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Are there any programs specifically designed for commissioning pilots/navigators/WSOs? I'm really wanting the Academy, but with the strong focus on leadership, I'm not sure how far I'd get. I figured I'd check and see if there's a program specifically for flyers, since I'm looking more at flying than the being an officer part.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

First I recommend getting your private pilot's license. That way you can find out if you really want to fly for a living; and it will also help you get selected for a military flight training program. The Air Force and Navy/Marine Corps have ROTC programs in college, but in these programs you must commit before you know if you're going to flight school. The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps all have OCS programs, but you must have a batchelors degree before you can go to AF or Navy OCS. The Marine Corps will let you go to OCS in the summers between years of college if you are selected for the Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) commissioning program. If you go the OCS route you will be guaranteed a slot in flight school if you complete the training required. Oh, and if you want to fly helos in the Army sign up for Warrant Officer's School, you don't even need a college degree for this program. The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve is also available. For these, you need a college degree and a pact with the devil.

Marge: There's someone here who I think can help you. Homer: Who, Batman? Marge: No he's a scientist. Homer: Batman's a scientist? Marge: It's not Batman!

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Are there any programs specifically designed for commissioning pilots/navigators/WSOs? I'm really wanting the Academy, but with the strong focus on leadership, I'm not sure how far I'd get. I figured I'd check and see if there's a program specifically for flyers, since I'm looking more at flying than the being an officer part.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72
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Are you kidding?? The "being a pilot part" is about one hour for every twenty hours of the "being an officer part". You're motivation is suspect. Besides, I guarantee you wouldn't last a month in UPT if you were a poor officer and had great flying skills. And no, there is no commissioning source that focuses on piloting with a de-emphasis on officership. Dumb question. No offense to the questioner, but you should've foreseen this response and I probably won't be the only one to respond this way, just the first...

ATTACK!!!!!!!

That no doubt came out wrong.

Perhaps a few questions would be better.

What all do pilots do that isn't related to flying? What additional duties do they normally get?

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

Sorry for the rant...

Every pilot has an additional duty/duties in the squadron. For instance, as a new wingman you might be the Snacko, weapons bean counter, Navo, etc. As a little more senior officer (read "Captain") you may be in a leadership role, i.e. flight commander, shop supervisor (life support, stan/eval, weapons (for weapons school grads), training, scheduling. As a field grader you may be a squadron commander, director of ops or asst director of ops, etc. At any level there are always group and wing level jobs outside the squadron, In this case you would be assigned to a non-flying unit but fly with a fighter squadron as an "attached" officer.
In any event, your OPR is more than likely defined by your performance outside the cockpit unless you've done a lot of extraordinary things as a pilot. Even then, a majority of your OPR will be edicated to officership type things.
Hope this helps...

ATTACK!!!!!!!

It does. I realized I wouldn't be avoiding all that as an pilot, hopefully I'll be working on it.

Never be afraid to rant at me like that. Sometimes I'm a bit thickheaded or don't talk straight.

"Some pup"
Nickname by Fenderstrat72

_________________
Evil is evil, no matter how small.

The answer to your question is yes, there is a program like that...Army Warrant Officers. They are career long pilots who never hold command. No college degree required, just technical skill.

Coach