#4- So you wanna be a pilot...

Let's say you're in ROTC, for example, and you're almost to the point where you need to decide about whether you want to put in for a pilot slot or not. You think being a pilot would be sweet, but you're not really sure you'd like it. You end up giving into the peer pressure and throwing your name into the hat. A few months later, you get a pilot slot! A few years later, you're in UPT... and you hate it. It's definitely NOT for you.

Unfortunately, this is not as rare as you might expect. UPT is tough, and if you're not all in, then you won't like it. And now-a-days, with all the Reduction in Force (RIF) and Force Shaping programs that come and go pretty consistently, if you drop out of pilot training, you could be kicked out of the Air Force! And what's even worse, is that the Air Force has made some former Lieutenants pay back their tuition from the Air Force Academy or their ROTC scholarship money! (My feelings about that are a whole separate issue...) (Reference Air Force Times; also saw this from personal experience.)

How can I avoid this happening to me?

1. Be true to yourself. Don't let peer pressure convince you to try to be a pilot. Being a pilot isn't the only "cool" job in the Air Force; anyone who says that is ignorant. (It DEFINITELY is super cool, but it's not for everyone.)
2. If you can afford to, try to get a few flights at a civilian flight school. Flight can cost anywhere from $80-$120/hr wet (meaning, including fuel) at some flight schools (depending on location, aircraft available, fuel cost, etc). It's expensive, but it's worth it. I'd personally recommend getting about 5-20 hours. If you can, try to solo at least once. It'll be a big confidence booster!
3. Find someone who's a few years ahead of you and pick their brain. Ask them about a normal day at IFS and at UPT, what their biggest struggle was, etc. Another good question is, "If you had to do it all over again, would you?" They don't have to turn into a formal "mentor" or anything, but if they did, it can only help you and your career.
4. Talk to your cadre and/or friends at your detachment that really know you as a person. Heed their advice. If your detachment commander flew F-16s for 20 years says that he doesn't think you'd like it, he probably knows what he's talking about. However, a 4-year Captain that works in personnel (no offense) may not be as good of a sound board to bounce your thoughts off of.

Basically, you're going to have to do some soul searching and praying to determine what you should do. Ask a lot of people for advice and compile it all. Again, If you don't love flying now, you probably won't love it in T-6s...

For tonight, I'll leave you with this picture...
Enjoy! :)