Hey Everyone,
I have been researching about the Navy for a few weeks now. I have read as much as a could on these forums. I am very interested in the BDCP. I'm 20 years old, working on a double major of Aeronautical Science and Aerospace Engineering with approximately a 3.5 GPA at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. By the time I graduate, I will have my CFI and multi-engine ratings. I am also very fit and take on a proactive effort with my health involving proper diet as well as Mixed Martial Arts training. The Navy has been in my mind for a while now and I need some closure. What attracts me to the Navy is the chance to fly incredible aircraft, traveling all over the world, being at sea as I have always had a profound love for the ocean, the physical training aspect, as well as the financial and educational benefits. With this basic background I have the following questions:
1) I understand that there is no guaranteed flight slot, but with my aviation degree, flight training and instruction (eventually), physical fitness and most likely high scores on the ASTB, is there still a chance that I will not get a flight slot? Will I found out if I get accepted into flight training in my application for BDCP? If not, when do I found out?
2) Has anyone had any issues with regards to killing people(assuming fighter pilot)? Obviously your targets will be classified as "enemies," but has anyone had any second thoughts (ie. are they really my enemy?)? How often is the decision of whether or not you end someone's (or multiple people's) life/lives? Is this a regular part of a Navy Pilot's life?
3) Are missions more likely going to be intelligence gathering, intercepting, or search and rescue rather than ending lives?
4) I understand that I can pursue an advanced degree after my first flying tour. Will I loose my flight slot if I chose this path? Would I have to serve longer if I get an advanced degree (in aerospace engineering most likely) if the Navy pays for it (GI Bill, NPS)?
5) Is it possible to become a flight instructor rather than getting deployed? If not, how many flying tours would I have to do in order to become a flight instructor?
6) I am extremely interested in the physical aspect of the Navy. Is it possible to pursue Navy training in my free time? (ie. SEALs training, survival training, skydiving, scuba diving, free diving, hand to hand combat, etc.) I have no interest in becoming a Navy seal or a Surface Warfare Officer or anything like that but I would love to do all the training. BUD/S training seems appealing to me. My 20s will be the prime of my athletic life, and I do not want it to go to waste. I would like to go way beyond simply exercising at a gym. I want to be as complete a human as I can be. Both physical and mental.
7) If I want to learn a new language can the Navy help me or I do it in my free time? (again, assuming I am a pilot here)
8) Does the BDCP pay for rent, food, and on top of that a E-3 Salary?
9) When I get commissioned as an officer, do I start as an O-1 or an O-3 because my time in BDCP counts as active duty?
10) Feel free to add any insight or information you feel would be appropriate to me. I thank you in advance for any potential help. Sorry for the excess of questions as well as weird ones.
I have been researching about the Navy for a few weeks now. I have read as much as a could on these forums. I am very interested in the BDCP. I'm 20 years old, working on a double major of Aeronautical Science and Aerospace Engineering with approximately a 3.5 GPA at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. By the time I graduate, I will have my CFI and multi-engine ratings. I am also very fit and take on a proactive effort with my health involving proper diet as well as Mixed Martial Arts training. The Navy has been in my mind for a while now and I need some closure. What attracts me to the Navy is the chance to fly incredible aircraft, traveling all over the world, being at sea as I have always had a profound love for the ocean, the physical training aspect, as well as the financial and educational benefits. With this basic background I have the following questions:
1) I understand that there is no guaranteed flight slot, but with my aviation degree, flight training and instruction (eventually), physical fitness and most likely high scores on the ASTB, is there still a chance that I will not get a flight slot? Will I found out if I get accepted into flight training in my application for BDCP? If not, when do I found out?
2) Has anyone had any issues with regards to killing people(assuming fighter pilot)? Obviously your targets will be classified as "enemies," but has anyone had any second thoughts (ie. are they really my enemy?)? How often is the decision of whether or not you end someone's (or multiple people's) life/lives? Is this a regular part of a Navy Pilot's life?
3) Are missions more likely going to be intelligence gathering, intercepting, or search and rescue rather than ending lives?
4) I understand that I can pursue an advanced degree after my first flying tour. Will I loose my flight slot if I chose this path? Would I have to serve longer if I get an advanced degree (in aerospace engineering most likely) if the Navy pays for it (GI Bill, NPS)?
5) Is it possible to become a flight instructor rather than getting deployed? If not, how many flying tours would I have to do in order to become a flight instructor?
6) I am extremely interested in the physical aspect of the Navy. Is it possible to pursue Navy training in my free time? (ie. SEALs training, survival training, skydiving, scuba diving, free diving, hand to hand combat, etc.) I have no interest in becoming a Navy seal or a Surface Warfare Officer or anything like that but I would love to do all the training. BUD/S training seems appealing to me. My 20s will be the prime of my athletic life, and I do not want it to go to waste. I would like to go way beyond simply exercising at a gym. I want to be as complete a human as I can be. Both physical and mental.
7) If I want to learn a new language can the Navy help me or I do it in my free time? (again, assuming I am a pilot here)
8) Does the BDCP pay for rent, food, and on top of that a E-3 Salary?
9) When I get commissioned as an officer, do I start as an O-1 or an O-3 because my time in BDCP counts as active duty?
10) Feel free to add any insight or information you feel would be appropriate to me. I thank you in advance for any potential help. Sorry for the excess of questions as well as weird ones.
