At the Risk of Sounding Stupid...

[NookyBooky04]

I have a few questions. First, from what I've read around here about the wait for API, it seems like its a little to good to be true. Does the Navy really pay you to wait around, work half days, work on IFS, go back home, etc. while you're waiting for API? Do they really give YOU the option of whether or not to take a stash job? Don't get me wrong, as much as I love hanging out at the beach (I've just about made a career out of that), I would rather get into a API ASAP rather than wait around. However, it doesn't seem like the waiting around is a bad thing-which I seem to be having a hard time believing.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

Go ahead. Volunteer for that stash job they're offering. You'll love it.

 

[VetteMuscle427]

You will wait in line and get your turn at API based on if you are a pilot or NFO. You will more than likely get a stash job and you will complete IFS. It's not an option if they do give you a stash job, but you can try to get a good one vice being given a bad one.

If you do have a significant time off <like all us NFOs> don't complain. Get a copy of the books, study, PT, and enjoy your psuedo vacation.

 

[lboyer83]

Ok here's the deal:
If you're a FO expect to wait 30-35 weeks, for pilots right now it's only 5-6 weeks. That number changes about every week, but roughly that's the rule of thumb. If you have follow-on orders ecpect to wait an extra 2-3 weeks on top of the norm.
You may/may not be assigned a stash job. It's a roll of the dice, but it's not that bad. If you want to request a stash job I recommend something in Flight Managemnt or the survival pool. If you dont have a stash job you muster with the rest of A-pool at 0730 everyday. It usually last about 5-10 minutes then you'r on your own for the day.
If you have a stash job your mustering depends on the job. Some do phone in musters on days they work and regular muster on off days, just depends. They used to only have to muster in person on Thursday's, but people suck and ruined it by not showing up, so now muster is everyday for everyone.
In general, you have a lot of free time...study if you want, go to the beach, enjoy it bc it doesn't happen that often in your naval career. Yes you still get paid the whole time you're here, even if you don't do anything. The Navy is great that way

 

[Herc_Dude]

Is that the same gouge for Marines coming down there?

 

[Ex Rigger]

Is that the same gouge for Marines coming down there?

No

 

[lboyer83]

I know the Marines have a similar check-in and hold process, but they are still totally seperate. MATSIG (I know that's what they call it, but I have no idea what it stands for) takes care of them. Maybe a fellow devil-dog could help clarify the process for Marines....??

 

[gregsivers]

MATSIG (I know that's what they call it, but I have no idea what it stands for) takes care of them.

I think MATSG is Marine Aviation Training Support Group, but a Marine would know for sure.

 

[gtxc2001]

MATSG-21 (Marine Aviation Training Support Group) is the parent command for all Marines at NAS Pensacola.

USMC NFO's are classing up quickly, only about a 3-4 week wait.

Pilots have a 5-6 month wait right now, but it depends a lot on what company you go through TBS with.



HA! Somebody beat me to it

 

[Gatordev]

MATSG-21 (Marine Aviation Training Support Group) is the parent command for all Marines at NAS Pensacola.

In the spirit of being a detail nazi... MATSG is actually for all Marines in the Pensacola training area, not just Mainside.

 

[TurnandBurn55]

Does the Navy really pay you to wait around, work half days, work on IFS, go back home, etc. while you're waiting for API?

Pretty much. I spent my first few weeks doing checkin BS... my next couple in IFS.. but waiting for my medical waiver... then doing IFS... then waiting around doing nothing... then stashed in shorts and T-shirt at the enlisted aircrew PT school... yeah, it was a sweet deal.

 

[GMan1976]

I would rather get into a API ASAP rather than wait around.

Volunteer for Primary at Vance... you'll class up for API immediately. However we all know what Navy REALLY stands for (Never Again Volunteer Yourself). The choice is yours.

 

[Harrier Dude]

, work half days,

Dude, you have to work half days? Bummer. I used to be back at the beach watching Magnum PI with a beer in my hand before 0900. Those were the days........

Enjoy it. They'll work the ass off of you soon enough.

 

[VAmookie]

so if i check in 12 June, whats the earliest i can get out of there on temporary duty orders??

 

[VAmookie]

so if i check in 12 June, whats the earliest i can get out of there on temporary duty orders??