Can't give you a definitive 'yes' or 'no', but I don't think this is a realistic plan.

1. When in your first couple years of active duty do you think you'll have time to complete an online BS in math/physics/science? You are going to have all you can handle between SUPT, ancillary training, your FTU, MQT in your MWS, and then jsut figuring out how to be a Lieutenant in an operational flying unit. My personal opinion is that you're going to have several years before you're even able to start such a degree program.

2. TPS is very competitive. While an online degree *might* be accepted, it certainly won't be as competitive as a traditional BS in the hard sciences.

If you really want to go to TPS sometime, you might think about delaying going on active duty in order to get a BS. I also know of some guys who did AFIT right after commissioning (also a competitive program) and that heped them get into TPS.

Hacker thanks for the insight, how does the delayed active duty work if say I got a pilot slot out of AFROTC, Would I be able to do that? Also, if I do not get the delayed active duty, isn't there something like a 6-12 month wait until you EAD after commissioning? If that is true I might be able to at least start my degree and finish the remaining later down the road. Thanks.

My understanding is that if you delay your entrace onto AD, you will forfeit your pilot slot and will have to compete for it again the year before you commission. If your scores are good, this might not be such a big deal, but...you know, a bird in the hand and all that.

I know that my senior year in college rotc offered us a chance to apply for extra education and delayed AD, but we had to give up our assigned AFSC. So there definitely might be a program out there that would allow for that. Just realize that you will likely have to go through the pilot selection process all over again.

Thank you guys for your help, it looks like I'm going to have to either delay EAD or wait a couple of years or so until I can get started.

Some additional information from someone that researched application processes for TPS a few years ago (way back when I was in my eligibility window). A BS in some engineering/science field is required, however, almost every applicant also had a Masters in one of these fields. About 2 to 3 years after you become CMR as a fighter pilot, you'll finally have time to pursue traditional education (i.e. night school in residence, etc.) to obtain your Masters. If you're using this time to obtain your BS in some science field, you're behind the power curve. Commanders don't recommend people who aren't the best to go to TPS. So, if you are the best once the time comes around and you don't have a Masters, you'll probably be passed over for someone else that's just as good as you, but has the more advanced degree. Additionally, the window for applying for TPS is very narrow for Active Duty personnel (2 years or so). If you're not ready with all the prerequisites (official and unofficial), you won't be recommended.

As pilot slots become harder and harder to come by (though UAV spots are becoming easier!), deciding to delay commissioning if you already have a slot can cause a huge change in the kind of career you can expect in the AF.

I know a bit about TPS, so I will try to throw a little light on the subject.

I know of someone who got in with a BA, but a MS from a good school in engineering. When they look at your package (sts) it will just make you a little less competive than someone who has both a BS and MS. Which some of the pilots, but not all, will have.

The only time-limiting thing for applying to TPS is to get in before 10 years of service. Other than that you have to meet the fairly stiff requirements (750 hours in MWS). AFIT is probably one of the best ways to get into TPS. There are even spots that you can apply for TPS w/o a masters, they send you to AFIT to get one and then you are placed in the next TPS class once you are done with AFIT.

I can get the PDF that they send out to prespective students. PM me if you want it.

Q