NFO as a long career probable?

[balt]

I've read through most of the threads in this forum, but I have a few questions that I hope someone could elaborate on.

What are the current needs of the Navy with regards to NFOs? What platforms are currently/will soon be using the most NFOs? How likely is it that an NFO might be assigned to a platform that will be retired in 6-8 years and not be moved to the replacement?

Is there the possibility/probability of a long career in the Navy for more than a small percentage of officers? Are NFOs being downsized in large numbers relative to other communities?

Many thanks in advance. Just so there's no mistake, I would be happy and honored to serve in any community in the Navy. I'm just trying to make a decision between what community I want and what might be a little more predictable in terms of a career.

 

[Brett327]

I've read through most of the threads in this forum, but I have a few questions that I hope someone could elaborate on.

What are the current needs of the Navy with regards to NFOs? What platforms are currently/will soon be using the most NFOs? How likely is it that an NFO might be assigned to a platform that will be retired in 6-8 years and not be moved to the replacement?

Is there the possibility/probability of a long career in the Navy for more than a small percentage of officers? Are NFOs being downsized in large numbers relative to other communities?

Many thanks in advance. Just so there's no mistake, I would be happy and honored to serve in any community in the Navy. I'm just trying to make a decision between what community I want and what might be a little more predictable in terms of a career.

There's lots of discussion already underway about some of these issues. I recommend searching on the Prowler and its replacement. Manning requirements for NFOs really aren't going to change in any meaningful way and NFOs aren't going away any time soon.

Brett

 

[Renegade One]

NFO's Are Here To Stay

Thought I'd wade in with a few comments, since I spent 31 years as a RIO in Phantoms and Tomcats.
Basically, while the "gross numbers" are down due to restructured/re-equipped communities, there will always be a role for us/you. Current Naval Aviation Roadmap shows long and viable communities in the F/A-18F, EF-18G, E-2C and follow-on, the maritime patrol community (P-3 upgrades and the new P-8 MMA ...I think it's called the P-8...), etc. Even when the F-35 "Lightning II" hits the fleet, it's still supposed to be a replacement only for the early single-seat Hornet variants, not the Supers.
For those who aren't aware, the newly-confirmed Commander of CENTCOM, our very own ADM Bill "Fox" Fallon, is an NFO...A-6 BN by trade. Too many other top-notch NFOs in ever-increasing positions of authority for anyone to ever question our utility "after the cockpit years".
So...fear not; hang in there; enjoy the ride and the career. Nothing better.

All the best, Spike
"Renegade One"

 

[balt]

Thanks a lot, exactly what I was hoping to hear.

 

[Renegade One]

And You Can Always Go the Astronaut Route...

NASA happens to have a recently-vacated Navy NFO astronaut position that needs filling.

V/R, Spike

 

[MasterBates]

And we have just filled an O-6 NFO billet here at NASCC..

 

[TurnandBurn55]

Put it this way... my entire squadron chain of command comprises NFOs.

 

[Brfuga32]

Current Naval Aviation Roadmap shows long and viable communities in the F/A-18F, EF-18G, E-2C and follow-on, the maritime patrol community (P-3 upgrades and the new P-8 MMA ...I think it's called the P-8...), etc. Even when the F-35 "Lightning II" hits the fleet, it's still supposed to be a replacement only for the early single-seat Hornet variants, not the Supers.


I realize that these jets are in the Naval community, but what about the Marines. They're retiring the f-18d and the Prowler

Are there any known replacements? What about the outlook for NFO's and the Marines?

 

[Brett327]

I realize that these jets are in the Naval community, but what about the Marines. They're retiring the f-18d and the Prowler

Are there any known replacements? What about the outlook for NFO's and the Marines?

The answers to your questions can be found though use of the search function. They've been discussed to death already.

Brett

 

[USN99]

Been there, asked that

Basically, while the "gross numbers" are down due to restructured/re-equipped communities, there will always be a role for us/you. Current Naval Aviation Roadmap shows long and viable communities in the F/A-18F, EF-18G, E-2C and follow-on, the maritime patrol community (P-3 upgrades and the new P-8 MMA ...I think it's called the P-8...), etc. Even when the F-35 "Lightning II" hits the fleet, it's still supposed to be a replacement only for the early single-seat Hornet variants, not the Supers. So...fear not; hang in there; enjoy the ride and the career. Nothing better.

I had the same question as Balt before commissioning. Renegade says it all. Wise words to read and heed. :icon_smil