LETTER ON WHETHER TO BECOME AN AIR FORCE PILOT...... OR A NAVAL AVIATOR......
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 on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following:
22 December 2005
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 ourself "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 & 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 enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted 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. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.
Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.
Banzai
P.S.: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.
P.S.S. And oh yes, the Army pilot program, don't even think about it unless you got a pair bigger than basketballs. Those guys are completely crazy.
Pau.
- hfs
1.31.2006
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6 comments:
I got a laugh out of this one and often nodded my head and mumbled how true. After 10 years in the Air Force I left the service. No I wasn't a pilot, I was one of the 100+ people needed to put a pilot in the sky.
However, one of the often over looked opportunities for an aviation career with our government is the Coast Guard. In my career field I dealt with folks in all of the services, including the Coast Guard. Their level of professionalism was quite high and I would assume the Coast Guard aviation community would also reflect that.
Well said, I am a Naval Aviator and this will certainly be sent around ready rooms across the fleet. It will fire the boys up all over the world....Well said
Haha, I enjoyed this read. It will be posted in my office for all to see. I too had to make the decision, but was drawn to the Navy.
Well written. Very true. As an Airforce pilot, I can safely say we are prepared for anything and everything. Naval Aviators have our respect as well.
I thououghly enjoyed reading this. I have the greatest respect for Naval Aviators; however, Bob Norris' intro failed to mentenion that he is also an accomplished Navy Propagandist. I am a retired Air Force pilot who spent many more special occassion days away from home than I did at home. I am also a USNA graduate who feels that a pilot has every right to expect to find his runway right where he left it.
I would also like to add that Naval Aviators don't need diplomatic clearance to get the scene of the action, a distinct and advantagous contribution to our national security.
Paul,
Coast Guard pilots are Naval Aviators.
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