How to Become a B-2 Pilot
The Air Force only recently began accepting B-2 pilots straight out of undergraduate pilot training (UPT). Slots for the jet are still very rare because there aren't very many B-2s, and the squadrons prefer to recruit from the ranks of more seasoned pilots. A more likely route is to get assigned to one of the other two bombers, the B-1B or the B-52, and then apply to switch over once you are eligible. In any case, you'll have to be accepted to, and complete, UPT.
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Instructions
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Get accepted to UPT. Every year the Air Force determines how many new pilots it needs. Then they open up that many pilot slots for new recruits coming on active duty, plus a few for officers in other career fields who want to change over.
The slots for new recruits are distributed to the three different commissioning sources: the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) and Officer Training School (OTS).
The most likely way to get a pilot slot is to attend the Air Force Academy as it gives UPT slots to all qualified cadets. The remaining slots are filled through AFROTC and OTS, and you must compete for them because there are more candidates than slots. You would attend AFROTC if you don't already have a degree and OTS if you do.
Getting into UPT via AFROTC or OTS requires good college grades, high scores on the qualifying test and a solid rating from your ROTC commander or OTS interviewer.
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Do well at UPT. To get your choice of aircraft, you have to beat your peers, who are going to be top-notch pilots. However, B-2 slots are so rare (three UPT slots per year according to WantsCheck.com) that you may not even get the chance to select them even if you are at the top of your class.
More likely, you will want to choose either the B-52, or the B-1B. The B-52 would be a slightly better choice because it has a nuclear mission like the B-2. The B-1B is a strictly conventional bomber and is currently used very differently than the other two.
When you are at UPT, you will select a track early in your training. The tracks are fighter/bomber, heavies, props, helicopters and unmanned. You want to get into the fighter/bomber track, which is the most sought after. Once you get into that track, it should be easy to choose a bomber because they are usually not as desired as fighters.
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Apply for the B-2 program once you are eligible. After two years in your original aircraft, you should be eligible for a new assignment. Your squadron should announce when the Air Force is accepting applications to join the B-2 program. The recommendation from your commanders will be the major factor in determining if you are chosen to cross over.
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Tips & Warnings
It is not a rule that you have to fly bombers to become a B-2 pilot, but it helps. Another option is to select instructor pilot out of UPT, then request B-2s after the completion of your first tour.
A lot is going to depend on luck. You'll need to be in the right place at the right time. Even if you do everything right, the needs of the Air Force may foil your best-laid plans.
References
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