p>Hornet, Bullet here (PIMA's H). It really is about what is important to you. Do you want a career as a pilot, or in omething else. I've known a few guys who were very successful after they got their Master's first. These were the guys you could look at and say "Yeah, he's a future CSAF". The normal track, get to what your primary profession is going to be, and work hard to be the best at that. In the flying community, it's the guys who are the leader in the air who earn th emost repsect. Know your plane, know the tactics, and never stop adding to your knowledge in the the cockpit.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated, so much to think about in the next 2 years.</p>
<p>Enjoy them while you can! It doesn't get easier. You think the pressure is tough now, just wait til UPT (an evaluation everyday, oh what fun...)</p>
<p>But boy, is it fun! And worth every minute for your dream! I can't beleive they still pay me to play those little boy games in the air!</p>