Being a fighter pilot in the US is strange.  In most countries it is seen as a long-term commitment, a career.  But since TopGun, US fighter jocks just don&#x27;t stay that long.  Five years or so, then retirement into civilian life.  Being a fighter pilot seems more of a career stepping stone.  (Same goes for seals.)  I keep running into ex pilots at security events, at committee meetings, or as politicians.  So I can understand the demand.  Your brother was up against not just those wanting to be pilots, but also those wanting the badge on the resume.<p>The flip side is that while well trained, US pilots have a bit of a reputation.  They seem like they are trying to fit the TopGun stereotype.  I once read somewhere that the Naval program on which the movie is based was losing more pilots to motorcycle accidents than flying.  That&#x27;s probably an aberration as these are small numbers, but the concept that pilots would even ride motorcycles off duty is odd.  You&#x27;d never see an astronaut taking such risks.