The pilot/every-Marine-a-rifleman horse was beaten into glue a long time ago, so I won't readdress it. The issue of employability of NFOs in the civ sector piqued my interest, though. Employers do look favorably on any military experience, provided you did well. This is especially true for extremely technical jobs, for example, cryptography, nuclear submarines, etc. It's also true in regards to leadership and managerial ability, e.g. a unit commander or department head. If, during a career as NFO, you can get yourself into one of these categories, you will be in good stead. For example, get a job doing test and eval on a piece of radar gear and you might get a job with the company that makes it later.
However, if you plan on parlaying NFO experience into the airlines, better start getting your civilian tickets and start building hours instructing at Bob's FBO at the airport now. Military PILOTS with 2000 hours get jobs with the RJs earning $15,000-25,000, if they get hired at all. It used to be that NFOs could squeak into the airlines as flight engineers in the big jets. Now, the big jets only have a 2 man cockpit crew. This is a big reason that NFOs stay in the service at a greater rate than pilots.
Phrogs phorever
However, if you plan on parlaying NFO experience into the airlines, better start getting your civilian tickets and start building hours instructing at Bob's FBO at the airport now. Military PILOTS with 2000 hours get jobs with the RJs earning $15,000-25,000, if they get hired at all. It used to be that NFOs could squeak into the airlines as flight engineers in the big jets. Now, the big jets only have a 2 man cockpit crew. This is a big reason that NFOs stay in the service at a greater rate than pilots.
Phrogs phorever
