Fact Check: "Virts highlights military service, joining the Air Force at just 17."
What We Know
Terry W. Virts, a retired NASA astronaut and colonel in the United States Air Force, was born on December 1, 1967. He graduated from high school in 1985 and subsequently joined the Air Force, where he completed his training as a pilot. According to his biographical data, he went through basic fighter and F-16 training before being assigned to operational roles. However, the specific age at which he joined the Air Force is not explicitly mentioned in the available sources.
Analysis
The claim that Virts joined the Air Force at the age of 17 lacks direct evidence from the sources. While it is known that he graduated high school in 1985, this would imply he was 17 at the time of graduation. However, the timeline of his enlistment is not detailed in the provided sources. The Wikipedia page on Virts states that he attended the United States Air Force Academy and later became a pilot, but does not specify the exact age of his enlistment.
The reliability of the sources varies. The biographical data from Harvard's official site is credible, as it is an institutional source. The Wikipedia entry is also generally reliable but can be edited by anyone, which may lead to inaccuracies. The Military Wiki entry provides a brief overview but lacks detailed citations that would confirm the age of enlistment.
Given the lack of specific evidence regarding the age at which Virts joined the Air Force, the claim remains unverified.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The assertion that Terry Virts joined the Air Force at 17 cannot be confirmed with the available sources. While it is likely that he enlisted shortly after high school, the exact age of enlistment is not documented. Further research would be necessary to provide a definitive answer.
