Hello,
I have been awarded a NROTC scholarship to Purdue and a USAFA appointment. I have also always seen myself being in the Navy, wearing whites, and flying whatever it is that the Navy needs me to fly (ideal outcome).
However, having been awarded the USAFA appointment, my mind is telling me it is impossible to deny the option to go to a service academy.
I have been talking to pilots from each branch nearly every day. Obviously they all tell me their branch is the best if you want to fly. I understand what the difference is between NROTC and an Academy, and that the Academy will basically own you for four years. I am not really worried about getting a pilot slot in each branch either. In fact, I will be getting an anomaloscope test (CCT comparison for AF pilots) to make sure I will even qualify in case I do choose the USAFA. I also know that the attrition rate for AF pilots is higher.
Part of me says who cares that its an Academy, do what will make you happy in 8 years and join the branch that you have always wanted to: NROTC. But the other part of me says the obvious choice is the Academy as it is so such a limited opportunity.
The most helpful advice I have gotten so far is just "pretend you got AFROTC and NROTC, what would you take, there is your answer, there is no shame in not accepting an appointment" - coming from an AF guy.
By no means am I complaining, this is not at all a bad predicament to have. I'm very fortunate. I just need advice from people who have lived it to make the best decision.
I have been awarded a NROTC scholarship to Purdue and a USAFA appointment. I have also always seen myself being in the Navy, wearing whites, and flying whatever it is that the Navy needs me to fly (ideal outcome).
However, having been awarded the USAFA appointment, my mind is telling me it is impossible to deny the option to go to a service academy.
I have been talking to pilots from each branch nearly every day. Obviously they all tell me their branch is the best if you want to fly. I understand what the difference is between NROTC and an Academy, and that the Academy will basically own you for four years. I am not really worried about getting a pilot slot in each branch either. In fact, I will be getting an anomaloscope test (CCT comparison for AF pilots) to make sure I will even qualify in case I do choose the USAFA. I also know that the attrition rate for AF pilots is higher.
Part of me says who cares that its an Academy, do what will make you happy in 8 years and join the branch that you have always wanted to: NROTC. But the other part of me says the obvious choice is the Academy as it is so such a limited opportunity.
The most helpful advice I have gotten so far is just "pretend you got AFROTC and NROTC, what would you take, there is your answer, there is no shame in not accepting an appointment" - coming from an AF guy.
By no means am I complaining, this is not at all a bad predicament to have. I'm very fortunate. I just need advice from people who have lived it to make the best decision.