Length of Service

[bikegirl]

I'm considering joining the Navy (I've been juggling the idea for quite some time, and I finish my undergrad next year so I need to get this stuff figured out ASAP). I really want to be a Naval Aviator, because flying is great and the lifestyle of a pilot seems perfect for my personality.

Before I sign up, though, one thing I want to know is how long a person actually has to stay in the Navy. Is it a 5-year minimum, 10 years, or what? If I like the Navy, I will stay in of course. But I have lots of other options in the civvy world that I'd like to pursue if the Navy doesn't work for me.

Can anybody help me out? Thanks!

 

[White_Male]

I am not positive so I will let someone confirm or deny this. My understanding is that from the time you sign to the time your commitment is over will be about 10 years.

I think your commitment is 8 years upon winging if you go jets and 6 years upon winging if you go anything else.

 

[Brett327]

I am not positive so I will let someone confirm or deny this. My understanding is that from the time you sign to the time your commitment is over will be about 10 years.

I think your commitment is 8 years upon winging if you go jets and 6 years upon winging if you go anything else.

Bad gouge. It basically depends on what community you go into. Pilots have an 8 year commitment from winging (essentially a total of 10 years), irrespective of whether they fly helos or jets. NFOs have a 6 year commitment from winging (7-8 year total time), and the Surface and sub guys have other requirements which I'll let others comment on, but they tend to be shorter than the aviation folks.

Brett