pcolaflyer09
Member
It was suggested that I share my story after trading messages with a contributor on an un-related thread.
I completed OCS and attended flight school as an SNFO in 09'-10'. During flight school, the actual training went well. I enjoyed the flying part immensely and my academics were very good. A few months into Primary, however, I started to deal with some personal issues. Nothing serious, but also nothing I really want to share with everyone on a public forum (if you're really curious, feel free to message me).
At the time, I THOUGHT that I had thought things through carefully and made the decision to DOR from training. As I mentioned in the other thread, this was the most regrettable decision of my life.
The purpose behind this posting is to offer a word of caution to others in flight school contemplating a similar course of action. I understand that everyone's situation is different and your reason for DOR-ing may be a result of something to which I simply cannot relate.
HOWEVER, I can tell you from someone that has moved on to the civilian world as a Reservist, there is no comparison to the challenge and, in many cases, the purpose that life as a military aviator provides. I have a good job working in the office of a global engineering company. Every single day, as I sit in my office and stare at my computer screen surrounded by meaningless paperwork, I regret not holding on to the incredible opportunity that I once had. I realize that looking back with regret is not the way to live life, but I would be lying if I said I didn't think about it often. You are most likely in flight school because you have that internal desire to live up to your potential to the fullest extent. I can assure you that feeling won't be fullfilled working in most civilian professions. That probably sounds a bit arrogant, but I do believe it to be true.
So...for those of you thinking of a DOR, PLEASE take a step back and seriously consider the implications. I know from experience that flight school is not easy and will kick your ass at times. If it was a breeze, everyone would do it. And I know that personal issues, whether it be a girlfriend or missing family or the lifestyle not coming off as what you envisioned it to be or whatever....can seem overwhelming when you are in the grind of flight school. But in the grand scheme of things, it is only 1-2 years out of your life and if you stick it out, you will be experience things in your career that VERY FEW people will ever have the chance to experience. You do not want to give that up. Trust me. Take pride in yourself for being in the position you are in and ride it out.
I hope I don't come off as talking down to anyone for thinking about quitting, because...I did DOR and that would be hipocritical. I just want to offer caution to those thinking about doing the same and support in any way that I can... Feel free to message me if you have any questions at all.
I'm currently trying to go Army right now to try and get back in the military aviator family. I realize it will be an uphill battle given my past choices, but I have a great deal of respect for this profession and geuinely appreciate the caliber of person it takes to do what you all do...
I completed OCS and attended flight school as an SNFO in 09'-10'. During flight school, the actual training went well. I enjoyed the flying part immensely and my academics were very good. A few months into Primary, however, I started to deal with some personal issues. Nothing serious, but also nothing I really want to share with everyone on a public forum (if you're really curious, feel free to message me).
At the time, I THOUGHT that I had thought things through carefully and made the decision to DOR from training. As I mentioned in the other thread, this was the most regrettable decision of my life.
The purpose behind this posting is to offer a word of caution to others in flight school contemplating a similar course of action. I understand that everyone's situation is different and your reason for DOR-ing may be a result of something to which I simply cannot relate.
HOWEVER, I can tell you from someone that has moved on to the civilian world as a Reservist, there is no comparison to the challenge and, in many cases, the purpose that life as a military aviator provides. I have a good job working in the office of a global engineering company. Every single day, as I sit in my office and stare at my computer screen surrounded by meaningless paperwork, I regret not holding on to the incredible opportunity that I once had. I realize that looking back with regret is not the way to live life, but I would be lying if I said I didn't think about it often. You are most likely in flight school because you have that internal desire to live up to your potential to the fullest extent. I can assure you that feeling won't be fullfilled working in most civilian professions. That probably sounds a bit arrogant, but I do believe it to be true.
So...for those of you thinking of a DOR, PLEASE take a step back and seriously consider the implications. I know from experience that flight school is not easy and will kick your ass at times. If it was a breeze, everyone would do it. And I know that personal issues, whether it be a girlfriend or missing family or the lifestyle not coming off as what you envisioned it to be or whatever....can seem overwhelming when you are in the grind of flight school. But in the grand scheme of things, it is only 1-2 years out of your life and if you stick it out, you will be experience things in your career that VERY FEW people will ever have the chance to experience. You do not want to give that up. Trust me. Take pride in yourself for being in the position you are in and ride it out.
I hope I don't come off as talking down to anyone for thinking about quitting, because...I did DOR and that would be hipocritical. I just want to offer caution to those thinking about doing the same and support in any way that I can... Feel free to message me if you have any questions at all.
I'm currently trying to go Army right now to try and get back in the military aviator family. I realize it will be an uphill battle given my past choices, but I have a great deal of respect for this profession and geuinely appreciate the caliber of person it takes to do what you all do...
