In which Reserve component should I enlist in order to speed up my naturalization process and give me the best bet of getting a pilot slot?

Jamie Tran — Fri, 01 May 2020 09:40:12 -0400

I am 24 and a green card holder looking for a AF or Navy pilot slot. I have a B.A degree in Finance.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made May 1 at 2020 10:02 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 01 May 2020 10:02:20 -0400

As you appear to know, Jamie Tran you need a bachelors degree and US Citizenship to be an Air Force Officer. Recommend you enlist in the Air Force. Continue to work on Citizenship requirements while on active duty. Once sworn in as a Citizen, then apply for OTS and a pilot slot. Be sure to look at the requirements for entering pilot training on the AF.mil page. If you don’t think you can pass the physical, you may need to reconsider. As for enlisted AFSC, try to get into a flying speciality such as loadmaster, gunner, sensor operator, boom operator, or crew chief

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2020 10:42 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 01 May 2020 10:42:00 -0400

That’s great advice from the Colonel. Before you enlist you may want to make sure you can pass a flight physical. How long have you had your green card? How much longer do you need to wait to meet the requirements for your citizenship? There’s an Army program called Street to Seat for Flight Warrant Officers. I know you want to be a Navy or AF pilot but if your end goal is to become a pilot, I would suggest the path of least resistance. Best of lucks.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 1 at 2020 3:33 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 01 May 2020 15:33:44 -0400

You should speak with a recruiter, becoming a pilot requires quite a bit more than a nonrelated BA. The recruiting office will be able to explain all of the ins and outs.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 4:21 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 16:21:39 -0400

The shortest answer is: the Air Force has the greatest pilot shortage. And you don’t have to do anything challenging like land on a moving boat. You might think of that.