jtval 0 #26 November 22, 2001 haha, yea i know marc, we are kinda pampered(not in pampers) but there was something in the motto...AIM HIGH!ayt the time, i was. HAHAHave fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NathanL100 0 #27 November 22, 2001 Hey, thank you to everyone who has responded to my post, you all have been extremely helpful. I do have one more question though because I have heard conflicting reports about this. One guy that I've been talking too says that a pilots license will not help me in any way with the selection process while another says that it will do me a lot of good. So who is right??Blue Ones,NathanA# 39553 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
riggerrob 643 #28 November 22, 2001 Yes, a private pilot license will help in the early stages of military flight training, just don't brag about it when you arrive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #29 November 22, 2001 It will help in the early stages...BUT, like Riggerrob said...DO NOT BRAG about it...or your life might become hell...MarcRes Firma Mitescere Nescite Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyhawk 2 #30 November 22, 2001 i wouldnt even tell the instructer just let it help you in the backgroundi live my life 14000 ft at a time, nothen else matters, in that 60 seconds or less im free Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #31 November 22, 2001 Quote Hey guys, I need a little help deciding what to do. I really want to be a pilot, better yet a fighter pilot, but I can't decided if the Navy is right for me or the Air Force. As a couple people have stated, don't forget the Marines.. They train and fly right alongside Navy pilots(CQ and everything).. They often deploy on carriers for a while, too.. Several years ago a friend of mine went in to the Marines in the "Platoon Leader Course - Guaranteed Aviation Program".. They were hurting for pilots at the time - and they kind of still are - so they actually guaranteed a pilot slot.. Here's the catch - they didn't guarantee the TYPE of aircraft.. They would guarantee fixed wing or rotary wing, but that's it.. Supposedly, if you didn't make it through initial flight training, you are out of the military - free and clear.. I don't know of anybody that didn't make it, though - so who knows if they weasel out of that or not.. Check out http://www.marineofficer.com.. Find the Officer Recruiter nearest you, then call and ask them about it.. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymedic 0 #32 November 22, 2001 My brother is going through this right now...he just finished his second summer of OCS for the jarines...he goes to riddle full time. He was told he got a fixed wing contract but was warned that if the Marines decide they need rotary wing pilots....bang he will be there regardless of what the military promised..as they said it will be in the best interest of the corp....sucks big time...but he hopes he will do it...and even if he can't fly Fighters he figures a P-3 slot or Viking slot will be better than flying those damn helichoppers...as the big three at least dont recognize rotoray wing time for application...MarcRes Firma Mitescere Nescite Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NathanL100 0 #33 November 22, 2001 I've seen flyers around school regarding the marines, but I'm pretty sure that the marines isn't for me. But if they will guarantee me a flight slot, then maybe. Blue Ones,NathanA# 39553 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #34 November 23, 2001 "P-3 slot or Viking slot"heheheheheheee......Vikings.....I worked some of those once. I could have taken a lunch break (Probably drove back to town!!!) between the time they called departing IP (Started the target run in) and actually got to the target! It was hilarious....and some pilots tried to make fun of A-10's for being slow. Dude....the Air Force is where it's at! Best living conditions (I have seen the way some Army Lt's live) Best food, best planes, and the finest maintenance personnel in the world. You do want the aircraft to stay under you right? "Shut up Dummy!"- Fred G Sanford Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #35 November 23, 2001 Quote You do want the aircraft to stay under you right? Didn't you know that part of the reason pilots want to fly fighters is because of the chance that they'll get to eject?.....or is that just me? Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NathanL100 0 #36 November 23, 2001 Quote Didn't you know that part of the reason pilots want to fly fighters is because of the chance that they'll get to eject?.....or is that just me? I saw a program on the The Learning Channel about fighter pilots and they interviewed a guy who had ejected from a fighter and he said that he was literally an inch shorter when they pulled him out of the water after he ejected. Doesn't sound like fun to me it actually sounds really painful, but if it will save your life than its worth its weight in gold!!Blue Ones,NathanA# 39553 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #37 November 24, 2001 hey marc,(north fla residents)there is a guy who is in the navy and had to eject from(i believe he said it was) an A-6. he jumps at palatka and deland(probly more dz butrs thats where i met him)pretty interesting story but things didnt go smoothly for the guy. just a little "DID YA KNOW" for ya.i always wondered if he logged it in his book?hmmm! although not a real skydive...it was probly like a hop n' pop!Have fun, LIVE FREE, SkydiveJT Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #38 November 26, 2001 Triple-F punched out of an A-4 in Nam.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #39 November 26, 2001 "i always wondered if he logged it in his book"There's a space on the standard military jump log for an ejection. I don't remember what the code was but it's under "type of jump" I.E. day, night, mass tac, admin, etc."Shut up Dummy!"- Fred G Sanford Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #40 November 26, 2001 Quote"type of jump" I.E.day, night, mass tac, admin, etc.An Admin jump??? Like "administer" some adrenaline to me by taking me to jump alt.? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #41 November 27, 2001 "An Admin jump???"Yeah...that just means that all you are doing is jumping. No follow on mission once you hit the ground. Just jumping to jump....an unusual thing in the military."Shut up Dummy!"- Fred G Sanford Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ADRNALN 0 #42 November 27, 2001 GO ARMY !!!! Nat, fly rotary-wing in the Army. Sitting in the front seat of an attack helicopter flying NOE(nap of the earth) is a sweet rush, plus they blow shit up. Also less military extra shit as an Warrant Officer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #43 November 27, 2001 "fly rotary-wing in the Army"I came so very close to doing that in the Army Guard in Jacksonville, Fla. It was the 6 year committment, required 10 hrs a month(eats up your weekends and off days I.E. little time to skydive) and 270 day deployments to Kuwait that made me say.......Nahhhhhh....You guys can have that shit! "Shut up Dummy!"- Fred G Sanford Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pyke 0 #44 November 27, 2001 Nathan, I don't have the degree of "inside" knowledge that some of the others have (claim to! ), but being a 'brat' of a Navy Capt. all my life, I can give you this much advise. I went through this "whole damn thing" as Dad wanted *any* of us to go in to the services (funny, how *none* of us did though)....Dad has ALWAYS said if he had to do it over again, he would have chosen the Marines...while he is NOT dissatisfied with his chosen path, he always said he never met a Marine who wasn't treated well by the Corps. Sometimes, the green-eyed monster would come through and he would get on a Marine kick, but all in all, he said that the Marines took 'better care' of their staff. With ALL branches you will get to FLY. You may not fly the hottest, the biggest, or the best, but you will fly - and if that is your dream, then follow it. As for the Air Force, they are more a 'career' oriented service. While you can make a career out of any branch duty, the Force seems to be more catered to bringing in line the bureaucracy of 'Corporate America' with 'service to your country'. From what I have gathered, the other main branches specialise more on the 'defense' portion and you will go where we say you will go. (don't get me wrong, ALL branches have the option of relocation, but the Force have more 'stateside' postings) [Again, I reiterate I am no "insider" and others may/will disagree, but I am only giving you my insights - so back off Clay!!]As for getting your private licence before you join....sure get it, but much like the military jumpers getting jump qualified in the service, it has little value outside the service, since private dz's recognise the USPA cert. (not sure if you get a USPA cert in the service or not (excluding the Golden Knights, Leap Frogs, and the like)). So, while getting your private ticket may allow YOU to better understand what you're facing at "military ground school", you will still have to qualify to military standards and that will mean NO SHORTCUTS. So, get your ticket, but then wrap up about unless asked.Regardless of what degree you get, you will be accepted as an officer in ALL branches. You will still have to go through OCS at the beginning of your career, but you will advance faster than an E'd man. True, getting a aeronautical related degree will help YOU, but EVERYONE starts at the same place, so it doesn't make 'that' much difference.Lastly, and I make this point fervently, CHOOSE WISELY!!!! Regardless of which branch you go into, make an EDUCATED decision. CHECK THEM ALL OUT!! Go in and talk to recruiters, but even further, scout out bases and check in a visitor - then ask to speak to persons in your "chosen" field. Get the inside scoop with ALL branches (I can't say this enough). Then, and ONLY THEN sign your name to the dotted line. Recruiters, while a starting point, are much like "career counsellors" at staffing agencies - they get a commission based on the number of ppl they sign up - NOT how many of the people they sign up are Send me a PM if you need ANY help getting an inside scoop on any of the Navy fields, and I am sure Dad may still have contacts in other areas (don't know about pilots since he was CEC/Seabees), but I can always ask.Anyway, I am sure you are overwhelmed with choices and information, so I will end this - but again, reiterate CHOOSE WISELY!!!!!!!Kahurangi e Mahearangi,Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!!USPA C- 31879 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NathanL100 0 #45 November 28, 2001 Quote I am sure you are overwhelmed with choices and information Yup, I'm having a serious case of information over load, but I'd rather have that than to be stumbling blindly in the dark with a decision like this. Anyway... After a lot of thinking and talking to some really great individuals I've come to the tentative decision that I'm going to graduate with an engineering degree and then I'll make a run for a flight slot in the Navy. All I need to do now its put my mind to it because I can do anything, I just have to want it bad enough. Its my dream and, damn it, nothing is going to get in my way!!!Blue Ones,NathanA# 39553 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #46 November 28, 2001 Nathon.....just look into a mirror and say to yourself.....I'm good enough......I'm smart enough.......and dawgone it...people like me!!jason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NathanL100 0 #47 November 28, 2001 Quote just look into a mirror and say to yourself.....I'm good enough......I'm smart enough.......and dawgone it...people like me!! I might need to if I'm going to pull of that 3.8 GPA that I need. I'm already stressed out over that. Blue Ones,NathanA# 39553 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #48 November 28, 2001 Hey man its like you said, if ya want it bad enough you'll get. May take a few weekends at home instead of the DZ to study but then look at the trade off!!!jasonA-38658"Like I always said, if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything"-- George McFly!But then he also said"What if they tell me its no good.....I just dont think I could handle that kind of rejection" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Halo01 0 #49 November 28, 2001 Good input from everyone. Here's my take on it and what 12 years of rated (Navigator) USAF experience has taught me.1) You make your own career2) Timing is EVERYTHING3) It's not what you know but who4) There are costs involved with everything you do.Army- Bases suck, they don't get top billing for Federal funding. Future jobs involve flying for a local TV station getting Barney or Susan to the "2-car pileup on I-5"Navy- Ever want to get married? 6 months on a ship. Cool time flying for 1.5-3.0 hours at a time and cool to hang with your buds, but...USAF- Good bases, newer jets, Airlines love you, can rack up some serious hours in the heavies.Regardless of your decision, fly jets with ANYONE. They're/we're hurting.Best of luck Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NathanL100 0 #50 November 28, 2001 My original idea was to go out for the USAF, but after talking to a friend of my step father's who is a recruiter for the ROTC and an Academy admissions counselor, and hearing that in the Air Force for every pilot slot there are 100 people that are qualified for the slot and that I would need a 4.0 GPA (which isn't going to happen) I don't think I would have much of a chance in the USAF. For the Navy they have about 10 qualified people for every slot and those kind of odds sound a lot better to me plus I don't need a 4.0 GPA. Blue Ones,NathanA# 39553 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
