Forum: Future F-16 crew

Obviously, I want to become a pilot in one of the branches. And yes, I am an Australian citizen but I understand that I can become an American citizen within a year under INA Section 328 or Executive Order Number 13269. So, once reaching the shores of America, I (with the aid of my trusty Green Card) will go apply for the Reserves for at least 1 year, then go for my citizenship under INA Section 328.

My plan is that I will undertake a BS degree at my local university. It offers a Bachelor of Aviation Technology, which is non-flying. There is also the opportunity to study Applied Biology or Industrial Chemistry. Can anyone please suggest which degree seems the most appropriate? You can also list other degrees if ya want and I'll see if I can get into them, but I am kind of limited to the nearby university.

In addition, I am planning on either getting my PPL at a local flying school, or rather traveling to the Philippines to gain my PPL because it is cheaper due to the exchange rate. (will living in the Philippines hinder my chances at getting a security clearance?)

BUT

There are three problems in my way:
1. "If you are applying for a commission (as an AF officer) you must have a four-year degree as a minimum"

My half-baked solution: Shocked

A four year degree?!? Is this including Masters or Honours? Are you able to do a three year Undergraduate degree first, then go onto Masters in a few years time after inital recruitment?

[Link pending approval];To become a Pilot/Combat Systems Officer (CSO) in the Air Force you must have or be within 365 days of receiving a baccalaureate degree (BA or BS) awarded in any major".

My 2nd half-baked solution: Ok, some maybe I can finsih my course through distance or exchange, meaning that I will have at least been in America for six months before joining.

3. I read some where that the degree had to be from an accredited [Link pending approval] I know the university that I have my eye on is Australian accredicted, but will it be ok for when I get to America?

My 3rd half-baked solution: Do an online degree from an American University?

So, folks, if that doesn't pan out, I am still open to moving to America to undertake university, but money is kinda [Link pending approval] so that is kind of my last [Link pending approval] So feel free to throw any of your opnions my way.

Also, if I do somehow manage to go via the Aussie way and get into America with my degree and citizenship and become an officer, do I then go onto OTS, or ROTC, (that's college based aye? so probably not that [Link pending approval]), etc, etc. Furthermore, America has the ANG, Marines, Air force, Coast Guard and Navy, and all fly fighters?

Thank you in advance

F-16.net Sponsor

Enlist in USAF,either go through USAFA LEAD program, ROTC enlisted to officer or OTS you must go through these to become an officer.
you should check out the hub pages on becoming a USAF fighter pilot it's really good here's the link-http://hubpages.com/hub/How_to_Become_a_Fighter_Pilot#mod_295349
FYI here's the break down of pilot slots USAFA 45% (about 1000 cadets) 45% ROTC (1500+ competing) OTS (100+ 12 weeks compared to 4 years for USAFA or ROTC) 10%.Annually,there are 1000 slots but with BRAC could decrease.
You got a green card,lucky!!
PS ''to be a USAF fighter pilot'' going by the reviews on amazon looks like a deadly book for you....just a thought though
Getting a PPL in the Philippines will not affect your security clearance
Guiness

Don't jump down my throat and I'm sure you have heard this before and you will hear it again, but if you get to become a fighter pilot in the USAF you will probably fly the same the jets you would fly in the RAAF i.e the F-35 or the super hornet which is the premiere strike fighter of the USN.
Good luck in your USAF career.
Guiness

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Another newbie - Australian citizen