Blazer535

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.

Airbum

I once had the same choice to make. went with the USAF. Liked the more sorties for fighters, less nonflying tours and the aircraft. The focus on Air power instead of Naval power. I would look at the retention levels of pilots in both services, that should tell you a lot.

Landing on a boat seems cool but I was always happy to go to the merge with my lightweight fighter. Also WAAAAY back then there where no girls on the boats..... maybe that was the real deciding factor.

Deuce130

Go for whichever one will give you a pilot slot. Keep in mind the USN has a metric ton of helos...

CPOonfinal

I'm not a Naval Aviator but I can tell you that the QOL for the AF is, by-in-large, measurably better than the Navy. Making a "cruise" aboard an aircraft carrier is way cool though (the first time). If I were in your shoes I would probably choose the AF. Besides, the AF has WAY better looking women than the Navy and a vast number of bases and aircraft.

bunk22

For information on Naval Aviation, go to www.airwarriors.com. Try a search first so as not to ask a common question and maybe get dumped on. All you need to know about Navy flying/life is available on the site. Many former, current and soon to be Naval Aviators. Just so you know, we are biased

FLY6584

Go guard/reserves. Chances of picking up a fighter guard/reserve slot is definitely slim, but picking up a 135 or 130 slot is probably a good possibility. If you really want to fly fighters then you can take the chance on Active Duty, but you need to realize that maybe 1 or possibly 2(not likely) will receive a fighter out of an active duty class of about 20.

Personally I would shoot for a 135 or 130 unit because they are all over the country and I think the flying would be very satisfying. You'll also get to keep that airline job on the side if you play your cards right and things end up working out for you.

Good luck!

Viper25

Go Navy!

I'm a little bit biased

However, depending on whether or not you have your college degree I believe the Navy gives more money, at least at my school. For me, they pay absolutely everything (NROTC). I think Air Force has a cap on their scholarships (AFROTC).

I was attracted to the Navy because of their culture and philosophy. Naval Aviation is a very strong fraternity. Also, the Navy's operations manual (3710) tells you what you CAN'T do where everything else is fair game. The Air Force's manual tells you what you CAN do, allowing nothing else. Furthermore landing on a 400 foot pitching runway is something that is attractive to me.

To be fair the Air Force has a much better lifestyle. They have shorter deployments, more modern and comfortable bases, and many more tactical aircraft that you can fly.

Oh yeah, go on www.airwarriors.com as mentioned before. It is a TREMENDOUS resource.

SaltyDog

Blazer535,
I have the DD-214 from both services, still Navy Reserve, get on with whomever 'hires' you is probably the best, but can't resist including this mostly very true and very humourous perspective. Fly Navy

"The piece is written by Bob Norris, a former Naval aviator who also did a 3-year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about U.S. Naval Aviation including “Check Six” and “Fly-Off”. In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot about which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following:

12 February 2004

Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country.

As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself: “Which one am I more likely to thrive in?”

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent.

Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training and tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot…so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black Shoes (surface warfare) and Bubble Heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts.

Senior Navy enlisteds are the salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisteds vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty.

The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it.

Remember, the hottest girl in the bar always wants to meet the Naval Aviator.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask… pack warm and good luck in Colorado.

Banzai

P.S. - Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits."

Blazer535

Thanks for the advice guys. Python, I graduated college this past May.

hoya99

USMC is another option for you. You can get a flight contract and then go to OCS knowing you have a flight school slot. If you can handle the 10 week OCS and 6 months of TBS its a viable option.