What does it take to become a fighter pilot in the Navy?
You need to have a bachelor’s degree, be a commissioned officer, meet all physical standards, be selected as a naval aviator, and complete flight school. You can earn a bachelor’s at a civilian school with an NROTC program, or earn a bachelor’s and apply for OCS. You could also attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. During OCS, NROTC, or USNA, you will have the opportunity to screen for different service selections, including aviator. If you are not selected as an aviator, you are still required to fulfill your commitment (4 years active/4 reserve for OCS/ROTC, 5 years active/3 reserve for USNA). Medically, you have to meet all the height/weight and vision requirements. You cannot have eye surgery prior to military service, though you may be eligible for PRK once you are in the Navy. Once at flight school, you must complete API and primary, and be selected for jets at the conclusion of primary. If you are selected for jets, you will go to advanced training. It takes about 2 years a
