Navy or AF?
08-08-2008, 07:26 AM
#31
New Hire
Joined APC: Aug 2008
Position: Tailhooker
Posts: 3
I second KC-10 FATBoy, join the military because you want to be there, don't be one of "those" guys.
I'm a Navy guy that went to AF Primary then Navy Intermediate and Advanced for the rest of flight school. So while I'm not AF, I can speak somewhat from my observations there. First off in terms of money and quality of life, the Air Force has the Navy beat. They have the nicest, maintained bases, their facilities are usually top notch. The Navy, well we just get by with what we have, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. But the AF will tell you when you can and can't fly, they also are very restrictive in the regulations pertaining to flight ops. Even Baseops at their fields, with their infamous red line of death on the ramp. Think of the Air Force as the strict parents and the Navy as a laid back relative.
Flight school with the Navy is more laid back and like the big boy program, you study on your own and you are expected to do so, if you show up unprepared to an event then it's your own fault, and your grades will show. That is a huge difference compared to mandatory 12 hour days in the Air Force during flight school where you have to be there 12 hours each day and study if you're not flying. If you're not schedule to fly a day in the navy and don't have any classes or ground events, then you don't go into work, your day is free to go to the beach, study, or workout.
Do guys fly helicopters in the Navy? Sure, but if you work hard enough in flight school and don't want to fly Helos, then you probably won't. Naval Aviation compared to the rest of the Navy is a small group, but it's a very close knit group that is fraternal like. There's no black and white lines between jet, prop, and helo guys like there is in the Air Force between Fighter, Bomber, and Cargo pilots. Basically each service has its pros and cons, pick the one you feel most comfortable with, things will just fall in place from there.
By the way, I can't think of anything better when you're flying out to the boat during the day, steady deck, winds at 30 knots right down the angle, and you roll into the groove and call the ball, then think to yourself I'm about to land on that ship.. being a Tailhook aviator is something I'll always be proud of. I'm sure there are other guys here that can chime in.
I'm a Navy guy that went to AF Primary then Navy Intermediate and Advanced for the rest of flight school. So while I'm not AF, I can speak somewhat from my observations there. First off in terms of money and quality of life, the Air Force has the Navy beat. They have the nicest, maintained bases, their facilities are usually top notch. The Navy, well we just get by with what we have, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. But the AF will tell you when you can and can't fly, they also are very restrictive in the regulations pertaining to flight ops. Even Baseops at their fields, with their infamous red line of death on the ramp. Think of the Air Force as the strict parents and the Navy as a laid back relative.
Flight school with the Navy is more laid back and like the big boy program, you study on your own and you are expected to do so, if you show up unprepared to an event then it's your own fault, and your grades will show. That is a huge difference compared to mandatory 12 hour days in the Air Force during flight school where you have to be there 12 hours each day and study if you're not flying. If you're not schedule to fly a day in the navy and don't have any classes or ground events, then you don't go into work, your day is free to go to the beach, study, or workout.
Do guys fly helicopters in the Navy? Sure, but if you work hard enough in flight school and don't want to fly Helos, then you probably won't. Naval Aviation compared to the rest of the Navy is a small group, but it's a very close knit group that is fraternal like. There's no black and white lines between jet, prop, and helo guys like there is in the Air Force between Fighter, Bomber, and Cargo pilots. Basically each service has its pros and cons, pick the one you feel most comfortable with, things will just fall in place from there.
By the way, I can't think of anything better when you're flying out to the boat during the day, steady deck, winds at 30 knots right down the angle, and you roll into the groove and call the ball, then think to yourself I'm about to land on that ship.. being a Tailhook aviator is something I'll always be proud of. I'm sure there are other guys here that can chime in.
08-08-2008, 07:43 AM
#32
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2005
Posts: 1,275
So, I'm currently trying to decide whether or not the military is a viable option for me or not. I'm a current pilot in pools at two decent (if there is such a thing) regional airlines. I have always been interested in the military for an aviation career. Recently, with the airlines down the drain, I have decided to pursue the military. I just want some advice as to the advantages and/or disadvantages of going into the Navy or the Air Force. All the advice is appreciated.
It's the best of both worlds.
If you're interested in more info, PM me.
08-08-2008, 04:14 PM
#33
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Position: Retired Naval Aviator
Posts: 377
Do guys fly helicopters in the Navy? Sure, but if you work hard enough in flight school and don't want to fly Helos, then you probably won't. Naval Aviation compared to the rest of the Navy is a small group, but it's a very close knit group that is fraternal like. There's no black and white lines between jet, prop, and helo guys like there is in the Air Force between Fighter, Bomber, and Cargo pilots. Basically each service has its pros and cons, pick the one you feel most comfortable with, things will just fall in place from there.
I've got 15+ years AD Navy and if you think there isn't a line between helo, props, jets, give it time. You'll see it. I was a tailhooker as well, a COD driver for years. Even flew them when we stayed on the boat for the entire deployment, flying night ops with night traps. There was and is a line between the communities. Not necessarily a bad thing, it just is what it is.
08-16-2008, 12:34 PM
#34
On Reserve
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: Hornet/Rhino Driver
Posts: 15
So, I'm currently trying to decide whether or not the military is a viable option for me or not. I'm a current pilot in pools at two decent (if there is such a thing) regional airlines. I have always been interested in the military for an aviation career. Recently, with the airlines down the drain, I have decided to pursue the military. I just want some advice as to the advantages and/or disadvantages of going into the Navy or the Air Force. All the advice is appreciated.
Old argument, similar response. You should not join the military. Why? You should join the military for one reason; to serve your country. The benefits can be nice: flight training, contacts, camaradarie, etc.
If you are not keeping this in mind, you should continue to fly in the civilian world where the CFI is concerned with calling out every turn over the radio and on final when you are the only C172 in the pattern (or within 20 miles for that matter) at an uncontrolled field. Don't get me started.
If you want to serve your country, great. Step one. Do you want to man up a fighter and see what you are made of? Great. Fly Navy, Air Force, or Marines. I know bad asses in all three. Step two.
But do not join the military to bide your time until the airlines open up. We will smell that a mile away and you'll probably end up flying a Helo anyway.
It is a big risk / big reward choice you are about to make. Good Luck.
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