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.

 

Salty's post compares the AF to the Navy, as he mentioned, the ANG is not like the regular AF anyway.

In your case there is also the question of what do you want to be when you grow up?

Career military officer (emphasis on officer, not pilot): Better go active duty. Expect frequent non-flying tours, and eventual duties related to command and control of things other than airplanes.

Commercial Pilot or other civilian aspirations: Go ANG, you can fly for the guard and spend most of the month doing other things.

You can also do active duty for your initial obligation (ten years or so) and then transfer to the ANG, Navy Reserve, or USAF Reserve. You should be able to get a reserve job doing something to at least finish your 20 years for retirement but you may not be able to get a flying job, especially in the Navy (the USAF reserve will also probably shift heavily to UAVs).

 

... but so true! It was actually the first thing I thought of when I read Ryan's post. My career was AD to full time reserve to reservist, so I've pretty much seen it all from the Navy side, and I don't regret any of it. AD seems like a long commitment and at some point it will break your heart, but because you pour so much into it, you get a lot out of it. In either you will serve your country and make friends for life. I think you have to ask yourself, "is it strictly about flying or something more?"

 

Thanks guys for the advice and info... There really wasn't much of a choice... got rejected by the Navy, Alternate for the ANG RQS, but selected for an ANG fighter slot. Can't even explain how exciting it is - now comes the hard part!

 

Congrats Ryan. I hope you will keep us updated on the progress towards your eventual goal.

USMCFLYR

 

Congrats! Which airframe?

 

Thanks man! F-16

The squadron is a really great bunch of dudes... it's a huge privilege. Luckily, by the looks of it - the ball will get rollin' pretty quick!!

 

Awesome! I think you got the best deal. You know what you're going to fly..a great goal to have I think. With the Navy, their needs come first and though flying helo's or P-3's would be great, it may not have been what you wanted. Good luck to you!!

 

Congrats bro, I think you deserved it.