woodfinx

Currently I am a ~600 hour 2-year CFI with no hint of a job prospect anywhere in sight. I went through 4-year Aerospace program and graduate in May. Just to give myself a few options I also took the CTI program for Air Traffic Control, but now there is a 2-3 year back up on that due to overhiring and changes in training.

I have seen too many of my friends (with double my hours) go to, and get crapped on by regionals. The QOL is terrible, on top of the fear they have of never knowing when they might lose their job. Right now I would be looking at at least another 2-3 years of flight instruction before I had the hours to be taken seriously for a job anyways.

Lately I have been looking at and thinking of Navy OCS but would like to get some insight on it from people that have done it or have experience with it. Anything you could answer (What are my chances of a flight slot? Any advice or tips? etc.) would be appreciated.

rickair7777

I think you can still get a guaranteed flight slot in the navy, and most other services (except the USCG).

I would probably not just join the navy and let them assign you a career. More so than the other services, the nature of the training and work environment vary dramatically between specialties. You should be able to get a guarantee for something of your choosing before you sign up:

Naval Aviator (Pilot)
Naval Flight Officer (backseater)
Surface Warfare (conventional or nuclear)
Submarines (nuclear)
Special Warfare (SEAL)
EOD/Special Operations (diving)

These are all warfare specialties, for staff jobs (Intel, PAO, Law, Medicine, etc) you need specific relevant civilian education and/or certification. Intel would be open to a variety of college majors I think.

If flying is your primary interest, consider all of the services, not just the navy.

FlyBoyd

There are entire threads answering your questions here Air Warriors. People that have BTDT and are currently in the same boat as you are there as well.

DO NOT ASK WHAT YOUR CHANCES ARE. Please research (search function) and read the rules section before posting.

woodfinx

I guess I phrased that a little vague.

I have a good idea what my chances of getting a pilot slot are (i've reasearched a ton). I guess I am looking more for someone that is flight training or has recently gone through it to know what the current demand is.

I have also heard mixed thing about whether or not civilian hours help you in selection.

ryan1234

Really you know your chances!?

If you really want to be a Naval Aviator just submit your packet and wait with the rest of us. They say civie time in training can go one way or the other... Some say it won't help with selection or flight training, some say it will...unless you're on the board it's tough to know for sure.

Airwarriors has great info that will answer every question anyone could ask.

Grumble

You want to know what your chances are? Apply and find out. Damnit I hate that question.

PGTx

Depends on your GPA, letters of recommendations, extracurricular activities, etc.

I just got picked up last week for OCS with an air contract, PM with any questions.

USMCFLYR

Congrats PGTx. When do you leave and where do you go?

USMCFLYR

Fishfreighter

Don't fall for the old recruiter line, "If you really want to get in, apply for both pilot and NFO."

They tried that one on me. I said, "No thanks. Pilot only."

The recruiter was disappointed but not as disappointed as I would have been as an NFO.

PGTx

Sometime in the fall.

Navy OCS is in Newport, Rhode Island now.