Degrees not needed!??

[JIP]

I recently had my Navy interview for Pilot Officer training, and was told(similar to RAF) that A-levels are only really needed and even A-level Maths isn't needed, but physics is.
I said that i was thinking of doing a Geography degree or Geological Sciences or perhaps aeronautical engineering, but was told that engineering is too qualified for pilots and would be better suited in other fields, and that types of Degrees don't matter anything from History to Zoology!!, therefore i was encouraged to join the Navy and RAF at 18.
It seems that a good education is needed, but this is only half the battle for suceeding to be a pilot (true or not??)
Is all i have been told correct for the Armed forces and airlines??
Any help/views gratefully recieved!!
THANKS
SPRINGBOK

[DeltaT]

From someone who has a double major degree, all I can say is that its good to have to fall back on, and also for getting work outside aviation, when needed.
But for aviation itself, they (airlines) don't give a toss.

[ShyTorque]

I gave up the chance of a degree to join the RAF as pilot. Although it turned out fine for myself, I met many along the way who didn't make the grade for a number of reasons, including some who lost their medical cat during training.

As DeltaTee said, in those circumstances it's best to have something else to fall back on.

The only possible gotcha is that if you go for the degree first, you need to be aware of the maximum age for aircrew entry. Also the requirements for aircrew don't remain constant so if you didn't take up an offer now, it may not be there in 3 or 4 years time.

Good luck in any event! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

[Genghis the Engineer]

What a degree gives you is options; if all goes well with the Navy you may not need them, if it doesn't, you may.

I'd suggest getting a University offer, joining the Navy, and after a year you'll have a pretty good idea if the Navy is going to be your career, or if it's not working out, in which case you'll have learned a lot, and can then go to University to learn other things.

G

[JIP]

THANKS!! for the replies some really good thoughtful responses making my future a bit clearer.
SPRINGBOK