VAQ Pilot Shore Tours vs VFA Pilot Shore Tours

[JaegerThe117]

How do shore tours for pilots in the VAQ and VFA community differ, aside from obvious differences in weapons schools, FRS's, etc. Are there any opportunities exclusive to one or the other, or that are more likely for one over another?

 

[cfam]

I've always been under the impression that the RAAF EWO PEP billet is a pretty well curated "community job", and like you say, a bit unique as far as PEP goes.

To be honest, I’m not sure how it’s played out for everyone that’s done it. My impression was that it was mostly former RAG IEWOs, but he’s one of the most senior guys that’s done it (if not the most senior), and was planning on getting out when they offered that as an incentive to stay in. Either way, I’m happy if it’s become considered “on track”.

 

[ChuckMK23]

USMC 53 community maintained a robust exchange program with AF from 90's through 2000's. Ive read that the core of exchange pilots was pivotal in Marines transforming their training and capabilities on the platform.

 

[JTS11]

USMC 53 community maintained a robust exchange program with AF from 90's through 2000's. Ive read that the core of exchange pilots was pivotal in Marines transforming their training and capabilities on the platform.

I remember they did have an exchange program with the AF to fly the MH-53J. However, I don't recall anyone stating that the knowledges gained from those tours were somehow transformational to how the CH-53E community operated. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Meyerkord]

I'd be curious if PEP continued to be advertised as career-enhancing in the HSM community, but it seems the sampling is just too low to actually know if it actually is career-enhancing.

As a single data point, a former DH of mine recently picked up operational command and was a PEP guy. Doesn’t seem like he had much clawing back to do.

 

[MIDNJAC]

To be honest, I’m not sure how it’s played out for everyone that’s done it. My impression was that it was mostly former RAG IEWOs, but he’s one of the most senior guys that’s done it (if not the most senior), and was planning on getting out when they offered that as an incentive to stay in. Either way, I’m happy if it’s become considered “on track”.

Yeah, at least in the nearly 5 years I've been here now, that billet has gone to a great person who ultimately decided to get out. One is at -209, one is currently there, and I can't remember who the first one was. Maybe that is who you are talking about?

 

[Gatordev]

As a single data point, a former DH of mine recently picked up operational command and was a PEP guy. Doesn’t seem like he had much clawing back to do.

Out of curiosity, do you know what country? I have a feeling RAN was viewed a bit differently since they got all the keys to car.

 

[Meyerkord]

Out of curiosity, do you know what country?

Spain

 

[cfam]

Yeah, at least in the nearly 5 years I've been here now, that billet has gone to a great person who ultimately decided to get out. One is at -209, one is currently there, and I can't remember who the first one was. Maybe that is who you are talking about?

I was thinking of NaCl. Don’t know if there was anyone before him.

 

[Gonzo08]

I was thinking of NaCl. Don’t know if there was anyone before him.

He was the first as far as I'm aware. I was with him at -129 when the CO/PERS offered him the job.

 

[FLGUY]

I remember they did have an exchange program with the AF to fly the MH-53J. However, I don't recall anyone stating that the knowledges gained from those tours were somehow transformational to how the CH-53E community operated. Maybe I'm wrong.

What he means is that they probably got very good at talking with their elbows and rolling their flight suits the wrong way.