I want to be the best pilot in the U.S. Armed Forces. Navy or Airforce?

[flyboy]

I am applying to both the Air Force academy and Naval academy. I really want to go to the air force academy because it will hands down provide a much better expierience for me then the naval academy. But career wise, who has a better flight program? The Navy or Air Force? Which one makes better pilots? Thanks again.

[KaMiKaZi]

Though I'm going to be a black shoe surface line guy, I feel the need to defend my fellow brown shoe naval officers (I was almost one of them!). You seem pretty set on USAFA for personal reasons; that's cool, but here is my pitch for Naval Aviation. And BTW, in the future, don't create the same thread twice.

Naval Aviation is the tip of the spear. We offer quick strike capability from our aircraft carriers at sea. The ocean is our base and we can reach out to project our power at a moments notice.

The platforms that the Navy flies consist of jet, props, and helos. While most of our platforms are meant to be depolyed at sea, we do have land based aircraft. An also realize that aircraft carriers are not the only ships you can land on. All of our ships have helo pads, whether they be cruisers, detroyers, frigates, or amphibs. Landing a SH-60 on the bucking flight deck of a destroyer takes skill.

But the bottom line is piloting comes down the the pilot. They are the operator of the machine.

[Altaica103]

I too was in your shoes. I'm an ole' softy for the air force due to some experince of mine, however I've desided on USNA. I know that my odds in NUMBERS are greater as an AF pilot. However I am looking for more than argueably the best flight training in the world... (I hear red flag rocks...from someone who help organize it...) I'm looking for the best OFFICER training the world has to offer, I believe that lies with the USMC. In the end, you will be a pilot for THE US. Flying the best aircraft with the best training that money can dream up, yet alone buy. You can't go wrong either way. Look at what you want to do, do you want to be a test pilot or an astronaut? If so, the USN may be a better choice. If you just want to fly an airplane, you may be better off with the AF, after all, that's what they do, your numbers are better. Just look into the two and think about what you want to do.

[flyboy]

I'm pretty sure the space program is the Air Force's thing, not the Navy's

[KaMiKaZi]

If you do your research, you will find that USNA has produced 52 astronauts, more than any other institution in the country.

[xchefmike]

Its 03:00 in the North Atlantic, a gale has been blowing and the deck is pitching left to right and it is also moving fore to aft at the same time. There is no lite from the moon and stars and visibility is terrible. Lt. WT Door has 300ft or less to land and all he has is his instruments, training and the LSO giving him directions on his final approach. He Slams into the deck at 130+ knots and guns the engines into afterburner just in case he gets a bolter and has to go around and do it all again.

at the same time somewhere at an AF base Capt. Zoomie is trying to land his F-16 in the same terrible weather, however he has 7000 foot of runway that is not moving and all the lights are on and if he punches out he is over dry land.


Now who has to be the better pilot?:cool:

[swimmerguy09]

Don't the Marines also fly jets? How do there pilots stack up against the other services?

[Zaphod]

Its 03:00 in the North Atlantic, a gale has been blowing and the deck is pitching left to right and it is also moving fore to aft at the same time. There is no lite from the moon and stars and visibility is terrible. Lt. WT Door has 300ft or less to land and all he has is his instruments, training and the LSO giving him directions on his final approach. He Slams into the deck at 130+ knots and guns the engines into afterburner just in case he gets a bolter and has to go around and do it all again.

at the same time somewhere at an AF base Capt. Zoomie is trying to land his F-16 in the same terrible weather, however he has 7000 foot of runway that is not moving and all the lights are on and if he punches out he is over dry land.


Now who has to be the better pilot?:cool:

Navy for the win! :biggrin:

[Pima]

"Don't the Marines also fly jets? How do there pilots stack up against the other services?"

Bullet here. Just a WSO, but I do know a little about a avaition career and flying jets.

Some of our finest aviators serving this nation are USMC officers. And yes, they do fly jets -- F-18s and Harriers for the most part. They are currently extremely active in plans to replace the Harrier with a Vertical Take-off and Land (VSTOL) version of the F-35 (the Joint Strike Fighter). That will probably be in service by the time you're ready to join the fleet.

What makes Marine aviation "a little different" from the "other guys" is their special relationship with their Marine brothers and sisters on the ground. Marines tend to consider their strike and attack planes as an intergral arm of their ground force. Close Air Support of the Marines on the ground is their life blood, and something they take great pride in. We in the AF always say we're officers first, then aviators second. Marines see themselves as officers first, grunts second, and aviators third. Nothing bad about either point of view, just different.

I know you have questions about which service to look at, and which has the best pilots, and where can you find your true calling. All I can say is, you can't go wrong in any of these fine professions, and will take a sense of pride to your grave in the way you served your country.

[flyboy]

I liked that a lot, it was very good.

[flyboy]

Its 03:00 in the North Atlantic, a gale has been blowing and the deck is pitching left to right and it is also moving fore to aft at the same time. There is no lite from the moon and stars and visibility is terrible. Lt. WT Door has 300ft or less to land and all he has is his instruments, training and the LSO giving him directions on his final approach. He Slams into the deck at 130+ knots and guns the engines into afterburner just in case he gets a bolter and has to go around and do it all again.

at the same time somewhere at an AF base Capt. Zoomie is trying to land his F-16 in the same terrible weather, however he has 7000 foot of runway that is not moving and all the lights are on and if he punches out he is over dry land.


Now who has to be the better pilot?:cool:


Yes, I am quite aware of this trite cliche. Navy pilots probably do have better landing skills...but I am really concerned about what they do before they land.

[xchefmike]

I have many years experience at the Cleveland National Air Show. The blues have a tighter show the distance between the aircraft at times is measured in inches. tbirds fly a min distance 10 feet apart.
Tbirds also will not land at Burke lakefront airport, however they will land a c-5 there. both teams switch off years as performers and attendance is always higher with the blues

I will say this that the F22 is the best air superiority fighter in the world and until it is flown by a Naval Aviator, we will never see what it is really capable of:smile:

[Pima]

Bullet here. I'm just a WSO, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. :shake:

I think there already is a Naval exchange officer flying F-22s with my bro's out at Langley. However, I heard he is not doing well, as they have yet to convince him that during landing he doesn't need to stop in the first 50 feet of the runway! A little hard on the brakes! :yllol:

[xchefmike]

background on the Burke incident. a dozen years ago a tbird had a bird strike, and the pilot was killed. This changed the tbirds rules on burke airfield. to this day they will not take off or land at burke, they stage at hopkins 6 miles away. The AF will land c-5 and other ac at burke and the blues do the whole show from burke.
Also their is a larger number of birdstrikesand deer strikes per year at hopkins which makes no sense to me if they were afraid of strikes why go to the other field.

the blues have lost pilots too however they do not change the show as the tbirds did after there last incident. They learn dissect and become better pilots and move on without changing the min distance as the tbirds did.

[xchefmike]

until you witness some of the unbelievable carrier ops firsthand you will never understand. Also catch a COD flight out to the ship one dark night and you will forever be a true believer.

[xchefmike]

it has the added benefit of trimming out the ship as well.:yllol: :tomcat: :tomcat: :tomcat:

[Just_A_Mom]

Tailhook is a word you may want to avoid when posting on the USNA thread


Why?

[mom3boys]

Tailhook=Scandal

[NativeTexan]

Yes, I am quite aware of this trite cliche. Navy pilots probably do have better landing skills...but I am really concerned about what they do before they land.

As a licensed pilot I am much more concerned with landing than what I am doing in the air. If you can't get the plane down you got serious problems...

[Luigi59]

As a licensed pilot I am much more concerned with landing than what I am doing in the air. If you can't get the plane down you got serious problems...

But as a military pilot, if you can't fly the plane skillfully and successfully against an enemy in combat, you may never get the chance to land it.

You could be the best in the whole world at landing, it won't mean squat if your plane is shot down because you weren't concerned about what you are doing in the air.

[xchefmike]

If Memory serves:::::::::They had the annual tailhook convention in vegas one year and a few overzealous drinkers made innapropriate comments, made some drunken groping at females and were bad eggs all around. quite a few paid dearly with careers and I think some brig time as well. As always a few bad apples.....:eek:

I would be surprised if anyone who was around back then isnt already retired or flag rank.

[USNA84]

You would be surprised then, I think. :shake:

The shenanigans had been going on for quite some time at other Tailhooks before the infamous event. I'm not a carrier aviator, and never attended (I almost went to the "bad" one, but our trip got canceled, thank goodness). If the stories I heard from roommates and classmates about previous Tailhooks were even half true, then it's another reason why I was glad to be a P-3 guy...

Re: Navy vs. USAF pilots. To me, it's apples and oranges, chalk and cheese. Over a beer, each group will generally admit to a grudging respect for the other, and there is definietly a hierarchy within the pilot communities of both services. Single seat fighters on top, followed by dual seat, and down the list it goes.

There is a long-standing rivalry between the USAF and the Navy. If you look on Wikipedia and type in "Revolt of the Admirals" you'll get an idea why the rivalry got ugly, and why there is still some lingering doctrinal animosity between the services. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolt_of_the_Admirals

After my disassociated sea tour as ship's company in USS Carl Vinson, I used to tell people that I was damned glad we had carrier pilots, but I would not want my daughter to marry one. :yllol:

[flyboy]

until you witness some of the unbelievable carrier ops firsthand you will never understand. Also catch a COD flight out to the ship one dark night and you will forever be a true believer.

I'm sure that they are better skilled at landing on carriers than AF pilots, and I would absolutely love to see one land, but I am concerned with what type of air craft, and how the pilots handle them, yet a lot of that depends on the pilot.

[Zaphod]

Flyboy, all joking aside, deciding between USNA and USAFA (and their related pilot programs) is a lot like deciding between a Ferrari and a Lamborgini. Either way, you can't go wrong.

What you have to decide is what environment you want to fly in. Air Force pilots excel in the traditional roles of airpower. Naval Aviators do, too, but they also add the at-sea component, which I would see as an added challenge.

Granted, the Navy environment is tougher in that you are away from home more, and in a bunk rather than a bed, but the benefits can outweigh the costs.

What you MAY want to be REALLY considering is... if you want to be a pilot more than an Air Force or Naval Officer? Tell me, if you went to USxA, and for some God-awful reason you could NOT fly, what would you want to do? If the answer is not "Serve as an officer anyway", then you may need to take a few steps back and re-evaluate what you are considering.

I'm not trying to turn you off. I'm simple trying to make sure you don't jump to Step 10 and miss Steps 1-9. :smile:

[Pima]

Sound advice. Nice job Zaphod.

Flyboy, you can read my posts on the AFA side answering your questions about flying. What is said above is more important. I always consider myself an officer first, an aviator second. Set your dreams high, and shoot for them always, but look at all the options.

Bullet

[flyboy]

Flyboy, all joking aside, deciding between USNA and USAFA (and their related pilot programs) is a lot like deciding between a Ferrari and a Lamborgini. Either way, you can't go wrong.

What you have to decide is what environment you want to fly in. Air Force pilots excel in the traditional roles of airpower. Naval Aviators do, too, but they also add the at-sea component, which I would see as an added challenge.

Granted, the Navy environment is tougher in that you are away from home more, and in a bunk rather than a bed, but the benefits can outweigh the costs.

What you MAY want to be REALLY considering is... if you want to be a pilot more than an Air Force or Naval Officer? Tell me, if you went to USxA, and for some God-awful reason you could NOT fly, what would you want to do? If the answer is not "Serve as an officer anyway", then you may need to take a few steps back and re-evaluate what you are considering.

I'm not trying to turn you off. I'm simple trying to make sure you don't jump to Step 10 and miss Steps 1-9. :smile:

I would definitely want to be a pilot rather than a navigator or flight officer..nothing wrong with that, but i was born to fly not to navigate :cool:

[Zaphod]

So what happens if you can't do aviation at all?

[Zaphod]

Then he sees what 30 ft seas look like from where it really matters...

Bingo. :thumb:

Unless a person is ready to deal with an outcome like that, they shouldn't be applying to a SA, IMO.

So..... You ready to deal with that outcome, flyboy?

[Pima]

I completely agree,:thumb: as I just stated on the AF side...

[USNAappointee 2012]

I'm really glad I came across this thread. As an appointee to the Naval and Air Force Academy, I feel like I'm in a huge dilema about which academy I should attend and which service will provide me with the best opportunity to fly. Flying has been one of my biggest passions but I feel like there is one thing standing in my way. I'm only 63 inches tall. I've done a lot of research about height requirements for flying in the Navy and Air Force and have found that the Navy has a lower height requirement than the Air Force. (Navy-62in, AF- 64in) My question is for those pilots out there, is it possible to get a waiver for height to fly in the Air Force?

[Pima]

Pima speaking,

I remember Bullet having a friend who had to get a waiver for the opposite reason, and I think he got it b/c of the seat height, not his actual height (long legs, short body)..

Also remember as Zaphod said not everyone gets a flying slot and not everyone grads from UPT...you will be an officer 1st and owe a committment for that, make your decision on which branch is the one you want to serve in, not who will give you a waiver or a better plane. Determining on any other factor could mean you are very unhappy for many years.

I know you are young, but I would hate to see you making a decision based on flying only. The SA's have lots of great opportunities to offer besides flying, so on thought make sure you have a back-up if you don't get a slot

[flyboy]

Bingo. :thumb:

Unless a person is ready to deal with an outcome like that, they shouldn't be applying to a SA, IMO.

So..... You ready to deal with that outcome, flyboy?


If I am appointed and do accept, whatever branch it may be, I know that i am a serviceman to the united states first, and then an aviator. If flying doesnt work out for me, an believe me, i will fight to the death to make sure it does, then i might go into engineering.

[Zaphod]

I'm afraid engineering isn't an option for physically-qualified USNA grads.

So.....

If you don't get aviation, you're going to end up driving ships.

You ready for that?

[KaMiKaZi]

Haha. The Marine Corps is increasing numbers in the following years to about 270-290 men and women from each graduating class. NFO and subs actually drafted people from SWO this year to meet their quotas.

If you don't get aviation...You could be drafted into something else. It's all about the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps.

[Zaphod]

NFO and subs actually drafted people from SWO this year to meet their quotas.

And to think I had to go SWO after I failed to get into nuke school for submarines. :frown:

[flyboy]

I'm afraid engineering isn't an option for physically-qualified USNA grads.

So.....

If you don't get aviation, you're going to end up driving ships.

You ready for that?

that's true. what about in the air force? if i cant fly, does that mean i have an office job?

[xchefmike]

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/photoplog/index.php?n=38


click on the link:shake:

[Zaphod]

http://www.serviceacademyforums.com/photoplog/index.php?n=38


click on the link:shake:

BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

:yllol: :yllol: :yllol: :yllol:

It's a shame this one isn't available in hi-res:

http://www.fototime.com/05ED2EDC2A30EDF/standard.jpg

:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:

[Just_A_Mom]

that's true. what about in the air force? if i cant fly, does that mean i have an office job?

Perhaps that isn't a good question to ask on a Navy forum - but a good question nevertheless.

Here is a good link from the Air Force website:
http://www.airforce.com/careers/officer/careers.php

This describes officers careers. The more I learn the more in awe I am of our nation's military - there is something for everyone. Some folks just want to be out in the dirt - they love the adventure of hiking with a ruck sack and jumping out of "perfectly good airplanes" - they may gravitate to the Army. Others like the adventure of floating on the "big pond" - a sitting duck and lots of big toys - they may graviate toward the Navy. Then others are flyers or those who like the toys that support flying. Many are techno-geeks and thank goodness we have them - they may find a niche in the Air Force.
One thing is for certain - in this war - there are no givens. Some Airmen and Sailors are on the ground in the line of fire - there is no "safe" job.

Flyboy - check out the Navy and Air force websites - educate yourself, ask questions and learn..... If your goal is to become a fighter pilot then pursue it with passion.

[Zaphod]

I regret I can't answer that last question, flyboy. There are plenty of non-flying officer billets in the USAF.

Who knows? You may end up flying a missile silo in the Dakotas in January!

"Turn your key, sir."

"TURN YOUR KEY!" :biggrin:

[Pima]

Why not Minot....freezin is the reason, plus they wear blue flight suits :eek: (or at least use to)

I also like Oh My G*D no...almogordo (been there and I agree)

[captainkirk]

when the navy gets F-22s, let me know. then i'll consider annapolis.
just can't go against the best fighter ever built

[hornetguy]

I'm pretty sure this is closer than 10 ft......
http://thunderbirds.airforce.com/mediakit/p16.html

[USNA69]

So what happens if you can't do aviation at all?

flyboy. this has got to be the most inane advice I have ever heard. If you have a dream, a passion, go for it. Why should you listen to the naysayers, the surface warfare people, the backseaters, those who have never experienced that early morning front seat launch into the sunrise, who do not have a clue what it is all about. Pursue your passion. Worry about the slim chance of ‘what ifs’ should they ever occur when they happen. Tell the admissions board and your BGO/ALO that you will shoot your foot off to avoid further commitment should you not be able to select pilot. It shows a commitment. Live your dream. As the only pilot on this forum, if you want to be bogged down in rules and regulations, go AF. If you want to have the most fun you can have with your clothes on, with the possible exception of dancing with hornetguy, go Navy. Good luck. Live your dream.

[Zaphod]

this has got to be the most inane advice I have ever heard.

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. :rolleyes:

Whyu should you listen to the naysayers, the surface warfare people, the backseaters, those who have never experienced that early morning front seat launch into the sunrise, who do not have a clue what it is all about.

Maybe because a lot of us also went into USNA with the dream of being a pilot, but ran aground on the hard shoals or reality.

Maybe it was a loss of 20/20 vision due to too many hours studying. Maybe it was that damned Statics class that screwed up our GPA enough to cost us out OOM standing. Maybe it was simply too many guys ahead of us who also wanted to play Maverick and then spend the rest of our lives telling the rest of the world about what badasses they were over the internet.

Worry about the slim chance of ‘what ifs’ should they ever occur when they happen.

Why wait until something blows up in your face before having some idea of which way to go in the event it does? Did you train and practice for every contingency prior to flying your aircraft, or did you just pitch the manual overboard, jump in the pilot seat, and hope for the best?

No, you trained and you prepared. A LOT.

So, if you did that before even climbing into your first cockpit, then why is suggesting that the kid do the equivalent before mapping out his ENTIRE CAREER in any way inane?

Flyboy, are you prepared to spend five happy years sailing on ships (in other words, in the REAL Navy) if your dreams to fly don't come to fruition? If not, then I suggest that USNA is not for you. If so, then by all means go for it, and drive toward your dreams. Fly those jets!

Just have a Plan B in the event that things don't quite go the way you dreamed. Sadly, it does happen.

Tell the admissions board and your BGO/ALO that you will shoot your foot off to avoid further commitment should you not be able to select pilot. It shows a commitment.

It also shows arrogance, a lack of a sense of teamwork, and a lack of any sense of contingency planning. If I were a BGO, an answer like that would immediately turn me off.

USNA is not in the business of making pilots. That's Pensacola's job. USNA is in the business of making NAVAL OFFICERS. You have to be committed to the NAVY, not just Naval Aviation. This doesn't mean that you give up on your dream; it means you have your options and alternatives well-set in your head first. It's called PRUDENCE.

Now, if some people consider simple prudence to be inane, then so be it. I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

[USNA69]

Maybe it was a loss of 20/20 vision due to too many hours studying. Maybe it was that damned Statics class that screwed up our GPA enough to cost us out OOM standing.

Modern medicine precludes the first and passion to commitment precludes the second. Those with a passion will succeed. Good BGOs recognize this.

Maybe it was simply too many guys ahead of us who also wanted to play Maverick and then spend the rest of our lives telling the rest of the world about what badasses they were over the internet.

Don't let that little green devil of the truth leak out.

[flyboy]

well, if it helps you guys view my situation with a clearer eye, my first choice is the air force academy and then the air force after that. i have done tons of research (a lot of it on these forums) and have decided that though naval aviation may have some experiences and advantages no other service has, the air force and the air force academy is just a better OVERALL career choice for me. when taking a look at all the factors put together, USAF and USAFA seem to offer a better, well-rounded experience (at least in my case).

[Zaphod]

Modern medicine precludes the first and passion to commitment precludes the second.

Neither guarantees anything. I saw many friends and classmates who were passionately committed to excellence get walked out the door because, despite their passionate commitment, they still got nailed by an Academic Board.

To suggest to an applicant that they NOT consider alternative possibilities is simply irresponsible.

[Zaphod]

well, if it helps you guys view my situation with a clearer eye, my first choice is the air force academy and then the air force after that.

Excellent. :smile:

i have done tons of research (a lot of it on these forums) and have decided that though naval aviation may have some experiences and advantages no other service has, the air force and the air force academy is just a better OVERALL career choice for me. when taking a look at all the factors put together, USAF and USAFA seem to offer a better, well-rounded experience (at least in my case).

And there is absolutely ZERO wrong with that. I applaud your decision and wish you the very best. Keep your options open and drive toward the dream.

Oh, and try to enjoy the ride while you're at it. :thumb:

[LineInTheSand]

Sounds like you know what you want then, go for it.

[USNA69]

my first choice is the air force academy and then the air force after that. Congratulations. It is a great choice. Just keep your passions alive and don't lose track of your goal.

[flyboy]

thanks for the encouragement you guys :)

[USNA69]

No problem. All worthwhile goals, dreams, and passions have a chance of failure. However, the possible rewards far exceed the downside of failure. Don't let the naysayers hold you back. Just remember your US History. This great country of ours, including especially the field of aviation, was not built by individuals overly concerned with a backup plan. Again, good luck.

OBTW, my understanding is that you are awaiting appointments to both USNA and USAFA. Rest assured that I will be around to help you eat crow if, by some slim chance, you are selected by USNA but not AFA.

[flyboy]

lol, eat crow?

[Ventilee]

At flight school does it give you an advantage if you have attended one of the Academies?

At least in terms of getting the assignment that you want?

[Zaphod]

From what I've heard, no. Your assignments will be based more on how you did in flight school than where you got your comission from.

Example: My USNA roommate did well enough at USNA to become a pilot. He chose helicopters over fixed-wing. He did well enough at Helo FLight School that he was able to choose CH-53E's, whereas others got stuck flying CH-46's or SH-60's when they may not have been their first choice.

As always, study, study, STUDY.

[USNA69]

At flight school does it give you an advantage if you have attended one of the Academies?

Ventilee, if you graduate from USNA, you will become a member of one of the largest ‘fraternities’ in the world. A lot of instructors are fellow ‘fraternity’ brothers. A lot of those are SERGRADs, those who have become instructors immediately after graduation from flight school, those who were company mates at USNA, those who know your reputation.

Flight school is not a true-false test. The grading of most maneuvers has some subjectivity. Most often the line between ‘Average’ and ‘Above Average’ is very fine. Also, “weather” and “fuel”, among other things, might, if the student isn’t at top form, cause the instructor to declare the flight incomplete where it becomes simply a warm-up hop.

I wouldn’t count on it if you are a marginally unsafe student and do not belong in the flight program. But is you are fighting a cutoff for jets vs props or for a platform later, it doesn’t hurt. It may not be overt and some may deny it, but it is human nature.

[Ventilee]

Thanks for the information, it's about what I thought.

Now I just have to see if I am getting in to USNA, and excelling while I'm there before I start worrying to much about flight school.

[cfam386]

It seems as if the original poster has already made up his mind, but I just wanted to throw this in there. It sums up naval aviation pretty nicely. Not that I'm biased or anything. :wink:

Written by Bob Norris, a formal Naval Aviator who did a three year exchange tour with the Air Force.

Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country.
As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?" USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific.
All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect,
what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise.

The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times.

You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it.

The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator.

That bar is in Singapore

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado

Banzai

PS Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.

[VMINROTChopeful]

well, if it helps you guys view my situation with a clearer eye, my first choice is the air force academy and then the air force after that. i have done tons of research (a lot of it on these forums) and have decided that though naval aviation may have some experiences and advantages no other service has, the air force and the air force academy is just a better OVERALL career choice for me. when taking a look at all the factors put together, USAF and USAFA seem to offer a better, well-rounded experience (at least in my case).


i'm a high school student too, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but i wanted to to share it anyways.

i have a different viewpoint. my viewpoint is that you should focus not on the training, but what you will do with that training. you will be in flight training 12-18 months. then the next 6 - 20+ years, you will be using your flight training and working within a military community.

from this perspective, you should consider if you would like that community that you would be working in. you can get some insight into this by hanging out online with other military pilots in that community.



gl.

[VMINROTChopeful]

by the, the air force is going through a huge "reduction in force". so if you go air force, you might find yourself out of a job by the time you graduate (or something like that)

[flyboy]

thanks for those websites, i appreciate them a lot.

[pknguyen44]

I have to second VMIN. I have a friend who is a Major and she told me that the AF is "cutting" their pilots. I was in denial at first because I was in love with the AF:shake:. But I did some research and it's true, you could find yourself flying a desk.

[Zaphod]

Just keep in mind that current USAFA applicants are not going to be getting into any cockpits for at least 5 years. A lot can change between now and then.

While it's wise to consider all options and to be a bit cautious, don't pretend the sky is falling when it isn't.

[VMINROTChopeful]

Just keep in mind that current USAFA applicants are not going to be getting into any cockpits for at least 5 years. A lot can change between now and then.

While it's wise to consider all options and to be a bit cautious, don't pretend the sky is falling when it isn't.

well, how about "the sky is falling NOW but it might have stopped when you are climbing into a cockpit?" :shake:

[Zaphod]

I think the best attitude is, "I want to be a USAFA graduate and an USAF pilot. I'm going to persue those goals come hell or high water, and the powers that be can piss off in the meantime. If I find that they have disbanded the USAF and sent them all off to drive buses when I get there, I'll deal with it then."

Doesn't exactly fit on a bumper sticker, but you get the general idea. :thumb:

[flyboy]

i think zaphod pretty much nailed it with both of his most recent posts. thanks for the insight z!

[Zaphod]

My pleasure. :smile:

[futureplebe]

by the, the air force is going through a huge "reduction in force". so if you go air force, you might find yourself out of a job by the time you graduate (or something like that)



What is the job security going to be like for all the 5 branches in the next 10-20 years.

[LineInTheSand]

Coast Guard = very very good, more money than we've ever seen.

[futureplebe]

Coast Guard = very very good, more money than we've ever seen.

Yeah, my dad's a retired Coastie and he kind of wants me to go in the Coast Guard for a couple of reasons, including job security. I'm starting to think about it seriously more and more.

[Just_A_Mom]

This could be the topic of another thread perhaps -

from what I have seen -
Army, Coast Guard and Marines - excellent due to WOT and serious shortages in personnel.
Navy - ????
Air Force - fighting a reduction in force. That said - the AF is NOT going away. There will always be a demand for pilots.
Speculation for the next 5 years is one thing but going out 10 and esp 20 years is a whole 'nother ballgame.

[USNA69]

UAVs will become huge in the next generation. The Navy is already commencing testing getting them aboard the CVs. They are a way of life already in the AF. Eventually, probably SAR and hauling cargo and troops will be the only missions remaining. And probably not that far down the road.

[LineInTheSand]

What you should be afraid of is when the UAVs become self-aware.

[Luigi59]

What you should be afraid of is when the UAVs become self-aware.

You should read up on what is going on at El Mirage, you would already be afraid.

Even the stuff that is public info would make your head spin. :wink:

[Zaphod]

SkyNet, anyone?

I seriously wonder why the HELL I had children. :frown:

[RaptorDad2013]

The current (Mar 08) edition of Flying magazine has an interesting article in their Aftermath column about a UAV crash in Arizona last year (one used along the southern border). I tried to find a link to it, but it doesn't appear to be available on-line yet. The gist is that the Predator crashed but no one could figure out why. Turns out the flight had a data-link glitch which is not ordinarily a problem because of backups. As in a "real" plane, an alarm went off. Instituting the backup procedures, however, caused some console controls to be used for other purposes, one of which was the fuel selector, which was (inadvertently) commanded "off." The engine quit; the UA went down, but only later -- long after the crash -- did anyone figure out that when the engine quit, it also triggered another alarm... which to the remote "pilots" was assumed to be signaling the same problem as the first alarm -- the initial lost data-link. As the article states, if there had been a pilot aboard, the engine shutting down would have become "immediately apparent" as a new, and more critical, problem. Even so, while there are still some kinks being worked out, UAs are going to become increasingly refined and used in new ways. And, I was surprised in talking to my son after his SLS interview with two ALO's, that in response to the question of "what do you want to fly" they discussed UAV's and how they may impact a career.