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USN Should I go Naval Aircrewman or a Submariner?

Alejandro Booher

Alejandro Booher

New Member
I want to become a Naval Aviator. I'm planning to apply for the NROTC Scholarship but I doubt that I will be able to get it, with all the competition out there. I'm a PO1 in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and going through 4 years of Air Force JROTC, but I still don't think I will be getting the scholarship. Anyways, I am looking into enlisting to give me a boost into doing what I want, and that is flying for the greatest Naval force in the world. Naval Aircrewmen and Submariners are two completely different things and I know submariners is not a rate, I'm still looking into what job I want to do if I pick subs. But yeah being an Aviation page I believe this is going to be biased, but please input your opinions.
 
picklesuit

picklesuit

Dirty Hinge
pilot
Contributor
Go Aircrew if you want to fly. You will be working with pilots, who will direct you toward the correct path as far as the ASTB, interview process, etc.

This won't happen on a sub.

Pickle
 
Ken_gone_flying

Ken_gone_flying

"I live vicariously through myself."
pilot
Contributor
Alejandro Booher said:
I want to become a Naval Aviator. I'm planning to apply for the NROTC Scholarship but I doubt that I will be able to get it, with all the competition out there. I'm a PO1 in the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps and going through 4 years of Air Force JROTC, but I still don't think I will be getting the scholarship. Anyways, I am looking into enlisting to give me a boost into doing what I want, and that is flying for the greatest Naval force in the world. Naval Aircrewmen and Submariners are two completely different things and I know submariners is not a rate, I'm still looking into what job I want to do if I pick subs. But yeah being an Aviation page I believe this is going to be biased, but please input your opinions.
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Go Aircrew. I was prior Aircrew and my exposure to Naval Aviation was a tremendous help when making the transition to pilot.
 
Gatordev

Gatordev

Well-Known Member
pilot
Site Admin
Contributor
Is there a reason why you don't think you're competitive for ROTC? I'm guessing grades/types of classes?
 
Alejandro Booher

Alejandro Booher

New Member
Gatordev said:
Is there a reason why you don't think you're competitive for ROTC? I'm guessing grades/types of classes?
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I am great in class, its when it comes to studying, I don't really do much of that and when I take test I usually pass with an 90%, but I believe my luck is running out after doing that for awhile. On a side-note, though I only have 2 mores years until I can start applying for the ROTC Scholarship, I am a bit out of shape for the Navy's standards. I'm not extremely over weight, just past the limit by a bit. So I believe if I enlist and go through DEP, it can help me condition my body even more before I go to Navy RTC. One of the requirements to get a ROTC Scholarship is to pass a PT test, which I am working on to get to at least the minimum standard or better, but basically it all depends on my commitment on getting that scholarship by training or having the Navy make me train.
 
P

Pags

N/A
pilot
Alejandro Booher said:
I am great in class, its when it comes to studying, I don't really do much of that and when I take test I usually pass with an 90%, but I believe my luck is running out after doing that for awhile. On a side-note, though I only have 2 mores years until I can start applying for the ROTC Scholarship, I am a bit out of shape for the Navy's standards. I'm not extremely over weight, just past the limit by a bit. So I believe if I enlist and go through DEP, it can help me condition my body even more before I go to Navy RTC. One of the requirements to get a ROTC Scholarship is to pass a PT test, which I am working on to get to at least the minimum standard or better, but basically it all depends on my commitment on getting that scholarship by training or having the Navy make me train.
Click to expand...
the easiest way to be an aviator is to be an officer either via USNA, ROTC, or OCS. Enlisting with the intent to go Officer is a much harder path. why not just start studying and start working out on your own? The navy won't teach you how to do either of those if you enlisted.
 
azguy

azguy

Well-Known Member
None
Pags said:
the easiest way to be an aviator is to be an officer either via USNA, ROTC, or OCS. Enlisting with the intent to go Officer is a much harder path. why not just start studying and start working out on your own?
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This.

I've seen many of my sailors go through the process of applying for officer programs. It can be a long slog and you have no guarantee of success.

Finally, based on my (admittedly rudimentary) understanding of DEP, I would definitely not count on once or twice a week workouts to get you in shape. Gonna have to do it on your own anyway...
 
picklesuit

picklesuit

Dirty Hinge
pilot
Contributor
DEP is worthless, basically probation for recruits.

If you can afford college, give it a try, and work toward a degree and ROTC/OCS.

If not, let the Navy pay for it.

My biggest regret in life is going straight to college, taking on $52K in loans, just to enlist and go Aircrew before getting my commission and wings.

If I had gone Navy first and used the MGIB I would be way further ahead in life.

Don't let a lack of physical conditioning scare you away.

Find the willpower to fix it and fix it.

Pickle
 
hlg6016

hlg6016

A/C Wings Here
Keep in mind you will never be awarded a scholarship unless you apply for it, Go ahead and apply.
With a goal in mind you will find you are better able to focus your motivation into preparing for your goals such as getting in shape and keeping your grades up. Its up to you to make it happen.
 
justheretocreep

justheretocreep

Well-Known Member
Pags said:
the easiest way to be an aviator is to be an officer either via USNA, ROTC, or OCS. Enlisting with the intent to go Officer is a much harder path. why not just start studying and start working out on your own? The navy won't teach you how to do either of those if you enlisted.
Click to expand...

Definitely some great advice here to strongly consider. My selected path I chose was enlisting in the reserves as an aircrewman to better my chances of becoming a pilot but still finishing school in a decent amount of time. In my opinion, after finally submitting my OCS packet for board next month, i'd recommend not going this route. It is a pain to try and go from enlisted to officer and honestly doesn't seem to carry that much weight. My recruiter said it best "The Navy already has and owns you, they want to get people they don't already have". Going to school and finishing with a solid GPA and great ASTB scores as a civilian is probably a best bet. You also get to apply early while still in school as a civilian, if you're already enlisted you have to completely finish school first and have degree in hand before you can apply. There are many hoops to jump through, but if you're set on joining, definitely aircrew as it is in the same field and community and you will learn a hell of a lot more about the different aircraft the Navy has as well as the different jobs pertaining to each aircraft.

Just my 2 cents based off my experiences.
 
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