Aviation Career Paths?
Posted on
I'm a 17 year old female in high school. I really want to be in the Military (primarily Air Force) but, I am really worried that that may not be possible.
I don't meet physical requirements to be a pilot (at least for the Air Force) which would be my goal. I am 5'2.5" and weigh just under 120 pounds but, I am working on getting into better physical shape muscle wise. I also wear glasses (unsure of current eyesight I need to get tested again, but it's good enough to be corrected with surgery). I also struggle with symptoms of neuroses and anxiety and I am working on a diagnoses which I know will hinder me from enlisting. I however, think I will be able to heal easily from past family trauma as I have already been taking steps to recover. If I am able to enlist, I would be willing to do another job (probably maintenance) and attempt to cross-train into a pilot job but, I just really want to fly. Ultimate goal would be to get a job as a test pilot (yes, I know it's hard) but, the odds are kind of stacked up against me. I am ambitious though and I just really want to fly for a living. I am already enrolled in flight school and I will carve a path if necessary which might mean getting a bunch of waivers to allow me to fly for the Military.
The Military is the best option for me financially and personally the most interesting. I just want to get advice on whether I should:
A. Not attempt at flying for the military because they're already going to say "No."
B. Do ROTC in College in order to give myself some downtime to heal mentally.
C. Apply to an Air Force Academy and see if I can recoup mentally before BMT.
D. Just join. Save initial dreams of flying for later, get contract done, let GI Bill pay for education.
I'm still super early in deciding if the Military is right for me, so I haven't talked to a recruiter or taken the ASVAB yet but, I've tried doing some personal research. Even if I can't join the military I could probably get a full-ride to college if I tried, as I am a poc and a woman going into a stem field. I just wanna fly jets for a living without bussing people around. I'm honestly open to any pilot job though.
(This was also posted on r/aviation and on the r/AirForce newbie thread)
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