Originally Posted by
sailingfun
The Navy has tried over the years several different programs not requiring a degree. What you are missing is the complexity of the weapon systems the Navy and AirForce employ off aircraft. Flying the aircraft is a means to employ weapons. The Navy and AirFrorce employ far more sophisticated systems and more types. Many of those systems are far more complex than learning to fly the aircraft.
That theory doesn't stand throughout entire NATO architecture of airpower, and then you have the transport and helos in the USMC/NAVY/AirForce.
It's really nothing more then "that's how weve always done it" measure of finding a succesful candidate who will go on to become a leader.