block30

I'd love to hear your story!

And of course, the same goes to the original poster, Tshugart. Subs fascinate me. Thanks for your service.

Jetjok

Yes, you are certainly crazy, but don't tell the Navy because I believe they would probably want you off your boat, pronto.

Talk is cheap. Ask any group of pilots, especially airline pilots if they're still with the woman who vowed to support their dream of flying for a living. Bet it would be a real eye-opener.

My advice would be: stay in until they kick your butt out; it'll help your military retirement; it'll help the country to remain strong; you'll continue to get much satisfaction from doing a job that could only be done by a very select few, and obviously doing it well; it'll allow the Navy to not have to train your replacement for a while; it'll save you from the frustration of cow-towing to someone who probably shouldn't even be polishing your boots (flak vest installed, cleared in hot. Then when you do finally retire, go out and either buy yourself an airplane, or better yet, join a flying club and accrue your hours there, always remembering that if it flys, floats, or *****, it's cheaper to rent. And finally remember that chicks dig guys in those "fa***ty white uniforms." (A direct quote from that legendary warrior, Colonel Nathan R. Jessep.)

All that said, Best of luck with your decision. It's a tough one, but you've got your sierra together.

JJ

e6bpilot

It's a lot less glamorous than it sounds. I went the enlisted route because I was a knucklehead when I first graduated high school. I got my sh!t together, finally, and through hard work and mostly luck got where I am now.
As I tell my kids, "I scrubbed a lot of toilets to get here".

hindsight2020

As a mid-career mil pilot, and a private aircraft owner, not only no, but HELL no I wouldn't do it OP. Not at your age and life stage. Flying transport category airplanes is overrated anyways. Doing it for no money is even more so. Recreational aviation would serve you well in military retirement. Plenty of ancillary aviation jobs that keep you flying, perhaps even small turbine equipment on a part 91 (or select 135 outfit) basis.

Again, I'm an O-3 with a wife and kid, and I own a piper Arrow outright. I foresee the ability to upgrade to true 3 mile/minute airplanes on an O-5 salary without upsetting my ability to provide for my son, even if my wife were to delay her entry into the workforce beyond her current school timeline. Your situation is much better. As Huggy pointed out, there is a WORLD of enthusiastic general aviation out there. Aerobatic piston airplanes to twin engine coast-to-coast in a day cruisers, to everything in between. Flying for money turns the job into a grind real quick. I've never felt that way when I fire up my Arrow with my family in tow.

It truly is a young man's career, especially with the self-imposed decade of poverty all entrants accept. Your time is more valuable than that, at least I would feel that way if I was in your shoes. I love flying planes, but I would never work for a regional. Even at my level, I believe my time is more valuable than that. If that means not flying for money, I'm fine with that. Affording private aviation has ironically allowed me the ability of not considering professional aviation as the only tolerable avenue for primary breadwinner income in my life.

Good luck to you.

maddogmax

As a former 3rd class STS, then Naval Aviator (A-7) and finally a 30 yr. Airline Pilot, I can tell you, your current and future career in the Navy is SO much more rewarding. As much I have had a great aviation career, I can't tell you how many times I would have liked to have been the CO of a aircraft carrier. There is much more opportunity for you to make a lot more money, spend time with your family and be proud of your Naval Service in the Civilian community. Like those above have said, flying is an addiction. Many Naval bases have great flying clubs or buy your own plane. Timeshare is also an option. Enjoy your retirement. It goes by in a hurry.

block30

I think that story is awesome! To go from active duty enlisted to officer, and get a pilot slot....that is an accomplishment!

Toonces

Don't forget that as a pilot you may still have to scrub those toilets.

F4E Mx

You are considering throwing away all your naval experience plus the benefits of having a top secret clearance. I would stay in as long as possible and then pick up a masters degree in Naval Architecture to compliment your mechnical engineering degree (not that it is really necessary). You are looking at having a very productive second career for yourself and your family by staying in the marine career field. With the quality of military leadership at the national level I would also look at your wife getting out of active duty and into the reserves as soon as she can.

rickair7777

I know that guy.

Toonces

This seems to happen a lot in this forum.


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