P-8 Squadron preference question

[CaptMorgan]

Howdy, We’re about to submit our squadron preference sheet at 30, and I wanted to ask for your advice. When ranking my preferences, is it better to deploy immediately and work on 2P upgrades while deployed, or to choose a squadron deploying 6-8 months later and aim to pick up 2P before deployment? Also would that deployment schedule have any impact on potentially making IP in the future (very much down the line.) Again thanks in advance!

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

Howdy, We’re about to submit our squadron preference sheet at 30, and I wanted to ask for your advice. When ranking my preferences, is it better to deploy immediately and work on 2P upgrades while deployed, or to choose a squadron deploying 6-8 months later and aim to pick up 2P before deployment? Also would that deployment schedule have any impact on potentially making IP in the future (very much down the line.) Again thanks in advance!

I'm not an aviator, so please take my advice with a grain of salt. But based on the fact you're at an FRS and surrounded by P-8 aviators and instructors/IPs, why not ask them these exact questions?

 

[CaptMorgan]

I'm not an aviator, so please take my advice with a grain of salt. But based on the fact you're at an FRS and surrounded by P-8 aviators and instructors/IPs, why not ask them these exact questions?

I’ve definitely asked around and have received a good amount of opinions on what to do. About to submit my form so was just looking for some last minute advice👍

 

[tcham28]

The usual advice is to pick a squadron about to deploy, or meet one on deployment that just left.

 

[MIDNJAC]

I've seen far too many students log into SIPR to view the MAP and try and game their destiny based on an easily adjusted document. I honestly wouldn't waste your time. If anything, choose Jax vs Whidbey, IMO. I promise, you will make 2P and PPC/AC in time anywhere, if you do the work, regardless of "deployment" schedule advertised at the moment.

 

[Sponge]

I joined my squadron on deployment and it was fine. Thing is, you get a dream sheet again to pick your coast and squadron. You really don't get a true say in what you'll end up with, Illusion of choice again. I'm very thankful I met them on deployment, learned a ton and got a head start on the upgrading process. We were lucky our deployment was a little more relaxed than it should have been.
Prioritize coast. That's honestly all you should care about. You will get your deployments in, don't worry about that. And upgrading will happen as fast or as slow as you want it to go.
Here's a little story for you about upgrading, I was ahead of the schedule, got all my PQS done for 2P, was ready for my board month 7 and didnt do it until month 11. Don't try to game it. Pick Coast you want, pick a squadron based off how cool their patch is and just let the Navy decide what you'll actually get.

Little edit: Would recommend joining a squadron about to head out the door or currently on deployment. I know I was vague in my post so I'll give you my honesty. This is what I think is best. You get your first deployment under your belt, learning a shit ton and you'll earn some salt. Also when it comes to picking your coast, try to go somewhere new. I've never been to the west coast and I wish I would have gone there.