Burnout
 

I was reading an older thread on here how fighter types work 12-14 hours a day. How do you not get burned out of that lifestyle? It has got to be exhausting to do that for 10 to 20 years. Is that why turnover is so high?

In my experience that was the type of work schedule (or more) that you operated in when assigned to the fleet squadron. Our squadron tours in my community were often around 3 years (though they eventually got as long as 5 years - and yes - burnout was a problem). You take advantage of the other tours to help *recharge* your batteries for your next upcoming fleet tour.

Typical schedule for almost any Navy operational command...turnover is high, and would be a lot higher if not for various retention bonuses.

I spent 8 years flying after pilot training. 3 years as a T-38 instructor and 5 years in the A-10. I was burned out the entire time, until my last year in. Once I had realized I was getting out, I only did my primary job of teaching and scheduling and chaffed the rest of it. You'll soon find out that 75% of your job is "make work" to keep up with the careerists.

So why keep up? Why doesn't the military change it, makes too much sense?

They don't have to change it. Typical contract as a pilot takes you to around year 12. Plus, it's type A's and ultra type A's. I found most people were working so they wouldn't be the first to leave. Took me years to figure this one out....and my home life has never been better.

It's only going to get worse. Longer deployments, less funding, reduction of force, etc.

Do you get punished for leaving early or something made up in their minds? Seems like a double edged sword for the AF guys, be gone a lot flying heavies or working long hours flying fighters.

The punishment was to be at the end of the line for upgrades and qualifications. Plus, the imminent IA that will take you out of yr squadron. Like posted above, it is going to get worse. I even had a XO tell me that 12 hours was not enough in one day to get all of the work done. I was in a Marine jet squadron and am now in the reserves. Much more level headed folks in the "quit once" crowd.

Does that matter if you plan on getting out? Sounds like those Ip's were right that flying fighters were a drag. Guess that's why the Guard/Reserves are so popular.