Marine vs Air Force Pilot Opportunities.?
I’m looking to become a pilot in the military but I don’t know which branch would be a better choice. I’m strongly considering ROTC as an option but don’t know whether to do AFROTC or Marine Option-NROTC. I did some research and found that only 4% of officers in the Air Force actually become pilots. I was trying to find that percentage for the Marine Corps but seem to be having some difficulties. I’m not sure what I’m looking to fly and don’t really care, as long as I’m in the air. I’m a Civil Air Patrol cadet and have knowledge of Air Force procedures but don’t want to join if my chances would be better in the Marine Corps. I’ve flown before on orientation flights and love it but don’t have my pilots’ license yet since I’m not old enough. I’m still in high school and just trying to make plans for college as soon as I can. Honestly, I’m not very fond of the Navy and I’m terrified of ships and the ocean. That’s why I’m kind of reluctant to choose Marine Option-NROTC because, from what I understand, we’ll be training with the Navy recruits mostly and then pulling aside to do a few Marine Corps stuff. Either way I know I’ll eventually have to do some extra flight training additional to the regular ROTC training. Which one would be a better choice and why?
Also, I’m looking to go into law enforcement after I finish my service, preferably working for the FBI in canine narcotics or for ATF and keeping aviation as a hobby. Therefore, I was thinking about majoring in criminology or criminal justice or something while I’m doing ROTC to kill two birds with one stone. I’m not sure what major would really be best for that. I just know that it’s best to have a degree in that area if you want to get accepted to Quantico. Would choosing that kind of major interfere with my chances of becoming a pilot since it’s far from aviation related? Any suggestions on what the best strategy would be to accomplish both of my goals?
Simply put, you have a much better chance of being a pilot in the Air force.
Because they Air Force has more pilots and aircraft.
The Air Force has 5 times the number of aircraft the Marine Corps has.
But only 3 times the number of officers.