Here’s one pilot’s story. Take it for what it’s worth…I’ve been a commercial airline pilot at a major U.S. carrier for over ten years flying mostly international. It’s been a great job and provides a very comfortable life for my family. However, It took a lot to get to this point. After HS, I enlisted in the Navy and was trained to be an air traffic controller. Not satisfied with just talking to pilots, I decided to become one and was eventually accepted into the NROTC program. I attended USC and got an engineering degree because that’s what the Navy said they preferred. Upon graduation I “owed” the Navy five years (I believe it is now ten years). I received my commission as an officer and went to Pensacola for Navy flight training. In the Navy I flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. It was truly an adventure as I traveled the world doing very interesting missions and served with outstanding individuals. It wasn’t always fun and family separations were hard. Every time I had an opportunity to get out and go to the airlines, the Navy would entice me with something interesting to stay (graduate school, test pilot school, congressional aide, Embassy duty), Before I knew it, 20 years had gone by. I knew I would have to eventually transition from the Navy, so after 20 I “retired” with a nice pension, medical and educational benefits for my kids. With the education and experiences the Navy provided me with, I had many career choices in civilian life. But I wanted to return to the cockpit because as someone once told me “if you love what you do, then it’s not realy work.” I was fortunate to get hired by a major airline right away and truly love my job. Disclaimer: The military is not for everyone (nor do they take everyone), and as with many things in life, good timing and luck played a role in my career. The airline industry, like any other, has had their ups and downs, and my past experience may not translate to your son’s future. Best of luck!