Just to clarify, I could not agree more about being thankful for the free flight time in IFS. If you take it seriously it will help in primary, and it is helping me. When I was there I did not care about flight pay because I thought it was enjoyable and its what I have wanted to do my entire life I guess my issue would be better suited with the thread on travel. To attend IFS in Bay Minette its 120 miles round trip from the NAS back gate. When I went there gas was cheaper. If I had to go now fuel would make things a little tight.
I also understand that longterm solutions are not always better or easier than the status quo; however, when you are having to travel outside of your duty station on a regular basis and receiving no compensation, telling Ensigns to shut up and deal is probably not the best solution. Its one thing to choose to go that far for IFS, but it is another thing to be forced without the appropriate entitlements or means of transportation.
It puts the Navy and students in a tough spot when the school putting out the most students is 60+ miles away. However, I would recommend Bay Minette to any student who has a choice simply because of the quality of training I received there. Flying was always very consistent and I was out in 3.5 weeks. Weather permitting students fly about 6 days a week. Just be prepared to eat the travel expenses.
Finally, nothing pisses me off more than the helpless ENS/2ndlt that holds his handout and expects the world on a silver platter. So many new officers want to talk about getting screwed on pay and other things without ever being familiar with the regs and instructions that govern those issues. So for those who inquire about flight pay and travel claims and any other instruction that has a direct impact on you or your people I applaude you, but if you are one who just likes to whine and complain without ever giving one piece of factual info or a valid solution you are probably better suited for a billet that has someone else looking out for your career and well being.