PPL vs Degree WOFT

[Firemedic]

Hello Everyone,

 

New poster here. I'm currently a firefighter/paramedic and will be starting my civilian WOFT packet soon. I won't be meeting the July deadline, so shooting for the first board of 2018. My question is which would be more beneficial to my packet? Completing an associates degree (currently have a bit of 60 credits) or obtaining my PPL? From my own research, I'm reading mixed reviews about the PPL benefits. Some say its a key element and shows passion and dedication to aviation, while others say its irrelevant in that you will learn to fly the Army way. On the degree end, it seems universally accepted that college credits are a big factor. Thoughts and opinions? I'm in a financial situation where I will be choosing one over the other.

 

And a big congratulations to all of those selected for the May board!

[MuffinMan]

I know many people who've been selected with either or both. But for my situation, I don't have either haha. I was selected on my first board. High GT score on ASVAB, mediocre passing SIFT score, civilian management experience along with extensive mechanical knowledge for 9 years, decent PT score, and great LORs from current aviators and a perfect battalion board interview score (75/75). Neither of what you mentioned is absolutely necessary, though neither one is going to hurt your packet in the least.

[VelosiT]

I think that generally, the board looks slightly more favorably on flight hours (at least, seemed that way to me). That being said, given your financial situation, I would advise that you finish your degree. Assuming you come out with a decent GPA, you're going to look just fine to the board, and finishing your degree makes more sense on the off-chance you don't get selected for the program.

[Trogdor]

I came in with the same background and credits as you. I did not have an associates or ppl when I got picked up. If you can choose only one I would do the associates as it will help you get picked up just as much as a ppl, will help you with promotions as a warrant later, and worst case will likely help your career progression should you not get picked up.

 

Where are you a firefighter?

[Firemedic]

Thanks for the insight. I guess I should have also made it clear, that the degree won't help much in the civilian world if I don't get selected. Simply a check in the box. However I found an online college that will only require 8 weeks of class to obtain the associates in the event it ever does become necessary.

 

Trogdor, I'm with STFD4 in Louisiana. Near New Orleans.

[Trogdor]

Cool! I was a full time firefighter/emt for 5 years or so in southern Arizona before I joined.

[Firemedic]

Small world lol. So are you currently AD enlisted going for a WOFT spot?

[CG.Mech]

Thanks for the insight. I guess I should have also made it clear, that the degree won't help much in the civilian world if I don't get selected. Simply a check in the box. However I found an online college that will only require 8 weeks of class to obtain the associates in the event it ever does become necessary.

 

Trogdor, I'm with STFD4 in Louisiana. Near New Orleans.

Hi Firemedic, I was selected on the May board. I don't have a degree and I do have a PPL. I applied as a sister service applicant with a big chunk of military flight crew time so perhaps a little different.

 

However, on the May board 22 civilians applied and 22 were selected. ALL of them had Bachelors except for one, who had an Associates.

 

If you can do an 8 week course to finish your Associates, I would highly recommend that!

 

... And then start on your PPL man! That 8 week course can't be the difference between a lifetime of flying regardless of the Army or not right?

 

My PPL was the best money I ever spent

[stearmann4]

A degree, every single time. Civilian flight time isn't a recommendation or requirement for career advancement, a bachelors degree is. In selective times when board competition is tough, a degree can be used as a front line discriminator to narrow down a pile of applicants, flight time is never used as such,

 

A degree makes you more competitive for promotion, and provides far more options down the road should you choose to make the Army a career. It can also ease your transition from Army to civilian life.

 

Mike-

[Trogdor]

Currently AD. I did my WOFT stuff back in 2007.

[Firemedic]

Thanks again. The 8 week course would/will be great, but it doesn't begin until October. Stearmann4 nailed it for me. Thats mostly what I was concerned about. If it was in a crunch would the degree or flight time give the winning candidate the nudge.