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Pipeline Transition after Primary

Amory

New Member
I know this is probably a dumb question, but I'd figure I'd explore every possible avenue I have:

Long story short, I selected recently and, despite having good grades (low 60s), didn't get my first choice. People with lower grades than mine have recently selected jets, but I guess I selected the wrong week and ended up with my second choice (helos). Same story that's been posted here a million times.

I've seen a few mentions around here of people having their pipeline changed in between selection and starting intermediate, and was wondering if anyone had any solid advice about whether that's a real option or not.

To clarify, I have nothing against helos, but flying jets has been my lifelong dream and I feel like I was inches away from achieving it. I'm aware of opportunities to transition after your first sea tour, but I'd just like to make sure I've exhausted every opportunity possible to make something happen. Thanks in advance to anyone who answers.
 

MGoBrew11

Well-Known Member
pilot
I was in your shoes a few years ago.

I don't think it's going to be in the cards for you right now man.

Your best shot to fly jets someday is to just absolutely crush it in the HTs, FRS and the fleet. At that point if you're top notch at every level then maybe you'll get lucky and get a chance.

You may find though once you're in the fleet and doing the helo thing (and maybe living in the best city the Navy has to offer, San Diego) that you don't want to bother with all that flight school crap again.
 

Uncle Fester

Robot Pimp
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
What @brenbuck said.

I would bet money that those students you heard about who got a pipeline switch before Intermediate were ‘needs of the Navy’ cases. CNATRA moving cones around because of the accessions numbers or something. Not because of “well he had jet grades, so...” You go into Wing Stucon asking to switch pipelines with that line and I can tell you what he answer will be.

tenor.gif
 

Amory

New Member
Honestly that's exactly what I expected, but I figured I'd ask anyways. Thanks for the answers.
 

Igloojam

Well-Known Member
pilot
Opening this up. I was aggressively average in primary. 50 nss, never had any issues in primary/Api, just didn’t crush it. Drafted helos. (not on my sheet). Big dreams of the VPs. I had actual long term community goals. Is it more realistic switching from Helo to Maritime? Really frustrating when guys weeks prior were selecting with NSSs below 40. I get the luck of the draw but super disappointing. Any advice?
 

zippy

Freedom!
pilot
Contributor
Opening this up. I was aggressively average in primary. 50 nss, never had any issues in primary/Api, just didn’t crush it. Drafted helos. (not on my sheet). Big dreams of the VPs. I had actual long term community goals. Is it more realistic switching from Helo to Maritime? Really frustrating when guys weeks prior were selecting with NSSs below 40. I get the luck of the draw but super disappointing. Any advice?

I know several dudes who have transitioned in recent years between the VPenis and the helos as well as from VPenis and E2s to Jets. It seems now that each community has Manning shortfalls that they’re a lot more common than they were 5-10 years ago.

Do your best, hold your cards close and if it’s still something you want to do towards the end of your first sea tour and early into your first shore tour then put in for it and accept the risks associated...
 
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