I concur with what has been said. Being a pilot of any aircraft in the AF = College or AF Academy.
One question I would ask him is this.
- Does he just have a burning desire to turn and burn? IE: Be a fighter pilot?
If he has high mechanical aptitude and loves working on things mechanical, might I suggest looking into becoming a Crew Chief for fighters? Sure, you don't have the life style of an officer, (no offense to fellow current and past Officers out there) but there's nothing more full filling than fixing or repairing your own aircraft, sending it off on a sortie and having it come back Code 1. Especially when your pilot gets out with a smile on his face. Another bonus is, you do have the chance of winning an incentive flight in the fighter maintenance field. Being a pilot in any branch will definitely be a life style of constant pilot study, that is 100% true.
I too had to make the choice, Navy vs AF and what ultimately swayed my decision was the type of aircraft between services. Both branches are definitely on the cutting edge of technology when it comes it comes to fighter aircraft but the types are very specific to each branch. IE: Navy and Marines have Carrier based models F/A-18C through G model Hornets & Super Hornets and AV-8B Harriers, where as the AF has land based fighters such as F-15C through E model Eagles, F-16C/D Falcons, F/A-22 Raptors, A-10 Warthogs and coming soon F-35 Lightnings. Given, there are land based Marine squadrons out there, but most are assigned to Carrier Air Wings.
Another thing that will be coming soon, will be pilot programs for our UCAV strike aircraft. I'm sure today the qualifications are the same as human piloted aircraft, but this could change as needs dictate for the future. No matter what he chooses, his career options after the military are very good. Especially if he chooses a field with great demand in the civilian world. Has he taken the ASVAB test yet? Those results will definitely help him get a better overall view of his options, no matter which branch he decides to go with. The higher the score, the more your phone will ring from recruiters.
And one last thing too consider is this, in today's job market, having a college degree does not mean you will immediately get a degree matching job. There are a lot of people I know, who have taken the 4-8 year college path who are still looking for a job based on their degree. The job market is flooded and everyone wants experience. Working a job just to pay back your student loans and looking for a degree matching job is rough. On the other hand, joining the military, choosing a full filling job while in, serving your country, getting college paid for and having the ability to go to school while in the service, is a much better option in my opinion, but being a former AF crew chief, I am a little biased.
Hope some of this helps.
Patrick