Flying for Navy, Marines or Air Force?

[Huggy Bear]

I hate to burst any young'ns bubbles here, but a lot of what ryno posted is true for the navy as well. However, how well you deal with it is all a matter of attitude, like hackerf15e said. The other-than-flying stuff wears you down after a while.

Of my 5 peers from my fleet tour (the 5 JO's with whom I did 2 deployments) I was sure that 4 of the 5 of us would stay for 20 years. Fast forward 4 years to now and ALL 5 of us have gotten out.

Still, I wouldn't trade my 10 years in the Navy for anything. Don't let Ryno's or anyone elses words discourage you from going in the Navy, Marines or Air Force (in that order ). If you go Army you are just plain nuts.

 

[UCbearcat]

If you go Army you are just plain nuts.

 

[Flash]

See if they will let you commission to the Navy... or pay a hefty price and be a deserter... Just kidding.. Ryno made some interesting observations...

My Justin Ensign $.02... Ryno makes an interesting point in with the USMC, how do they do it?... My guess would be the people, but something has to be said for the limited-nonsense attitude about wasteful spending, and a broad picture approach to what is really important.

The priorities seem slightly skewed between the services, that is something that needs to get worked out pronto, as the tune of Iraq approaches $1.3 Billion, yes that was a "B" (marketwatch.com today)

The BS is there in every service, Marines and Navy included, and it has always been there and always be there. There is no way around it and not much you can do to change the system. But like others have said, have the right attitude and it will be a lot better.

And as shocking as it may seem, the Marines don't get everything right, including doing the right thing for their people. Just ask the Mairines deployed to Iwakuni where their per diem is going, it ain't in their pockets. So while Navy guys deployed alongside them are being paid what is legally theirs the Marines use it as their own personal piggy bank. That is not a 'smart' way to use funds, it is stupid and very shady. And I can throw several other examples out there, for each service.

And what is this billion you speak of? Total costs are around $1 trillion so far.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/11/13/hidden.war.costs/

 

[tk628]

I thought I fixed that.. it was $1.6 Trillion

I'm not saying we have a different tune or anything, mostly the AF one sucks

 

[phrogpilot73]

The BS is there in every service, Marines and Navy included, and it has always been there and always be there. There is no way around it and not much you can do to change the system. But like others have said, have the right attitude and it will be a lot better.

And as shocking as it may seem, the Marines don't get everything right, including doing the right thing for their people. Just ask the Mairines deployed to Iwakuni where their per diem is going, it ain't in their pockets. So while Navy guys deployed alongside them are being paid what is legally theirs the Marines use it as their own personal piggy bank. That is not a 'smart' way to use funds, it is stupid and very shady. And I can throw several other examples out there, for each service.

Hopefully you didn't think I was suggesting that life is all sunshine and roses in the gun club... I was just pointing out that the USMC is not exactly "downsizing". The other stuff you mention is shady at best, and it all ties into the philosophy of "do more with less." Are we gonna get fucked? Yes. But at least we know it ahead of time, and are prepared for it... Sometimes we even enjoy it.

 

[Flash]

Hopefully you didn't think I was suggesting that life is all sunshine and roses in the gun club... I was just pointing out that the USMC is not exactly "downsizing". The other stuff you mention is shady at best, and it all ties into the philosophy of "do more with less." Are we gonna get fucked? Yes. But at least we know it ahead of time, and are prepared for it... Sometimes we even enjoy it.

Don't worry, you don't strike me as the Marine who thinks his service is the be all to end all......though you think your POS helo is.......

The post was not directed at you, but to Rhyno and all the others who think that the grass is always greener in other services.

And isn't 'Embrace the Suck' a Marine term?

 

[phrogpilot73]

Don't worry, you don't strike me as the Marine who thinks his service is the be all to end all......though you think your POS helo is.......

The post was not directed at you, but to Rhyno and all the others who think that the grass is always greener in other services.

And isn't 'Embrace the Suck' a Marine term?

No - I KNOW my helo is the be all to end all

Good point about the others that think that the grass is greener. I'm proof that it's not. Funny thing is, I just got off the phone with a couple of buddies from the squadron that got out and are just as miserable as me, and are asking what they have to do to join me in my future unit...

Truth be told, I've never heard the term "Embrace the Suck" but it is fitting, isn't it (evidence: TBS Sucks thread)

 

[HackerF15E]

The post was not directed at you, but to Rhyno and all the others who think that the grass is always greener in other services.

I'm fortunate in that my brother is (was) one of you gold-winger types, so I've been able to keep perspective on how things are in the AF vs how they are in the Navy.

You're right...it's neither greener nor sh*ttier.

 

[HeyJoe]

I'm fortunate in that my brother is (was) one of you gold-winger types

So does that mean he earned Wings of Gold or......was/is one of these dudes?

 

[HackerF15E]

So does that mean he earned Wings of Gold or......was/is one of these dudes?

Unfortunately, I can't see the picture here at work. He was a P-3 driver...VP-40 up at Whidbey.

 

[Death Rattler]

Help an old guy

I`m looking for that letter that is the answer to a young man trying to decide on the Air Farce or Naval aviation. I`ve seen it posted here quite a while ago. If anyone has it, please re-post it. Another old beat up, retired Marine buddy wants to send to one of his zoomie friends. Many thanks.

 

[HeyJoe]

I`m looking for that letter that is the answer to a young man trying to decide on the Air Farce or Naval aviation. I`ve seen it posted here quite a while ago. If anyone has it, please re-post it. Another old beat up, retired Marine buddy wants to send to one of his zoomie friends. Many thanks.

Here you go

NAVY vs AIR FORCE

Bob Norris is a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off." In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following:
12 Feb 04

Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice.

Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.

PS: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.


Bob Norris
"Banzai"

 

[JustAGuy]

I believe this is what you are referring to, no?

EDIT : Doh, missed being first by just a RCH.

 

[Death Rattler]

Thanks that was what I was looking for.

 

[initialize]

AF or Navy?

OK, this is probably a repost but I can't find anything with the search function. I graduated high school and I would like to fly fighter planes some day. I'm aware of how hard it is to become a pilot, and even then I realize it might even be a pipe dream.

I have to make a decision somewhat soon whether or not I want to join the AFROTC or the NROTC. I know the basic differences between the 2 branches, but I want to join the one where it may be easier to become a fighter pilot. Or are they about the same?

Also, would I be able to travel more in the Navy or the Air Force? Which one would I be able to meet more ladies in? Oh and my last question... are you able to lift weights during flight school (yes serious)?