College Life or Military Life?
That is the question I've recently begun asking myself, as college is approaching in 2 years, and for me, the cheapest it would be, without scholarships and/or grants, would be about $240,000! (this figure includes food, travel, rent, personal spending, tuition, and one other cost I will get too later.
Life Situation: I am a sophomore in high school, and I don't currently have a job, and thus not taxes, but no income either.
I currently (as of Jan. 2017), have about $4,000 saved in a standard savings account, so I don't expect massive capital gains. Every month $50 is automatically deposited into the bank from my grandfather, and I don't pull any money from it. I will be getting a job within the coming months, and I will have put at least $15,000 more dollars into it by the time college starts.
I have a small, somewhat decent gas mileage car, (1988 Suzuki Samurai) with no payments, and liability only insurance (will be covered by my parents throughout college), and a brand new, multi-use bike (in-city and mountain hybrid). I will have these throughout college, and afterwards too.
After college, or when I get my own apartment or home, I will have furnishings for it from my current house (bed, desk, nightstand, drawer, TV & PS2 (no cable), small laptop, and desktop computer.
The computer I use for some YouTube side work to gain some small income while also doing something I enjoy (creating content).
Current expenses:
Gas: $40/ month
Movies, etc. (money spent hanging out with friends): $100/month
Assets:
At time of college starting these will be my current assets (this will be updated if things change, such as acquiring stock)
- Car: can be sold for at least $5,000 in case of emergency
- Furniture: can be collectively sold for about $1,000 dollars
- Computer: desktop (parts or entire machine) can be sold for at least $1,500
- $20,000 cash
Specific Question(s):
Here is the unique point to this study, I want to be pilot, which alone is not strange, but the current high school I am attending, the Southwest, Aeronautics, Mathematics, and Science Academy (SAMS for short), would allow me to get my private pilot and instrument ratings done, for free, before college, which would shave off $40,000 or more of price, depending on the school I go too.
This study is assuming the worst case scenario, me getting no scholarships or other funding, which is unlikely, because I qualify for more than double the cost of college, so I should receive some. Here are my choices:
Go to College
- I would get $180,000 in student loans, because I am a good mustache and do not spend as much as the average person.
- I would graduate with my degree, and start flying a small regional airline, which is where all new pilots must start, which has an average salary of $22,000/ year before taxes or deductions.
- The important thing here is that new pilots are effectively paid in experience, to get the opportunity to fly for a
major airline, which has an average closer to $200,000.
- The average pilot can expect to get the higher pay between 12-20 years of beginning flying.
- This would get me a job as a pilot within 4 years.
OR
Join the Air Force
- I would have no debts, and the rest of my flight training would be free.
- I would get the starting air force pilot pay of $34,000/ year.
- I would complete training within two years, but I would have a commitment to stay at least 10 years before retiring from the military in favor of private work.
- I would then, however, be able join straight onto a larger airline, making closer to the $200,000/ year mark.
Some other important notes are:
- my family would prefer not joining the military, but will not disown me if I do
- I would not go to an in-state college, because there is not a single college in my state that offers a flight program (that's right, a high school has a better aviation program than all of the colleges here)
This post is assuming the worst case scenario, which will most likely not be the case, but always prepare for the worst.
So what do you, my fellow Mustachians, suggest I do?
Thank you for your help, CCGStache'
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________"Cool Car? You wanna see something cool, look at my bank account!" - Mr. Money Mustache (2018)
I applaud you for considering serving your country, but I think your plan has a hole. If you want to fly for the military, you must be an Officer, not Enlisted. In order to be an officer, you must have a Bachelor's degree. My specialty isn't USAF, so I might be missing some sort of Direct Commission program, but I'd be hellaciously surprised if a Direct Commission program resulted in you getting to fly a plane. The USAF has 60,000 officers but only 20% are pilots.
I'm not trying to bash your dreams, or talk down to you, but I do think there needs to be about 1000% more research before you start making decisions. If you do go talk to a recruiter, bring a parent or some other secondary person. The recruiter isn't going to lie to you, but from personal experience it's easy for the person being recruited to hear the positives and gloss over the negatives.
I will have furnishings for it from my current house (bed, desk, nightstand, drawer, TV & PS2 (no cable), small laptop, and desktop computer.I wouldn’t count the computer/furniture resale values in your assets. The furniture you listed doesn’t sound like $1500 worth, used. The computers will depreciate quickly over time.
At time of college starting these will be my current assets (this will be updated if things change, such as acquiring stock)
- Car: can be sold for at least $5,000 in case of emergency
- Furniture: can be collectively sold for about $1,000 dollars
- Computer: desktop (parts or entire machine) can be sold for at least $1,500
- $20,000 cash
- I would not go to an in-state college, because there is not a single college in my state that offers a flight program (that's right, a high school has a better aviation program than all of the colleges here)A third option would be to move to the state where you want to go to college, and live there for long enough to receive in-state tuition rates. During the waiting period you could work and also knock out your basic college courses at a local community college. This could drastically reduce the student loan amount for your degree.
Go to College
- I would get $180,000 in student loans, because I am a good mustache and do not spend as much as the average person.
Join the Air ForceI’m an active-duty AF Officer now, but non-rated (not a pilot). There are three ways for you to commission in the AF (excluding direct-commissioning program for medical/legal professions). You can apply to the USAF Academy, go through a ROTC program at a college, or get a Bachelor’s Degree and apply for Officer Training School. Either way, you MUST have a Bachelor’s Degree to become an officer, and a pilot in the AF. The Academy is paid for (competitive), ROTC has a range of scholarships, so both of those routes could save you money.
Join the Air Force
- I would have no debts, and the rest of my flight training would be free.
- I would get the starting air force pilot pay of $34,000/ year.
- I would complete training within two years, but I would have a commitment to stay at least 10 years before retiring from the military in favor of private work.
- I would then, however, be able join straight onto a larger airline, making closer to the $200,000/ year mark.
Some other important notes are:
- my family would prefer not joining the military, but will not disown me if I do
- I would not go to an in-state college, because there is not a single college in my state that offers a flight program (that's right, a high school has a better aviation program than all of the colleges here)
This post is assuming the worst case scenario, which will most likely not be the case, but always prepare for the worst.
So what do you, my fellow Mustachians, suggest I do?
Thank you for your help, CCGStache'
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________"Cool Car? You wanna see something cool, look at my bank account!" - Mr. Money Mustache (2018)
Personally, I would not recommend somene I cared about enlist in any service unless they were either way too immature to have any success in college (and even then, I'd hesitate), or they had a specific job in mind that they really wanted to do and that job happened to be an enlistedman's job.
QuotePersonally, I would not recommend somene I cared about enlist in any service unless they were either way too immature to have any success in college (and even then, I'd hesitate), or they had a specific job in mind that they really wanted to do and that job happened to be an enlistedman's job.
I'm sure this wasn't meant in a disparaging way, but I wouldn't recommend anyone enlisting that was "too immature for college". Our enlisted force is made of up incredibly well trained professionals and getting through boot camp and the follow-on technical training required for many of the specialties is no joke.
The benefit of the enlisted route is that you can serve your commitment and then have college and living expenses fully paid for through the GI bill. A very mustachian way to do things. Plus you can max TSP contributions while you serve and get in on the lowest fee retirement plan in the world.
Thank you all for your suggestions and help! Although I did mention only the financial aspect of it, my family has served in the military for many years. My great-great-great-grandfather served for the Union in the Civil War, my great-grandfather on my dads side served during WW2, and my my great-grandfather on my moms side served during Vietnam, and my aunt was accepted into West Point (but ultimately chose to go to college here in-state to stay close to home, didn't actually join). So this is not solely about money for me
I do intend to try to get accepted into the Air Force Academy, and I have talked to ROTC recruiter's here at my local state college, as well as looking in at the local USAF recruitment office.
I do currently have a cumulative (roughly) 3.75 GPA, and have gotten several achievements throughout school, including entry into the Junior National Honor Society, 1st place at State Science Olympiad, and others.
I am also currently doing Dual-Enrollment classes through the local community college, and will continue to do so throughout college, as I am hoping to have an associates when I graduate.
Knowing this as well, what other advise would you give?
I am very much split on what to do, because while I would like to join the military, I am not sure whether it is the right choice to make.
Knowing this as well, what other advise would you give?Here's some more thoughts.
I am very much split on what to do, because while I would like to join the military, I am not sure whether it is the right choice to make.
Are you familiar with the Academic Common Market? It is a tuition-savings program for college students in 15 SREB states, who want to pursue degrees that are not offered by their in-state institutions. Students can enroll in out-of-state institutions that offer their degree program and pay the institution’s in-state tuition rates. More than 1,900 undergraduate and graduate programs are available.
You may not have heard of this option, but I'd recommend talking to your local Air National Guard recruiter. You can enlist in the guard, get some of your tuition paid for, and get paid for the part time duty you pull each month. And the best part? Once you finish your degree you can apply for pilot slots within the guard and have a pretty decent shot at getting it. And the environment is much better than active duty. This option would both minimize your school costs, plus allow for you to reach your goal of a professional pilot. Oh and by the way, major airlines are much more likely to hire a low-hour military pilot than a high-hour regional captain.
If you'd like more info, feel free to message me and ask away! I'm currently in the guard and work with pilots everyday, so I have an extensive knowledge of the subject. Good luck to you!
I won't rehash what a lot of the other's have said, but I'll be available to answer any specific questions you have.
I went to the air force academy and graduated with a pilot slot. The academy is the most guaranteed way to get a pilot slot, I would estimate about 70% of those who want to fly get to out of there. From ROTC or OTS, you have to be near the top of your class to get a slot depending on the school you go to.
As other's have mentioned, flying with the air force provides a better opportunity for civilian follow on flying. Flying the larger cargo planes get you most of the ratings you need, and there are even special assignments that can get you civilian type ratings.
However, there is always the possibility that you won't get a pilot slot. My advice here is to be prepared for the worst. Get a good degree out of the academy so you have a fallback skill if you can't fly (most common if you're a good student at the academy is because of medical reasons). Non flying commitment is 5 years post academy.
Hello WildJäger (like the name), thank you for your advice!
I have been researching both the Air Force Academy (entry requirements, etc.) and other colleges, and I am still leaning towards AFA. As I said before my family has a history of military service, having served in the American Civil War, both World Wars, and the Vietnam war, and I would like to continue that service while also doing what I love.
I do plan on serving more than 10 years, as I would like to have a pension to provide extra buffer during FIRE, as well as being able to provide for hobbies (such as owning an aircraft), and I put the ten year commitment to put a timeline onto the original post.
I am currently trying to get a computer science associates degree while completing high school, which will also provide a buffer should I be unable to fly. I do understand that I may not be able to fly, however I have not yet had any medical problems that limited my flying ability so far. I will look into the Falcon Scholarship that you spoke about, and thank you for telling me about it. I have meet my state's senator before (unique quality of the school meant he came to visit, it is the only flight high school in the US). I can always send a letter to any member of my state gov't, so I have the ability to get senatorial recommendation rather easily.
Unfortunately, the uniqueness of my school comes at a (trivial) price, for sports we have: Basketball, Track, Soccer, and Volleyball, and they all compete in the charter league rather than the normal high school league (read: low exposure, less competition), fortunately I can participate in sports activities at other schools. I was in wrestling until my family moved in 8th grade, after that, I joined my high school basketball team (JV), and next year I will be on the varsity team. I am considering getting a job from now on, during summer and the school year, last year I was the sole archer for my schools youth archery team (I got 2nd place at the competition) and several of my friends want me to join the lacrosse team at another high school. As far as sports are concerned, I have the opportunity and ability. For non-sports extracurricular activities, I am in Civil Air Patrol, I was previously a Boy Scout (may return to get my Eagle Scout), I was a middle school state Science Olympiad champion, I currently mentor my schools middle school Science Olympiad, and I was in student counsel last year.I also went to a more specialized high school that required me to play hockey at a different school. Great list of activities there, keep it up. The acceptance board eats that shit up. Continue striving for leadership roles in your chosen extracurricular activities, they will be looking for leadership potential. Sounds like you're well on your way there.
I do understand that military life involves a great deal of travel, and that is a sacrifice I am willing to make in order to have a more free life.I didn't particularly enjoy the academy. It was stressful and extremely difficult, but manageable. The experience was good for me though, I don't know if I would have had the discipline at the time to focus on academics as much at a civilian school. The structured life teaches you time management, and the military exposure puts you in a better position than your peers after you graduate. You'll make lifelong friendships going through the suck together though. And some people enjoyed the experience, so it's very much personality based. The location is awesome though. You get some time off to explore Colorado. Great snowboarding in the winter, and top notch hiking just outside your back door. I used to grab my pack many Fridays and hike up the mountains for awesome camping experiences. You mentioned archery earlier. They have an amazing walking course on base that's free to cadets. I have yet to find a better course anywhere else. It was my go to location for stress relief.
You stated that you completed the academy with a pilot slot, did you enjoy going to the academy, and if you could do it over again, what would you do? (attend regular college or the Academy)
ALSO: What programs did you attend before acceptance (ROTC, etc.)? What advice would you give me, knowing what I have posted so far? (if I hadn't stated a college preference or Air Force preference) How long have you been in the Air Force (post-graduation), and what kind of aircraft do you currently fly (type, model: cargo such as the MC130J or fighter/attack such as the A10 Warthog/Thunderbolt)?
I have something to admit though, I do not plan to go FIRE until 35 at the earliest, I have my flaws, some of them including a love for cars (and vehicle modification), motorcycles (mainly dirt bikes), airplanes, and running my YouTube channel (expensive equipment). All of these hobbies are very expensive. I am trying to reduce my impact with these as much as possible (home built gaming rig instead of pre-built, secondhand motorcycles (and eventually aircraft), and modifying used cars (like my 1988 Suzuki Samurai), however some things I cannot simply let go, mainly airplanes and YouTube.
I do however try to make up for this with other, more cash friendly hobbies, such as woodworking (I sell custom made pens for as cheap as $15 plus shipping if you're ever interested, along with salt and pepper shakers, and razors), metalworking (welding, etc.), construction, reading MMM, and YouTube (which is currently not producing money, but... baby steps).
I got my computer science degree at the academy. They have a good program there. It's a tough balance between the academic and military requirements, but you can make it work. If you don't fly, the air force provides a lot of opportunity for cyber now a days. It's a top priority right now with some interesting missions.
The structured life teaches you time management, and the military exposure puts you in a better position than your peers after you graduate. You'll make lifelong friendships going through the suck together though. And some people enjoyed the experience, so it's very much personality based. The location is awesome though. You get some time off to explore Colorado. Great snowboarding in the winter, and top notch hiking just outside your back door. I used to grab my pack many Fridays and hike up the mountains for awesome camping experiences. You mentioned archery earlier. They have an amazing walking course on base that's free to cadets. I have yet to find a better course anywhere else. It was my go to location for stress relief.
There are tradeoffs for haulers vs fighters that I won't belabor here.
I have decided that I am going to try to get into the AFA.Keep us updated on how it goes.
I have decided that I am going to try to get into the AFA.Keep us updated on how it goes.
I have decided that I am going to try to get into the AFA.Keep us updated on how it goes.
He has started a journal at https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/journals/air-force-academy-bound/msg1533091/#msg1533091
I guess, he forgot to mention it here.
I have discussed the idea with my parents and flight instructor, and they all express support for me going into the AFA. So I have decided that I am going to try to get into the AFA.
I had discussed what planes I would like to fly when I had first started really considering the Air Force (last year) with my flight instructor, and I had decided that I wanted to fly larger cargo planes or bombers, such as the C-130 or B-52. HOWEVER this decision was made before I discovered Mr. Money Mustache, which means it was made with the assumption that after getting a pension and leaving the military, I would join the civilian aviation industry. Because civilian airlines prefer cargo pilots over fighter pilots, this influenced my decision, and I am now unsure of what aircraft I would like to fly with the goal of FIRE in mind.
I have been to Colorado Springs before, and it is quite nice, I would like going to school there, especially since it is close to home in case of an emergency. I do skiing in the winter, and hunting in the spring and fall, so the location would be one the best I could possibly have.
(WildJager) As a fellow Mustachian who went to the academy, do you have any advice for me for acceptance, life at the academy, how to be Mustachian at the academy, etc.?
I spent 8 years in the Army, with 4 years enlisted, and 4 years as an Officer. I went the ROTC route. Feel free to PM me if you have general questions about the military life, or if you want to know why the Air Force is the most inferior branch of the military.
I spent 8 years in the Army, with 4 years enlisted, and 4 years as an Officer. I went the ROTC route. Feel free to PM me if you have general questions about the military life, or if you want to know why the Air Force is the most inferior branch of the military.
You're just jelly because our food is better and we stay at nice hotels instead of tents. ;)
I'll drop in here with my experience. I won't rehash what a lot of the other's have said, but I'll be available to answer any specific questions you have.
I went to the air force academy and graduated with a pilot slot. The academy is the most guaranteed way to get a pilot slot, I would estimate about 70% of those who want to fly get to out of there. From ROTC or OTS, you have to be near the top of your class to get a slot depending on the school you go to.
As other's have mentioned, flying with the air force provides a better opportunity for civilian follow on flying. Flying the larger cargo planes get you most of the ratings you need, and there are even special assignments that can get you civilian type ratings.
However, there is always the possibility that you won't get a pilot slot. My advice here is to be prepared for the worst. Get a good degree out of the academy so you have a fallback skill if you can't fly (most common if you're a good student at the academy is because of medical reasons). Non flying commitment is 5 years post academy.
Don't necessarily consider the pilot route to only be a 10 year commitment. That 10 years starts when you get your wings. It took 2 years for me to get mine because the pipeline was backed up, so I'll have been in for 12 years all said and done.
However, if you can swing this route it's a very stable life (financially at least). You'll always have food, shelter, and a job, which was an important consideration for me when I started. The lifestyle is busy, and you'll be on the road a lot. It can be very difficult to have a stable family life. If you do choose to have a spouse, they have to be very flexible and willing to move (and have you gone for a decent portion of the year).
It looks like you could be a good candidate to get into the academy. Keep working on those extracurricular activities. Join things like sports teams to show leadership potential. I did earn my private pilots license in high school, which both helped my application and made pilot training easier. I thoroughly enjoyed pilot training compared to many of my peers, and I attest that to prior flying experience and a decent amount of flight simulator time (it was a hobby of mine as I couldn't afford too many real flying hours). When you apply, you'll have to get a recommendation from your senator. There are plenty of resources online how to do that. Look into a falcon scholarship, which is basically a prep year for academy candidates. It provides a year at one of the various military prep schools, and as long as your academics aren't trash you're almost guaranteed to get in. Plus, the curriculum is basically the same as the first year at the academy, which really helps because you'll be so busy there.
The academy is hard. Really hard. Physically and emotionally, you'll be drained by the end of the four years. However, it makes everything that comes later seem almost easy. If you go into it, commit completely. Otherwise, don't waste your time. Research and know what you're getting into before you go.
Going this route is guaranteed to make you FI before your commitment is up. And if you enjoy it, you can stay in until the pension for even more of a buffer. By 40, you'll never have to work again multiplied by a factor of 4. Don't fall into the debt trap that many people in the military do. Marry smart. I started investing with my first paycheck at the academy, and by the time I can walk away from my commitment I'll have over 60x my annual expenses saved up (DINK for the record). I don't plan on staying in because the love affair is over, but to each his own.
Starting a flying career in the civilian sector after college is expensive. You'll be paying your way every step of the way. So while the lifestyle might be a bit more free, financially you'll be much more constrained. It's really a decision between your ideals and what you want out of life.
Finally, baseops.net is a go the go to forum for air force pilots. There are subsections on how to get started.
If you have any specific questions, I'll be around to answer them. Good luck!
LETTER ON WHETHER TO BECOME AN AIR FORCE PILOT...... OR A NAVAL AVIATOR......
The piece is written by Bob Norris, a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about U.S. Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off".
In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following:
22 December 2005
Young Man,
Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"
USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogeneous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.
Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black Shoes (surface warfare) and Bubble Heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.
Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.
Banzai
P.S.: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.
Just my opinion, but don't join the military. ANY military. Not only can you experience an untimely injury or death due to empire, you might also be told to kill for empire. Expect to work with striving, jingoistic, often racist careerists...Expect to deal, daily, with those who do not have the intelligence to hold a weapon or possess the launch codes or give anyone orders but, nevertheless, do.
You can also expect to make less, over your lifetime, than a similar kid who takes the college route(or not at all) or trade school and just works for a living. You found MMM early, which means you are intelligent and thoughtful enough to just run the numbers. Read some papers on military vs. civilian outcomes before signing your life away to Uncle Scam.
Pilots in the civilian arena can make EXCELLENT money, especially in the tourism sector(like in Alaska) or, dare I say it, the oil and gas sector.
You have responsibility without killing, make more money without killing, decrease your chance of PTSD and suicide, and the probability you will die due to someone else's stupidity decrease greatly.
-fixie
Snip
Vets, I hope you don't consider this post unduly disrespectful.
I am not a vet, but have posted frequently on these boards. My family has served in most of this nation's wars, including the Revolution, and some members gave their lives in those fights. I think OP should consider some of fixie's points.
OP, at your age, if I had the goals you express, I would have pursued the military academies, especially Air Force. Later, I came to believe many objections to military service are valid. It's not just a courage issue or something that civilian leaders sort out, it's something to think seriously about before you take that oath. I have taken an oath to defend the Constitution more than once and took it seriously each time despite not being armed. It will be even more important for you if you take it. I don't know the best choice for you but I think you should consider two things before committing to the military:
1) On some level you will indeed be responsible for killing people. That really is what the job is about. You're clearly a planner. Consider contacting vets in anti-war organizations to find out what drives their views. If you're still comfortable with it, go ahead.
2) Once you sign up, you're going to follow orders even in an unjust war. There are a lot of wars these days where the justification is weak and innocents get killed, despite a lot of effort not to kill the innocents. Again the anti-war vets will have relevant comments. Again, if you're comfortable after giving them a fair crack at your head and heart, go ahead.
As personal testimony, I had little understanding of these issues as a teen despite taking AP History and AP American Govt from teachers who really tried hard to help us grasp these things. I just viewed it as necessary, and a challenge of courage. Only later did I realize there's a bigger picture. If you are going to take up arms as a profession, research this moral aspect as well as the financial aspect. There are many legitimate views on these things, dig into them before you take an oath.
As an outsider, it sounds like what is driving you is a desire to fly, as well as to have financial security. If financial security were the only goal, the military has many excellent paths, as does the civilian world. Follow MMM principles in the direction of your choice. You will succeed financially with any of the directions you choose, unless you suffer a fatality disruption during your job, or a career-ending injury.
Like most posters, I agree that the financially thrifty way to learn to fly is the military - if you're clear on the moral aspect. Do your research, make your choices and work your plan.
Just my opinion, but don't join the military. ANY military. Not only can you experience an untimely injury or death due to empire, you might also be told to kill for empire. Expect to work with striving, jingoistic, often racist careerists...Expect to deal, daily, with those who do not have the intelligence to hold a weapon or possess the launch codes or give anyone orders but, nevertheless, do. You can also expect to make less, over your lifetime, than a similar kid who takes the college route(or not at all) or trade school and just works for a living. You found MMM early, which means you are intelligent and thoughtful enough to just run the numbers. Read some papers on military vs. civilian outcomes before signing your life away to Uncle Scam.For all you servicemembers & vets who are having an adverse reaction to these sentiments, let's just remember that we support(ed) and defend(ed) the Constitution which gives everyone else the right to say things like this. The fact that we're reading paragraphs like this indicates we're doing our jobs right. No need to offer rebuttals or to pile on.
Pilots in the civilian arena can make EXCELLENT money, especially in the tourism sector(like in Alaska) or, dare I say it, the oil and gas sector. You have responsibility without killing, make more money without killing, decrease your chance of PTSD and suicide, and the probability you will die due to someone else's stupidity decrease greatly.
-fixie
I spent 8 years in the Army, with 4 years enlisted, and 4 years as an Officer. I went the ROTC route. Feel free to PM me if you have general questions about the military life, or if you want to know why the Air Force is the most inferior branch of the military.
You're just jelly because our food is better and we stay at nice hotels instead of tents. ;)