<p>I was in the same exact situation and I chose AFROTC at Michigan. You have to find which one is going to fit you better. Don't tell yourself that you want to rise up and accept the challenges because everyone knows that's fake. People are at USAFA because of the financial aspect, to get a pilot slot, athletics, prestige, or a family member is alumni and they have to attend; so take your pick.</p>
<p>I'm not going to lie, USAFA offers many awesome opportunities and it comes with a great education. If you are just looking to fly then go ROTC, you'll get your slot as long as you don't screw up. When it comes to building leaders, USAFA isn't any better than ROTC because leadership is something you are born with, kind of like a personality or flying skills. BTW, if you want to do jump or soaring, they just brought that back for ROTC guys.</p>
<p>Many astronauts have done ROTC, many Thunderbird pilots have done ROTC; you'll get where you want to go if you have great stick and rudder skills.</p>
<p>If you haven't been able to visit yet, you should. Same with your ROTC detachment, some are better than others.</p>
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If you are just looking to fly then go ROTC
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<p>i disagree. if you just want to fly, go usafa. the past several years, nearly everyone medically qualified has recieved a slot. not to say ROTC can't, but with cutting numbers and the like, USAFA is a safer bet in that aspect. as far as jump and soaring for ROTC ppl, unless i'm wrong, its through the academy. again, while possible, its MUCH more likley for someone to get want they want at USAFA than an ROTC cadet.</p>
<p>now i agree, both USAFA and ROTC grads have made excellent and horrible offciers. a lot depends on the individual. but as for leadership, the academy lets you develop and practice your skills much more than ROTC.</p>
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Don't tell yourself that you want to rise up and accept the challenges because everyone knows that's fake.
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<p>that may be true for you, but you cannot make that argument for all. some yes, but the same with ROTC. some ppl only do it for money.</p>
<p>overall, its a personal choice as to what you want. either way, if its what you choose, hopefully it works out right for you</p>
<p>Commissioning sources - AFROTC >OTS >USAFA with regard to number of officer candidates, with USAFA providing the most in-depth officer training. USAFA is allocated half the pilot training slots, so on a percentage basis, the odds are better, particularly if you are not at the top of your class/detachment.</p>
<p>Joshrk, I take offense to your statements. I hardly would say I have fake reasons for coming here. I have been rising up and accepting the challenges, and that's WHY I came here. I hope you don't generalize everyone so readily.</p>
<p>Questions about pilots, I heard that only 2% of those who take on flying as a career will get the fighter pilots. Is there any preference based on USAFA or a ROTC scholarship?</p>
<p>i don't know about that percentage, but no preference is given. after you recieve a UPT slot, everyone in your class at your base is on a level field, regardless of OTS, ROTC, or USAFA. Now some bases and programs have better chances of getting a fighter's slot (like ENJPT), but you're all on an even field.</p>
<p>Thats a percent I heard awhile back, not so sure now, after talking to a few pilots they said It kinda of depends on the year and number of slots available but I bet there is a "magic" percent out there that is pretty consistent.</p>
<p>I believe the number is about 5%. Many AFA grads have a leg up because they fly at the acad, however, many ROTC cadets get their ppl which places them on the same playing field. UPT is fast paced so having the basics down helps, going in cold makes it more difficult</p>
<p>As far as ENJPT that is a rarity ro go there.</p>
<p>The magic number you speak of is what is needed down the pipeline...many yrs ago in the early 90's only @1 fighter came down the pipeline, even the top of the class got heavies...don't go into it with the thought that in either scenario you will get fighters</p>
<p>One thing I haven't seen mentioned in the ROTC/AFA discussion is "employment" immediately after graduation (prior to first assignment). I haven't really researched this because our son chose AFA, but it appears to me (based on the experiences of two ROTC cadets that I know who got pilot slots) that a commissioned officer through the ROTC program does not start getting paid until he reports to his first assignment (which for my nephew will be over 6 months). And it is my understanding that AFA grads have a 60 day (paid) leave subsequent to graduation.
Bullet--do I have this right?</p>
<p>Anybody know how many ENJJPT slots USAFA gets? I know ROTC gets about 45-60, which is about the top 10% in ROTC. There's pro and cons to going ENJJPT. You're guaranteed a fighter or bomber. On the flip side, though, if you wash out, you're done. You do not get the opportunity to go back and try for a heavy.</p>
<p>With regards to having flying time before UPT, there's been guys with zero flying time that gets fighters while the 4,500 hour airline pilot washes out. If you can adapt to the military flying then you should be fine. But you could have 200+ hours and build some bad habits that you may have trouble trying to break.</p>
<p>Spots a highly competitive. I know here that cadets with airmanship programs usually get preference (along with high GPAs/OPAs). ENJPT is essentially UPT except it is for NATO (Euro-NATO Joint Pilot Training) and is ONLY fighter/bombers. If you get in and stay in, you will be assured a bomber or a fighter slot. At least that's my understanding.</p>
<p>As for ROTC, it is true, you do not get paid until you report to your 1st station. You could be on casual status for @ 6-9 mos, thus your DOR will be the avg of commissioning and report...Bullets DOR is Oct 1, since he was commissioned in May and reported end of Feb. You wll get your pay raise based on commission date, but your line number will be based on DOR, i.e. promoted to O-2 in Oct.</p>
<p>Hornetguy is right ENJPT they only hand out fighters and bombers. It really doesn't help in your long run career for WIC (use to be FWIC). We know many people who graduated from ENJPT, but never went onto WIC, and vise a verse. ENJPT is or at least was at Sheppard AFB.</p>