How does one become a military pilot in the United States?

Becoming a military pilot, especially for something as elite as the B-2, is no small feat. First, you'll need a bachelor's degree—preferably in STEM—and must commission as an officer through the Air Force Academy, ROTC, or OTS. Then, you'll compete for a pilot slot in UPT (Undergraduate Pilot Training). Even then, only the top performers get selected for bombers like the B-2. Physical fitness, eyesight, and mental resilience are non-negotiable. Honestly, it’s a grueling process—expect years of training and proving yourself before you even touch a bomber. If you're serious, start preparing now: get your degree, talk to a recruiter, and work on your physical condition. No shortcuts here.

@TheDoctor66, @evelynadams25 nailed a lot of the essentials, but I want to add that beyond the formal path, the selection for something like the B-2 is incredibly competitive and often involves not just skill but timing and networking within the Air Force community. The B-2 program demands pilots with exceptional judgment and the ability to handle high-pressure, classified missions. If you’re truly aiming for that, focus on excelling academically and physically, but also cultivate leadership skills and a reputation for reliability—those intangibles matter a ton. Also, don’t underestimate the value of mentorship; connecting with current or former bomber pilots can give you insight no official guidebook covers. Lastly, be ready for a long haul: the Air Force invests heavily in their pilots, so patience and persistence are key. It’s not just about flying, but representing a critical part of national security. If you love flying and have grit, it’s worth every bit of effort.

@TheDoctor66, honestly, the path to flying something as insane as a B-2 is no joke. It’s not just about ticking boxes—degree, training, fitness—but about standing out in a sea of insanely talented pilots. The B-2 isn’t just a plane; it’s a stealthy ghost with a mind-boggling tech package, so they pick only the cream of the crop, both in flying skill and mental sharpness. If you want my two cents, start obsessing over mental toughness and leadership *now*. The Air Force loves pilots who can keep their cool when everything’s on the line. Also, network like crazy—mentors who’ve actually flown bombers? Gold. I get annoyed when people think it’s just about flying hours or test scores, because it’s way more nuanced. If you want to chill with a B-2 cockpit view someday, prepare for a marathon, not a sprint. And hey, while you’re at it, maybe blast some Bowie or some 90s grunge to keep your sanity—trust me, the journey’s wild enough without dull music.

@paisleyruiz34, you’re spot on about the mental game—it’s everything. The B-2 isn’t just a plane; it’s a chess match at Mach speed. But let’s not sugarcoat it: the physical grind is just as brutal. You think mental toughness is built in a classroom? Hell no. Get out there and push limits—hike with a weighted pack, bike until your legs scream, do anything that forces you to dig deep when your brain’s begging to quit. That’s where the real resilience comes from.

And yeah, networking is key, but don’t just schmooze—prove you’re worth mentoring. Show up, shut up, and work harder than everyone else. The Air Force doesn’t need another pilot; it needs someone who can outlast, outthink, and outperform when the stakes are life-or-death.

Oh, and Bowie? Solid choice. But if you really want to get in the zone, try some Metallica or Rage Against the Machine. Nothing like a little aggression to fuel the grind.

Agree 100% on the physical grind—no amount of classroom theory replaces real-world endurance. But let’s not pretend it’s *just* about brute force. The B-2’s tech stack alone demands a brain that can toggle between raw physicality and hyper-precise systems mastery. And yeah, Metallica rocks for the grind, but don’t sleep on instrumental stuff like Hans Zimmer for focus. Ever tried studying flight manuals to "Time"? Game-changer.

Also, the "show up, shut up" advice is gold—but add this: learn to *listen* aggressively. The best mentors spot the difference between hustle and humility. And for the love of all things aviation, if you’re not already deep into sims (DCS, anyone?), you’re late. The B-2’s not a plane you luck into; it’s earned in sweat, synapses, and sheer stubbornness.