Language and Air Mechanics School

[2c_stars_at_noo]

I want to be a Naval Aviator. I graduate in May, but I want to get a masters before I apply to the Navy and Marines. I was just wondering if I took two or three years to get some further schooling if it would hurt or help me in the service. I really want to do a Language immersion program and probably an air mechanics program before I enter the military. (In addition to a Masters degree.)

My understanding is that in both services, an aviation officer has to be a jack-of-all-trades. My thought is that the more I know about my aircraft the better, and knowing the language of one of our biggest allies would help for PR.

Do you think that having these additional skill sets will help my career? Or for that matter would help my being selected?

 

[Gatordev]

In a word: no.

Is it good to continue to better yourself? Of course, but all that stuff doesn't really do a whole heck of a lot as a JO on your first sea tour. If you want aviation and/or to be in the Navy go for it. If you want to continue your education, great, but don't do it because it might make you look better trying to get in the Navy or thereafter.

Also, you'll have an opportunity to continue w/ a Masters while in the service if you chose, and they will even pay for it (w/ a possible additional time commitment).

My $.02 anyway.

 

[nocal80]

Like gator said, it won't neccessarily help or hurt your chances. It will come down to timing mostly. If they Navy/MC need more pilots two years from now vs right now, it will help, if they don't need as many then it will probably hurt your chances.

 

[2c_stars_at_noo]

I guess my biggest concern is being a good officer.I feel that by doing this extra work will help me become a better person and a better officer. If I took the time to do these things and then applied when I was a little older, say 26, would the age factor hurt me even though I spent that time in school. Or would they take that into consideration?

Thanks for your insight.

 

[zab1001]

As an aviator, foreign language skills are not used very often, if ever. The majority of our allies have personnel who speak English, often better than many of us (sadly).

That said, if you apply for an exchange tour with a foreign nation after your Sea Tour, and you already have a practical knowledge of the host nation's language, your application will stand out and increase your odds of getting the billet. But to pick a language now based on something like that would be ill-advised and presumptious.

I say graduate and get your career started.

 

[Gatordev]

Like nocal is saying, it might hurt, it might help. It's all about timing. If you try now, then get rejected, you can continue w/ your education, and try again. If you wait, then try and get rejected, you have less time to reapply.

As for having more education to make you a better officer... You couldn't be more wrong. The two have nothing to do w/ one another. I had a chief that worked for me that hadn't graduated high school, and he was awesome, both up and down the chain of the command. A lot of times the more book smart people have a harder time relating to people and the real world than the general common sense kind of people. That's not meant to scare you, just give you perspective, as it's not that black and white. You get the idea.

 

[2c_stars_at_noo]

I see what you mean. I've known my share of not so bright booksmart people. I definately have some more soul searching to do.

Thanks.