The Navy is all timing. This board they need NFO, next one who knows. The newest class at OCS when I was there was literally all NUKES. No kidding, besides the candidates that rolled in, all NUKES. Because the Navy needed to fill NUKE spots. It will be that way when you select platforms too. One week 5 jet slots, the next 0. And then when you select duty stations. One week 3 go to Hawaii the next week none. Gotta roll with the punches. Contract is signed, time to bend over and enjoy the ride. That being said, you better love your job, or you are going to be unhappy and turn into that a hole everyone hates flying with. Don't let someone else decide your future while you still have a say.
If you're cool with being a FO, then go for it. You'll have a better chance of riding in a tail hook aircraft as a FO than you will as a pilot stud that's for sure. I've got some good buddies that run the airspace as FOs in the E2. Couldn't get the job done without them. It's a very valuable position. If you truly want to serve your country and are cool with whatever the Navy throws at you, than take what you can get.
But if you are hesitant, and not in some sort of age waiver crisis, then do what your heart says. You're not in the Navy yet, you're still allowed to say no. Trust me, flight school is the hardest school I've ever done, and I was an aerospace engineer. If I didn't truly love flying, I'd be hating life right now, failing events, and counting down days til my contract was up. Do what's right for you.
If you sign NFO, DO NOT expect to switch to SNA later, your recruiter is lying.
As for declining NFO to try again for SNA and them not letting you, or looking down on you because you declined, I have no idea. I'd be worried about that too. I do however have a hard time believing the Navy will remember you from a previous board, but that's not fact, just opinion.
My personal situation, I put SNA only and had to go to 2 boards, there are no NFOs in helos, and which seat looks better to you?
