I Need Help!

[staff]

I am really torn between the Air Force and Navy. Every recruiter I talk to tells me the best of that service and the worst of the other and I honestly don't know what to make of it. Former Air Force pilots I have talked to tell me that the Navy guys don't know what they are talking about. I just can't seem to find really good information from someone who isn't trying to persuade me one way or the other. Are there any active pilots here in the Navy or even officers in general that can give me some helpful advice please. I just want to know what it's like and be honest please!!!!!!!!!!

 

[eddie]

I am really torn between the Air Force and Navy. Every recruiter I talk to tells me the best of that service and the worst of the other and I honestly don't know what to make of it. Former Air Force pilots I have talked to tell me that the Navy guys don't know what they are talking about. I just can't seem to find really good information from someone who isn't trying to persuade me one way or the other. Are there any active pilots here in the Navy or even officers in general that can give me some helpful advice please. I just want to know what it's like and be honest please!!!!!!!!!!

Just because I'm curious. what are they telling you?

 

[staff]

The Air Force guys say that being a Navy pilot and having to be on a carrier for 6 months is like hell. They just tell me that there are more options in the Air Force and that it is more "intellectual" and that I would have a higher standard of living in the Air Force I guess cause I wouldn't be on a carrier. It's just really hard to get a read on which recruiter is giving me the more accurate idea of what military life is actually like.

 

[HeyJoe]

I am really torn between the Air Force and Navy. Every recruiter I talk to tells me the best of that service and the worst of the other and I honestly don't know what to make of it. Former Air Force pilots I have talked to tell me that the Navy guys don't know what they are talking about. I just can't seem to find really good information from someone who isn't trying to persuade me one way or the other. Are there any active pilots here in the Navy or even officers in general that can give me some helpful advice please. I just want to know what it's like and be honest please!!!!!!!!!!

And you listen to recruiters?...they have quotas to fill and, of course, they'll slam each other! That's like going to opposing car dealers to decide on your next set of wheels. You should decide for yourself and use them only to process your paperwork. That said, there isn't an easy answer. There's "goods" and "others" in each service. if you have the time and can swing it, you ought to visit any unit you can to get a sense of the service (not reserves either...apologies in advance). I was ambivalent as long as I got to flight school and opted for service/program that would guarantee that condition the earliest. AW can help you sort that aspect if that is important to you.

If you want forum to help in a meaningful way, you ought to lay out some of your druthers if you have thought them through yet (ie ideally want large multi-engine machine, or helos or fast movers). Otherwise, this could escalate fast into a USAF vs USN joke fest.

 

[Tom]

When I was applying for a SNA slot through BDCP, I talked to a Marine recruiter the PLC program. He told me the Navy wasn't the way to go because the Navy wasn't offering flight slots anymore. I told my recruiter about this and he responded with, "Those fuckers." Well, I just swore in after being final selected SNA. Take everything the recruiter says with a grain of salt because everyone has motivations. This might not always be in your best interest.

 

[SteveG75]

Well, Navy wings are made of gold, Air Force wings are made of lead. Just kidding. The mentality is totally different. So, once again, I will post Bob Norris's advice:
http://www.tailhook.org/USN USAF.html

USN or USAF? by Bob Norris

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". Check out his web site at his web site. Click Here. 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.

Banzai

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

 

[staff]

To answer your question heyjoe, I want to fly some fast movers and I have a dream of becoming an astronaut someday(and I do emphasize dream).

 

[staff]

What were your scores, gpa, and major Tom?

 

[JKD]

Well, Navy wings are made of gold, Air Force wings are made of lead. Just kidding. The mentality is totally different. So, once again, I will post Bob Norris's advice:
http://www.tailhook.org/USN USAF.html

awsome post - and sounds about right.

IS1

 

[Physicx]

I know the feeling. Getting close to the end of college and not sure where to go. The Navy was my top choice untill I talked to a Hornet driver trying to change to the Air Force. Now I'm still confused and looking at the CG. I would rather fly helos then jets so thats not the problem.

 

[bikegirl]

Any word on why the Hornet driver wanted to switch? I'm at the end of college too and in the exact same boat which is why I ask.........

 

[Brett327]

I'm going to venture that neither a disgruntled Hornet pilot, nor a recruiter is the best place to seek advice on the relative merits of either service. The Bob Norris piece says it all. Read up and see which mode fits, then do your homework.

Brett

 

[Physicx]

It was being on a boat for 6 months. He said that 3 or 4 months in a tent would be better. I'm also looking at which service I could stay in the cockpit the longest.

 

[staff]

Af Or Navy?

The biggest question I have is this: which service gives the best chance for you to fly your first choice of aircraft-assuming that the needs of that service are open to anything? I'm talking about getting good grades, doing well in flight school, etc... which branch will give the best opportunity assuming you accel in everything you do?

 

[Fly Navy]

It was being on a boat for 6 months. He said that 3 or 4 months in a tent would be better. I'm also looking at which service I could stay in the cockpit the longest.

Sleep on a cot or sleeping bag ... or sleep in a rack.... rack > sleeping bag