jpmizzou said:
What are the various flying billets helo pilots can pick up? I know about IP billets with the RAG, HTs, VTs, but what else is available? I've also heard of flying the SH-60 for the Australian and Spanish navies. Any other countries that are an option? Or are their any interservice exchange tours with the army, air force, marines, or coast gaurd?
Have a heart to heart chat with your detailer becuse these things are all time sensitive. There are unusual flying billets that people don't always know about that are fun - but may not be what your current CO has in mind for your development.
Don't underestimate what your first tour CO has in mind for you as far as development and staying in the community. That's why sometimes these oddball - but fun billets can be a stretch. Bottom line is to have multiple chats with your detailer.
Back in my day I had a woody to go to VC-1 and fly 53's (A models!) doing range support in Hawaii - sounded like a blast - then there was station SAR at Brunswick flying H-1's - both sounded like a blast. Call both squadrons and talk to other JO's there and find out these places are where non career O-3's and O-4's go to die. My skipper at HC-6 simply said "you're goingto the HT's" and that was the end of it

He had already decided with my detailer where I should go.
HT's, VT's, PEP, TPS are all viable options to keep you in the drivers seat. Don't go too far off though because out of sight out of mind.
There are always some cool interservice exchange stuff that are onesy-twosey.
Let your detailer know early what you would like and have him/her work for you - it's like having a real-estate agent in a way.