Staying in or getting out.
Will look at that in a moment.
First of all, aircraft selection cut begins towards the end of primary. Three groups for Navy folks - Jets, Props, Helos. Have to have a minimum grade cut to get jets. You can make your dream sheet, and if there is a draft for a type other than jets, you'll be likely to go there (props or helos).
You mention tailhookers. So, if you make the cut for jets, then you go on to intermediate and then advanced. Nav' takes you through weps, low levels, ACM etc prior to wings. Good chance to see what you've got. Same selection happens. You put in a wish list/dream sheet and if it fits, you get it. If there's a draft, you go into another a/c type.
Can only speak to the tailhook life. Best flying in the world, no doubt. Sometimes, the most challenging lifestyle there is.
Obligation for Navy folks has been 8 yrs after wings, or about 10 yrs active duty. That's the first gate to look at departing.
Total hours at that point depends on a number of things.
However, most folks can stay flying after their first sea tour. Shore duty is usually very good.
Has been a shortage of VFA folks (Hornets), so it's been a challenge for the Nav' to fill fleet billets or other non flying jobs. Most aviators realize that a non flying job will happen at some time, and try to make the best of it by combining it with other tickets to advance (like a joint tour on a staff; foreign country).
Folks leaving. Most of my budds were leaving for greenier pastures. Numerous folks left at the second gate (14 yrs of active duty; end of a flying bonus). Even though they "only" had 6 yrs left towards retirement, they felt they'd be better off with a commercial airliner for those 6 yrs. However, some got blasted by 9/11, junior, and now on the street (many were able to get back in).
Family plays a part for folks leaving. 6 months of cruise are preceded by many months of work ups at sea or Fallon, NV.
Again, the ones I know who have loved it (along with their spouses) have made the most of their shore duties, visited their spouse in a foreign port, or waited for the second shore duty for a family.
Greatest flyin', sometimes the hardest life. True.
Best to ya. PIGHEEL
p.s. Most of the guys who have enjoyed it will say they've gotten the orders that they want. Part of working the system, bubba network.