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:
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 & 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 *** 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.
