Ya got me. I'm sure whatever you're doing on the outside is much more rewarding than being an NFO could ever possibly be.
Look, you guys are sweating bullets over maybe not getting your first choice. I get that. But consider two things: one, what an OCS selection board says does not seal your fate. You all are talking like if you don't get what you want right out of the gate, you're doomed to a miserable life. Two, you've had zero exposure to Naval aviation and what NFOs (or NAs, for that matter, really) actually do. Your options are always much better once you're aboard than when you're on the outside looking in. Get FO, see if you like it. If not - or if being a pilot just looks like more your bag - apply to redesignate when appropriate. Worst case? That doesn't work out and you get a fun, interesting, and well-paid flying job for a few years.
Speaking as someone who really wanted to be a pilot and wasn't interested in NFO out of USNA, I've had a fantastic career as an NFO that I've enjoyed a lot and wouldn't trade for anything. I've had contractor flight test jobs for almost all my post-Navy career, which I certainly never would've imagined in the summer of '99. We've got NFOs on this board who did all kinds of shit on the outside, including airline pilots. Be willing to take a chance on your second choice - your life and career and desires can evolve along with whatever the universe throws at you.
Or be 50 one day and sit around telling your fellow tractor insurance salesmen how you could've flown for the Navy but they wanted you to ride in the back seat.
