How hard is it to become a fighter pilot?

The first step in becoming a fighter pilot is obtaining a bachelor's degree. A degree that is related to aviation or military service is recommended.

Next, you have to join the Air Force, Navy, or Marine Corps as a commissioned officer and pass qualifying officer tests. The Air Force requires all candidates to pass the Air Force Officer Qualifying Test. Navy and Marine pilots must take and pass the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Aviation Selection Test Battery.

You must also meet the physical fitness requirements. Fighter pilots must have 20/20 vision, exceptional hearing, and be able to withstand the G-forces imposed on the body when flying in a jet. G-force tests are simulated flight tests and you must get through them without passing out or vomiting.

After this stage, you then have to agree to the time commitment. Air Force pilots must commit to 10 years of service, Navy pilots must commit to 8 to10 years of active service, and Marine pilots must commit to 8 years of active service.

Now you have to undergo flight training. Air Force pilots do pre-flight and academic training, after which they must complete 22 weeks of primary training. Navy pilots take a six-week indoctrination course at the Naval Aviation Schools Command in Florida.

Marine pilots must attend six weeks of Aviation Preflight Indoctrination in Florida, 22 weeks of Primary Flight Training in Florida, Texas, or Oklahoma, and 14 to 49 weeks of Advanced Flight Training in Florida, Mississippi, or Texas.

If you become one of the few people to successfully pass these training programs, you are then assigned a fighter jet.