[EricH]

Originally Posted by Pretzel

[...] a majority of them are recruited from the Air Force Academy, which places heavy emphasis on STEM degree programs.

Just as a thought... You're forgetting about two other branches that use fighters, and three that use helicopters. That would be the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Army (which last if I'm not mistaken is helos and drones only as far as flying--I could be wrong). And the Navy and Marine Corps have somewhat more "intense" landings and takeoffs if they're doing carrier flying.

However, I would be very, very surprised if something like the rest of your post wasn't true for the other branches (just replace the school with either the Naval Academy or West Point).