C172 Pilot reported while on pipeline patrol tried to maneuver clear of T38 flight resulted in a NMAC.

Narrative

On Date; at approximately XE26Z; XA26CST local time; I was 17 NM SSE of ZZZ and identified a pair of T-38's flying in formation via ADS-B on course to intercept my route as a pipeline patrol pilot. When I first identified this; ADS-B indicated the pair was at about 1000 ft. AGL; while I was operating at 600 ft. AGL. I was on an eastbound heading while they were on a northwestbound heading approximately 6 NM away. I made the decision to reduce altitude to allow for additional clearance between the two planes and myself. As I dropped altitude to 500 ft. AGL; FAA minimums; the pair also dropped to be coaltitude with me. At this point; a simple change of altitude wasn't going to be enough corrective action to entirely deconflict from the pair. I decided to execute a 360 degree turn to the right; believing this would allow enough time to pass for the pair to cross my intended path and I would be able to safely cross behind them without any risk of collision. As I approached 270 degrees through the turn; ADS-B indicated the pair had altered their course and they were now headed westbound; straight at my aircraft. I roll out around the 270 degree mark and am now headed north while they are coming straight at me. Quickly realizing they will intercept me in seconds; I decide the best option I have to deconflict is to continue northbound at full power while they continue west. I recognize the gap between us is closing rapidly and weigh my other options. If I turned east; I'd be facing straight at them and a smaller target to see; and thus avoid. If I turned west; I'd be headed the same direction as they were; and a smaller target to see; and thus avoid. Descending any further past 500 ft. AGL wasn't an option if I intended on maintaining a legal flight. Climbing was not a valid option in this case either because a Cessna 172 cannot outclimb a T-38; and they've already descended; so I'm unable to guess if they have me in sight and intend on climbing to avoid me. The only option is to continue north; 90 degrees to the pair; hoping to make myself as visible as possible in an effort to maximize the chances of avoiding collision. They close the distance rapidly as I'm still perpendicular to them; which I realize after looking out the window and seeing both continuing straight at me. I see that I am north of the southernmost plane of the pair; but I won't be able to cross in front of the northernmost of the pair by the time he gets to my position. The only option I have to not collide now is a sharp right turn to the east; which would allow me to pass directly between the pair of jets. I execute the turn; visually recognize that I am now eastbound; have the northmost T-38 in sight and identified on ADS-B; and that I will pass between the pair. No other options are left but to continue on my path. As I continue; I see the northmost T-38 pass off to my left; look out to the right; see a clear sky; then see that ADS-B is indicating both planes have passed me and I cleared both of them by flying in between their formation.Information published by ZZZ1 AFB indicates that the T-38's they operate are equipped with TCAS systems; and now; at least ADS-B out. Whether or not those TCAS systems were operational or if ADS-B was available when I encountered the pair of T-38's and whether or not those pilots were alerted to and aware of my position I might never know. In that moment; it wasn't possible for me to guess their intentions as they altered course to be coaltitude and head straight at me; or if they would perform any maneuvers to avoid me if they did see me. Given that my transponder was operational and reporting altitude; as well as broadcasting on ADS-B; I believe that both parties had all necessary resources available to deconflict and avoid a near mid air collision; but I was the only party to attempt to avoid it. Military student pilots and instructors have to recognize that they also share the air with general aviation aircraft; and that many of these general aviation aircraft have a fraction of the performance of the aircraft the military trains them in. With that performance delta comes a great burden on military pilots to use all resources available to identify and attempt to deconflict with civilian aircraft.