Becoming a Navy Fighter Pilot - Part 1 (What's the Best Commissioning Source?)

I've received A LOT of questions about how to become a Navy Fighter Pilot and what's the best commissioning source. Hopefully this video will shed some light on these questions. The is the first part of a multipart series that we give you the best chances at becoming a Navy Fighter Pilot.
Summary:
Must earn a 4-year degree
Commissioning Sources
1. Service Academy
2. ROTC
3. OCS
Enlisted Commissioning Sources
1. STA-21
2. ECP
Link to Commissioning Sources:
www.mynavyhr.n...
IG: @atbowman
#Navy #Navalaviation #Fighterpilot #becomingapilot

[@thesearcherman6652]

You got a real talent for explaining things, without leaving out the details! The Navy should have kept you. 👍

[@813kengarcia]

I enjoy your videos but I love how you're giving back by helping young people enter into the Community. This is gold, keep it up.

[@TheKCaryer]

Back in my ROTC days in the late 80’s, it was hard to get a pilot slot. In the early 90’s, only the top grad got a slot. We know the stories of 1942 thru 1945 and 1965 thru 1970 when we were cranking out pilot slots to virtually all qualified officer candidates to give it a go. It ebbs and flows based on the needs of the service.

[@Chavylifts]

I’ve been watching your videos for a little bit and it’s nice to finally get a video like this from you. I love the channel. ❤️❤️

[@Helibeaver]

Thanks for posting this. You don't get this kind of advice often. I'm sure it will help someone.

[@Riverplacedad1]

Good video. It’s always a good thing to understand the process. I was a product of both AFROTC and NOCS. The AF cut 90% of pilot ROTC scholarships in 75 so I went OCS shortly after finishing college. Never regretted it and after a long airline career, I still consider my time as an A7 pilot the most exciting and challenging time in my life. One thing I will point out. A normal college life gives you more freedom to enjoy your youth but there’s no doubt academy grads are given preferential treatment and that’s to be expected.

[@ascherlafayette8572]

Thank you, I've enjoyed watching your videos. It's good to see a new face in the online community. Personally I hope to attend a service academy and appreciate your optimistic motivation. I look forward to any future posts.

[@rvdareyet7201]

Hey, Alex. Love your channel and I’m also a member of the Tarheel Navy Class of ‘84.

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

That's awesome! Hope to see you at a Tarheel tailgate in front of the armory sometime!

[@cameronpfister8855]

Just got my OCS acceptance with a student naval aviator slot afterward! Great info!

[@margobaxter8344]

Such thorough detail Alex. You're an inspiration to all the new pilots, all over the world. Pity I'm too old now but if I wanted an instructor to teach me how to fly a fighter aircraft, I'd want it to be you. Keep the super videos coming, cheers from Scotland.

[@etherealhp3686]

As a young female dreaming of being a naval aviator, I find this very helpful! I’m starting at a very young age in hopes of making my dream a reality. I want to study aerospace engineering (how to operate and design the jets), so that maybe I’ll have a better chance at being the next female naval aviator. I’ve searched through many jobs, trying to find something to fit, but nothing has made me as excited as naval aviation. I need it as bad as I need to breathe, honestly. I have a long journey ahead of me, but hopefully this information will guide me farther down the trail!

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Keep following your dream! Good luck!

[@etherealhp3686]

@@AlexBowman_Ventures thank you!

[@alimhond656]

@@AlexBowman_Venturesyo man I’m about go to college this year and I want to become fighter pilot in Coronado but I’m not good in math or science what do you suggest that I do

[@whisp3r163]

fellow young aviation girlie here, did you ever get there?

[@etherealhp3686]

@@whisp3r163 I’m still in highschool but God has been making a way for me. I attend a top notch technical academy and had the opportunity to compete in a machining state competition (machining to get me into the engineering side) and won gold. I advanced to nationals and as a sophomore in hs, just last week I got 4th in the nation, just 5 points shy of gold! It’s gonna be a long journey but through Christ, all things are possible. I even got a job offer from a woman who is lead over a huge upcoming submarine project they’re starting in my state for the Navy. As young as I am, something like that on a resume will really help me. My suggestion is to seek as many opportunities as you can! Be involved in ur community, and learn all you can! We’ll get there someday

[@johnchaulk]

That stache is epic Mr. Bowman.

[@juno4494]

Oh, how this brings back memories. Here’s what my O recruiter told me about securing the best chance at an aviation career (when I sought this information in the early 80s): (1) go to Annapolis; if the Academy isn’t a possibility, (2) attend a quality 4-year school; (3) take a technical degree (Engineering, for example); (4) go NROTC; (5) while an undergraduate, get your private pilot’s license; (6) also as an UG, get every leadership opportunity possible (clubs, school organizations, etc.); (7) prepare to take the aviation officer exam early-as early as your junior year-because it is difficult and a highly competitive aspect of admission consideration. You can only take it again (in the event of a low score) after 6 months have elapsed.

[@user-cn6df6jn4v]

I stumbled into an OSC class in 79. Went back and got my degree. I had an aviation guarantee. Flew the phantom and the sky Hawk. Top gun grad. Augmented into regular usmc. Awesome.

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Badass

[@PAS_2020]

WOW‼️ The hero face of these incredible videos. THANK YOU‼️ There is no question you are a gr8 pilot. That refueling video sealed the deal for me. 👍

[@pauldaignault7407]

Not all schools have a Navy ROTC program. That leave you with the Navy OCS program. At the time that I was in it was a NAS Pensacola. I am sure that most attendees of OCS at NAS Pensacola found life there exhilarating. Every day was an adventure. I made lifetime friends there. Unlike Newport everything at NAS Pensacola was focused on flying. Ships were never talked about. There were some demanding times, but all it took was a low flyover by a couple students pilots going on a gunnery hop in the Gulf and we were 100% motivated again. It was great!

[@Ben..E]

A little wrench to think about... Needs of the Navy. It doesn't happen too often, perhaps rarely, but if there is a projected deficit in the number of qualified graduates entering a certain service selection, say Submarines, a number of graduates may 'volunteered' away from their first service selection. This happened during the build up of fleet back in the early 80's. Some may not be able to initially select Pilot due to class standing, and have to go Surface Warfare, but they can apply to go Pilot later, so all is not lost.

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

The needs of the Navy are always at play, but no use worrying about things outside of your control. One does, however, have control over class standing and the amount of time they want to devote to achieving their dreams. You're absolutely correct though and there is always a chance for lateral transfer to aviation later.

[@mdc734]

Alex very useful advice. Really you are so knowledge and young. Thanks for your time to up such good video. I hope more videos.

[@markrosier6889]

This is the info I was looking for, for my genius thought not driven or highly motivated son, Joshua. I'm not living a vicarious life through him but sure wish I had this information at his age.

[@tinaballinger2903]

My nephew just got accepted into OCS in Newport. He already has his pilot license (which is nothing compared to Navy). But it took an arm and leg to get into these elite selection!!

[@bschleevs2723]

Im 15 and im going into 10th grade i cant wait to join rotc thank you for explaining this

[@alecjohnston4010]

Just got my 1390 SNA spot out of NROTC man, head back down more work to do though, thanks for the video

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Congrats!

[@user-yv5fr1qs1w]

This guy knows the skies like the back of his hand.🌶️🌶️🔥🤙😎🤙

[@matthewmarston5149]

I'm a 3 decker: WARCOM, USAF, USMC: not listed in DOD: 1, US Enemies can't look me up 2, I out rank, and am cleared TS stamped 3, Related to Presidents in Office

[@matthewmarston5149]

I'm a 3 decker: WARCOM, USAF, USMC

[@Darko7]

Great video series man!

[@UncleMilty]

I like your videos! Pretty cool

[@CombatAviationist]

Very informative! I would suggest to include some graphical illustrations in your future videos!

[@patfarra627]

Augmented into the regular USMC from OCS. Back in the day.

[@Fox-One1937]

6:26 first advice was "don't be a deuce" from an other former pilote channel

[@matthewmarston5149]

I'm a 3 decker: WARCOM, USAF, USMC: not listed in DOD 😢

[@steveschroeder8697]

Alex whats next in your life ? You have already had a incredible journey? Best of luck in your next achievement .

[@gugu1356]

I'm college student majoring mechancial engineering. great day to see your newest video. ++ I just wondering what does it makes you to start second life to finish your naval life. thanks for video. your contents made my day

[@alanpadgett3732]

I had no idea you could be guaranteed a pilot slot before going to ots. Awesome information, I can’t find really much more about that do you have other links about that?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

reach out to your local OFFICER recruiter

[@josephtotter7484]

I had my EE degree and went in the AirForce enlisted and OTS 3 years later in 93. Back then your chances of getting a rated slot from OTS was about zero. The did have rated boards but they were super limited at best. The academy or ROTC was practically the only paths. I was not looking for a rated slot and had a MajCom sponsor fot OTS so it was no biggie for me.

[@umijs495]

yeah going rated through ots is still almost impossible even today. probably will be like that forever unfortunately

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

I'm not very familiar with OTS or what you mean by a rated spot. I assume you are talking about a guaranteed pilot contract? In the Navy the numbers are more limited for OCS than ROTC or a Service Academy, but every class still has several guaranteed pilot contracts available for candidates.

[@josephtotter7484]

@@AlexBowman_Ventures so in Air Force speak a rated officer is a pilot or one that has thier wings. Non rated was a everone else like me :) the rated board was for those seeking a pilot slot from ots. I am happy I had the 3 years and some enlisted prior to ots. Maturity and exoerience helped.. Since I was less than 4 years enlisted I did miss out on 01E pay though

[@matthewmarston5149]

I'm a 3 decker

[@loganp6452]

How do I get my pilot contract before ocs from my recruiter?

[@m00nd0ggie13]

Yeah, i wanted to enlist out of high school bc i didn't know what i wanted to do. I got good grades and got a scholarship to college and let my family talk me out of it. I did not finish school bc i still had no idea what i want to do. Now i'm 27 about to turn 28 and still have no clue. I've neen working as an EMT and started and stopped paramedic school twice bc i don't really want to go that route. I just feel like a failure. I've been thinking about missed opportunities and feeling the call to enlist. It's not a missed opportunity if i still meet the requirements. I have about 40 college credits. I can still enlist and finish my degree and then commission. I might be cutting it a little close to make pilot but I'm gonna let the Navy be the one to tell me no.

[@1943673]

I enjoy all your videos especially this one where we can see your full face and I’m an old lady.

[@spootnik00]

Super cool!

[@palashbharadwaj8958]

What is the maximum age to become a navy fighter pilot !!

[@matthiusmunday3628]

hell yeah brother

[@johnsmall9]

Will the acadamy count as the 4 year bachlors degree

[@griffinbunn1660]

Yes

[@jackjetpilot]

If only I could have had KZbin in 1986.

[@EclipseXBaller26]

I was wondering for someone with prior service experience do you think its possible to get an age waiver?

[@goodtalker]

Hello sir. We're you ever at El Cento, NAF? You look familiar? Have a good day.

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Many times

[@goodtalker]

@@AlexBowman_Ventures Thank you. Have a nice day.

[@Jackbilecki]

I just turned 16 and my dream is to become a naval aviator

[@astro_karbowski]

Thanks for posting this video! I'm a 7 year ANG enlisted guy trying to shake things up. Got about 13 classes left in college before I graduate. Have my Commercial Single Engine rating as well. I know in the grand scheme of things, civilian flight time doesn't really count for the Navy, but how does an Officer Recruiter view a prior-E from a separate branch in terms of hiring? If you have any experience with a situation like that. Cheers!

[@calebholman23]

What’s next the airlines?

[@leonolink6738]

so then can i study in the USAF academy and become a naval officer there?? how does that works?

[@noflameskateboarding2402]

Is there any chance i could ask you some questions about my personal situation?

[@marcuzzz2010]

Can u still be a navy fighter pilot if you dont have 20/20 vision?

[@jordancrawford3524]

I wanna fly and almost done with college, OCS might be what I do

[@maisywehner]

also, how do they select your aircraft and such? do you like request it, do you like sign up in advance or are you just given an aircraft to fly on and go with that for the rest of your naval aviation years? i’ve always hoped to be a fighter pilot in a jet like an F-18 and stuff, so it was a quick question as well

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Rank your preferences via a “dream sheet” then the Navy decides.

[@sofmodeon4227]

Is that DEVGRU blue squadron patch behind you mate?

[@TheBackpackingSailor]

are you attached to tacair in nevada by chance?

[@maisywehner]

hey alex! did you take a certain bachelors degree while in college for the ROTC? that’s my plan but i still don’t get the whole gist of it. i don’t know if they do a bunch of stuff or if you choose a degree that’s best.

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Study what you want. You can become a pilot with any degree. I was a biology major. That being said there are different weights applied to the degree however. A technical degree is weighted the most, followed by life sciences, and finally liberal arts/poli. sci.

[@rescobar8572]

Thank you for your service!!!

[@user-ud4vi5wv1b]

Благодарю за полеты восхищаюсь

[@samreingkunhuai2487]

keep flying time.

[@joeygill2616]

What is the age limit for a navy pilot?

[@KiDstoltz]

I just enlisted into the US Navy as a Logistics Specialist, I’m currently working on my private Pilot written test. I have one semester of college although I need a bachelors. I’m turning 26 this fall, think it’s possible that I could still make it to naval aviation?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Yes, it's possible

[@mrbill4187]

Had you ever piloted before the Navy? I got a crazy freind with a fixed wing ultra light lands in my hayfields, he hit a woodchuck hole one time and almost flipped it🤣

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Yes, I earned my PPL when I was 17

[@danial_alikhani]

How should the teeth be for a fighter pilot ?

[@marshallquigley2027]

In ROTC, would picking an engineering or aviation based degree increase your chances of getting a pilot slot or would it be the same as a person who is choosing an unrelated degree?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Technical degrees are weighted ore heavily than liberal arts degrees. Ie: engineering means more than political science.

[@cemilkoseler]

hello what should i do to join a nice squadron ? like a VFA-103

[@michaelr.7054]

My son put in for the June board. Good scores ,good MEPS. It was canceled ! Why !?# ,pipeline full ? finances ? They are short on pilots. Just finished his PPL. Waiting on next board in October. Also applying for Airforce , Can you apply to both at the same time ?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Which board? OCS board? I couldn't tell you why it was cancelled. The Navy has a tendency of making a series of over-corrections in the form of a sine wave. Too few pilots so they then flood the pilot pipeline and subsequently realize they have too many pilots and then shut off the source for too long. It is a constant cycle. I'm not certain about applying to both. I imagine as long as he hasn't signed a contract yet then he can absolutely apply to both. Air National Guard is also an option if the others don't work out and he still wants to fly fighters.

[@michaelr.7054]

@@AlexBowman_Ventures The June24th pilot/nfo [OCS]proboard was cancelled. Next one is Sept 16.By the way…I’m at FedEx

[@jennyjung9711]

I want to hear about the pilots' private lives. I wonder what the pilots do on their holidays

[@TheJMan1K]

Does the navy place an emphasis on what you’re studying regarding commissioning to be a pilot? I have an AAS in Autobody & Automotive tech but am actually getting 60 hours of credit through Texas A&M in Environmental and Occupational Safety/Emergency Response (Long name I know) but essentially anything involving osha and industry inspection I could work. This straining will award me a bachelors. I do have a 3.8 GPA and also meet all other requirements both mentally and physically.

[@Riverplacedad1]

Obviously understanding aerodynamics and the basic mechanics of aircraft helps, but it’s your pilot skills that make the difference. Start getting flying lessons and work on landings. A good third of your flight will be spent on touch and goes. Flying off an aircraft carrier is totally different than landing on 13000 ft runways in the AF. Gig EM 76

[@remnantvoid.4647]

How do I get in rotc?

[@sergiytereschchenko7572]

What is the NORMAL USUAL age requirements and max age requirement? Can I try at 41 yours old? I have Masters in US law...

[@jackshittle]

The $64,000 question is; how do I become a P-3C Orion pilot?

[@FoxGaming3]

Same route just pick a different path during flight school

[@ScottAvellino1]

Would love to get in contact with you to talk more about this!

[@drakewolf6437]

I’ve been told I can apply in my senior year for ocs. Is that true?

[@bobbykeen4485]

This is a bit late, but do you have to start rotc your freshman year? I’ve read you don’t have to. I’m transferring from community college and doing my three remaining years at a university with rotc

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

You don’t have to start freshman year. I believe you need a minimum of two years ROTC, but I could be wrong. Check with your school’s ROTC program for specifics.

[@MrThereyes2]

When you say a four degree, do you mean like a Bachelor's degree or just any degree like associate degree or justa college degree that is enough to get enroll into ROTC and all that to be the path to be a fighter pilot?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Bachelor’s degree from a 4 year university

[@rafaelrivera3100]

How can you guarantee to fly fighters in the navy ? Do you get to pick the aircraft you want after passing ocs?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

You do not select your aircraft pipeline until after completing primary flight school. You will be ranked based on your performance in flight school. There is a minimum score required to move on with flight training and a separate threshold score that you must be above in order to fly “tailhook” aircraft. The number 1 guy/gal gets there first choice and the rest comes down to performance, preference, and needs of the navy.

[@Lucy-bq5kd]

what do after i attend rotc im lost

[@gregorygrady2202]

Hey, are you related to VADM Mike Bowman by chance?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

negative

[@piercesalva4208]

What do I do after nrotc?

[@kcomber7708]

Is there a preference for military college NROTC like VMI Citidel or Norwich?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

No.

[@foxtrothotel96]

Wait, you can have a guaranteed pilot slot before going to OCS?! This is contradictory to all the other information I’ve found from all kinds of sources so far, basically all saying nobody can guarantee you a slot beforehand. So is this really true? Anybody here can confirm?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Yes, assuming you do well on the ASTB and pass your flight physical you can get a guaranteed pilot slot before OCS. This has been the case for at least the past decade. Reach out to an officer recruiter in your area for specific information and policies. They are going to be more helpful than KZbin commenters.

[@leilaniratoto]

does it matter which rotc I attend? and if I attend an Air Force rotc can get I still become a fighter pilot in the navy or is that different?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

You may be able to commission into the Navy after finishing an AFROTC program, but realize ROTC is the foundation to understanding all aspects of that particular branch of service. I would find an ROTC program that is specific to your service if you have that option.

[@samuelmaki2752]

Can I go to an academy for the free college and then do OCS to ensure my spot as a pilot??

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

No. Go to the Academy and do well. You can ensure your pilot spot that way

[@backattackjack3857]

3:55 I agree that going OCS instead of ROTC is not having your education paid for, but I’m 29 and had a decade of fun working in the private sector after college and now have a graduate degree I’m using to pursue OCS. I feel a lot of my ROTC friends missed being young and working outside the service after graduation. But having school paid for is huge, you’re right.

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Depends on priorities and age/rank/pay. Most recent civilian grads are making less than their pilot counterparts. This changes around the 4-6yr mark where on average civilians surpass military officer pay. If you were to apply later in life you are taking a hefty pay cut and your job experience adds no benefit for increased wages. On the other hand, if you go in straight out of college and then get out after your obligated service requirement you now have work experience that lends itself to increased civilian pay. Additional things to consider are family life. Would you rather travel abroad on deployment in your 20s-30s or 30s-40s. I would argue most are looking to settle down in their 30s-40s.

[@anayadeely5630]

hey Alex im homeschooled and was wondering if you new where the best place to start and I am a freshman

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Look into universities that have ROTC programs or a service academy. Do your best to get accepted to one of those institutions. Contact the ROTC unit during your junior year to set up a visit and learn the paperwork process for submitting an application for ROTC full scholarship. The navy will give you a full ride through college and then pay you to learn to fly. Best deal ever!

[@xris5697]

Just wondering why you only have 11 years service. Hired with the airline now?

[@freedomfan4272]

That's about the same time 'the ready room' AKA "Gonky" had active duty when he got out.

[@wutdafeezi]

If you wear corrective lenses can you apply to be one?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Yes, see PART 2 of becoming a fighter pilot kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5XXo6eNhpeLhtE

[@orf_av8or303]

Do you NEED to be in ROTC to get accepted into OCS?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

No

[@nero9105]

im about to be a senior in highschool and start applying for colleges this month so is it too late to pursue rotc?

[@christianfontanella2762]

i hope not

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

No, it’s not too late!

[@martadeely9249]

hey so I am a freshman and im homeschooled do you no of any classes I could do to help me get into becoming a navy pilot

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Nothing specific in HS, but once in undergrad you will need a strong math (physics based calculus 2) and physics background. Work hard at these disciplines and try to get into team sports.

[@martadeely9249]

​@@AlexBowman_Ventures would I need to do calculus and physics in high school or more into collage?

[@tgrghost3704]

Hey! Alex, I have one question to u. How old are u? U so handsome man. Love u so much bro. But one problem I can't watch u when u live

[@walkeryoung7759]

I don’t know if you’ll see this or not, I’ve watched some of your other videos and I have a question regarding GPA. Is a 3.5 GPA in a technical field a high enough GPA to be competitive for a pilot slot?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Probably, but it's more than just grades that is evaluated. Your competency, evals, peer reviews, ASTB scores, fitness test, anthro measurements, criminal history, etc

[@hayatadair9610]

How do you keep your mustache? Mustache is forbidden for soldiers especially officers in the regular armies.

[@bobrunge7594]

My son was a victim of the NAMI WHAMMY back in 1992. Graduated w/honors from Purdue BS in Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering. Left eye was 20/25 instead of 20/20. Crock of sh-t…..

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Sorry to hear. The navy has loosened restrictions on that quite a bit.

[@bobrunge7594]

@@AlexBowman_Ventures He went to the Air Force… Engineering and retired as a Lt. Colonel with 23 years. He took the pilot test for the AF and passes, but no pilot slots open after Desert Storm. Took it again at age 28 and passed but felt he was too old to train with 22 year olds. Has his ATP and CFII. Has taught many an Air Force pilot to fly. Now he works for the NRO in DC. Has a Piper 180. He’s happy and that’s what counts

[@shrimpflea]

Could have been a RIO or WSO?

[@bobrunge7594]

@@shrimpflea Was offered RIO… turned it down. Joined to fly not ride in the back

[@SanEA1020]

Alex, if the person is a foreigner and has a green card, can they follow these steps?

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Must be a US citizen

[@SanEA1020]

@@AlexBowman_Ventures tks bro

[@SEALwannabe100]

I have that exact same shirt lol

[@Willtellthetruth]

Great video. If you didn’t have the moustache and beard you’d look 12. Seriously. Did you find the fountain of youth?

[@breephoenix111]

I noticed you've also a dental surgeon, is that what you're doing atm?

[@benwalker5934]

Color blindness auto-disqualifies you from

[@AlexBowman_Ventures]

Usually, yes.