SEAL Aviator 2.0

[OtB]

I recall seeing a previous thread about pathways to become a SEAL Aviator, but couldn’t find it…

Jonny Kim (MD, LCDR, US Navy SEAL) completed his first solo earlier this month with VT-28 (Rangers) in Corpus Christi.

I heard his next stop is Pensacola with HT-8 (Eight Ballers) to become a Naval Aviator.

I was doubting the existence of a SEAL Aviator community. Seems to be very small.

SEAL-Doctor-Astronaut Jonny Kim Is Adding Pilot To His Crazy Resume

The 'wouldn't believe it if it weren't true' list of accomplishments of Astronaut Jonny Kim keeps growing. Now he's becoming a pilot.

www.thedrive.com

 

[fullspeedahead]

Imagine this man as your older sibling...

 

[Capt MJ]

I recall seeing a previous thread about pathways to become a SEAL Aviator, but couldn’t find it…

Jonny Kim (MD, LCDR, US Navy SEAL) completed his first solo earlier this month with VT-28 (Rangers) in Corpus Christi.

I heard his next stop is Pensacola with HT-8 (Eight Ballers) to become a Naval Aviator.

I was doubting the existence of a SEAL Aviator community. Seems to be very small.

SEAL-Doctor-Astronaut Jonny Kim Is Adding Pilot To His Crazy Resume

The 'wouldn't believe it if it weren't true' list of accomplishments of Astronaut Jonny Kim keeps growing. Now he's becoming a pilot.

www.thedrive.com

Without diving back into the sources, I think he was an enlisted SEAL and went to a commissioning program/med school route. That’s a more normal transition, more flexibility to enter as a new officer into a new field. He can kill ‘em, he can heal ‘em, he can fly ‘em, he can take ‘em into space. Today’s Renaissance man.

 

[USNA_STEM_Prof]

Doesn't surprise me. Astronaut training typically involves a lot of flight experience. From the article: "It is common for our Navy officers who are NASA astronauts to train with us if they have not had previous flight training"

 

[F14Weeds83]

I know of only enlisted SEAL members that were generally from the Dev Group that were offered their choice of orders and "chose" to go to civilian flight school and learned to fly King Airs and finished their final tour(s) in a flight billet that now exists. Have only heard of senior enlisted being given the opportunity, but don't know. Four of them were hired at Southwest Airlines while I was there, having achieved enough flight time to apply. All were amazing. None ever got any sass. From anyone!

 

[Cryptospook]

I had two squadmates in VT6 that were prior seals. Super good guys to study with. One switched after commissioning the other was a POCR board. Seen one other and only knew because he had a trident patch. While not common, I was quite surprised it was actually a thing. The two I knew didn’t wear their tridents and wanted to be seen purely as aviation students. Didn’t realize till my onwing mentioned it and they confirmed.

Low key excited to see LCDR Kim on base, what a legend

 

[UHBlackhawk]

I’ve known several SEALs who became Army pilots.

 

[Huursoldaat]

I’ve known several SEALs who became Army pilots.

Interesting is it common to move branches? How does that work? Is it just a lateral transfer of sorts or more complicated. Maybe requires input from SecDef or CiC?

 

[Capt MJ]

Interesting is it common to move branches? How does that work? Is it just a lateral transfer of sorts or more complicated. Maybe requires input from SecDef or CiC?

For an officer or enlisted person who has completed their active duty service obligation, they can process for separation and already be chatting to a recruiter from another service. For enlisted personnel who have gotten their college degree, many direct commission options are open to them. Of course, the needs of the particular service, age limit policies, specific community policies, all come into play.

If someone still owes time and is in the middle of a tour, crossing into another service depends on: needs of losing service, needs of gaining service, applicable policies, the member’s own performance and ability to meet criteria, and the current CO’s endorsement.

 

[UHBlackhawk]

Interesting is it common to move branches? How does that work? Is it just a lateral transfer of sorts or more complicated. Maybe requires input from SecDef or CiC?

In Army Aviation it’s quite common as a college degree is not necessary to become a warrant officer pilot. While “high school to flight school” is possible, the vast majority of WO pilots start out enlisted. Even “high school to flight school” start out enlisted and attend basic training before WOCS. I’ve known a large number of WOs over the years who began their military service in other services.