Originally Posted by
ryan1234
Right now I have a package into the Navy OCS boards for SNA in this month's board (mine was delayed for many reasons, i.e. flooding in Millington, etc), the results should be released within a week or two.
I've also been extremely fortunate to have an ANG interview coming up here very soon. I was lucky to have visited the unit, and based off the short time - they seem like a really great, genuine bunch of guys. The mission of the unit, a RQS, would be extremely rewarding and a privilege - as would becoming a Naval Aviator. The ANG told me that they would have their guys to AMS/UPT pretty quick (within a year) for a guard unit.
There is a tremendous amount of experience and wisdom from some of the members on this forums - I was wondering your opinions of the path between each. The obvious choice would be if one didn't select, and the other did - as would if both didn't select, and there's no guarantee of any.... but what if both selected? What are your thoughts?
Below is a bit dated really,(but always liked it <bg>) and not exactly what you asked, but there is a philosophical slant that still exists between the two services.
Have been in both, but only flew as a 'rated' or designated Naval Aviator.
Have many friends who were f-14/18, etc who are now guard (A-10/16/15/135) and really think the Guard is generally more Navy than straight USAF FWIW.
Personally, both opportunites are outstanding and the people really are mostly the same too.
Good luck
SD
NAVY vs AIR FORCE
Bob Norris is 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 US 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 Feb 04
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 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.
PS: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.