Hugh Jorgan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2001
- Posts
- 2,307
> USN or USAF?
>
> by Bob Norris
>
> Bob Norris is a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange
> tour with the Air Force flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of
> entertaining books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and
> "Fly-Off". Check out his web site at <http://www.bobnorris.com/>. 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 deployments and months on deployment. The quality of the aircraft
> varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted
> are the 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 you will get your hands
> dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will
> be in 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.
>
> Banzai
>
> PS Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.
>
> by Bob Norris
>
> Bob Norris is a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange
> tour with the Air Force flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of
> entertaining books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and
> "Fly-Off". Check out his web site at <http://www.bobnorris.com/>. 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 deployments and months on deployment. The quality of the aircraft
> varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted
> are the 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 you will get your hands
> dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will
> be in 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.
>
> Banzai
>
> PS Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.
