NAS Pensacola

Does anyone know how fast guys are classing up down at Pensacola? Or how long they are getting people through ifs/api?

You get through API in 6 weeks. That doesn't change.

I'm in IFS right now with Navy guys who commissioned through OCS about a month ago. It's a different story for Marines though.

Probably at the rate of 40 or so guys every two weeks.

Lies! My class took 9 weeks.

Okay so there was Thanksgiving and Christmas in the way...

I got here on Feb 4th...classing up on Monday. They're pushing us into API fast right now. Some guys barely had 2 weeks after getting here. Those of us that dont have to do IFS are getting classed up ASAP.

Who doesn't have to do IFS? I thought that everyone had to do IFS or did they change that NFO's dont have to do IFS anymore?

If you have a private pilot or above you won't do IFS. Everyone else will (SNA or SNFO).

Roger that....also heard on the rumor mill they lowered the NSS score for SNA and SNFO this week? I know not to focus on the NSS deal but wonder sometimes how much validity there is to what we are told here at the ROTC unit. Thanks again on the answer about IFS.

What are you asking? Did they collectively lower everyone's NSS? Why would they do that?

And why does it matter? Work your ass off and it shouldn't be a problem. Worrying about what the NSS requirement is/could be is pointless.

yes, they did lower the Navy NSS back down, but guess what. We still had Navy guys in my class either fail out or BARELY pass. Work your ass off!

Thanks for the answers...and the extra I guess. I made it clear that I wasn't asking because I was wrapping my self up in the NSS score..just simply asking because it seems as though the NSS score is a good way to determine if they are flooded or on par with the number they are sending to flight school. Was mainly asking for my Mids that go to school with me, that are going on IRR to maybe give them an encouraging word. Honestly I am confused on who goes to flight school and doesn't intend on "working their ass off". As a prior enlisted for almost 12 years there is no need to worry or remind me how great of an opportunity I have. So please dont get butt hurt and tell me how unexperienced I am in the world of aviation because I realize that. I also realize sometimes people ask a question that requires more then a "work your ass off" answer.

Who got butt hurt? Lighten up bud, no one's jumping down your throat. The answers you got were more a byproduct of how frequently NSS based questions are asked here then a reflection on your personal situation.

Free advice: Highly recommend that this be the last time you use that line in your commissioned life. When you accept (accepted?) your commission, you need to understand that you're starting over again...albeit with a slightly better understanding of the way DoN works than a 22-yr old college grad. You don't want to be "that guy" when it comes to referencing your past service. You'll just piss people off. And, FWIW, there are plenty of folks who don't work their asses off when they get to flight school.

Best of luck with the NFO thing, and continue to draw upon the experience of this forum. I'm sure you'll do well, and I look forward to seeing a set of double anchors under your name someday.

"yes, they did lower the Navy NSS back down, but guess what. We still had Navy guys in my class either fail out or BARELY pass. Work your ass off!"

All the stuff in the RED is just unnecessary crap that could be kept to him/herself....just because you dont have wings next to your name doesn't mean you are some 22 year old that doesn't know anything about being successful. Guess what...I understand that even if the NSS cut off was a 3, there would still be STUDS that fail out...and that goes for the Navy and the Marine Corps...its just the nature of the beast.

I only stated my prior experience because I dont appreciate being talked to, nor should anyone, with the attitude that I am coming to flight school with anything less then my absolute best in mind or that I am retarded. I understand I am starting over, but I also know that being a prior senior enlisted that I have insight of the "other side" and what it feels to have an officer talk to me like I am an idiot because I wasn't an officer. If someone talks to another officer like this then I would hate to see how he or she will talk to their enlisted.

Again, I am not upset, more annoyed and just wanted to clarify that the negativity and patronizing attitude on a simple question is counter productive and unneeded.

KBayDog, thanks for the advice and I will try to keep it under control I look forward to working hard for the double anchors and appreciate officers like you setting the example and truly helping out on here.

Quit while you're ahead dude.

Too late. I bet the "chip on the shoulder" approach will work well for him as an extra salty ensign.

I'm going to echo what Kbay said and the OP said here before the fireworks start....

You'll quickly realize/be surprised when you start IFS/API/Primary, etc. just how many people actually do come down here not expecting to work and study WAY more than you fly. Some think flight school is drinking bushwackers on the beach all day with your tags around your neck and playing volleyball/various beach drinking games and then the occasional flight or test. Granted, yes there is drinking, but many don't realize how much studying there actually is, and by studying i mean memorizing....and when they do (speaking about the ones who don't want it that badly) you can see their world come crashing down in their eyes and the dream basically shatter.

That is a shame but saw the same thing in Nuke school....I guess I have worked way to hard to get here to imagine someone would party it away. I really never meant to offend anyone, and want to EARN my place in the aviation community just as much or more from the sound of it then others. I just have a hard time swallowing someone talking to me like I am an idiot and naive to the way the Navy works. I apologize and was not/am not trying to shake the salt off my shoulders in an attempt to pretend like I deserve any more respect then others.

Looking forward to getting to PCola in the next couple months to get this show on the road and earn those wings one step at a time. Again thanks for those who have written and hope you still accept this ex-nuke (thank god) with open arms.

^^+1 He speaks the truth. @ NavyNuke: No one here is trying to patronize you/say you won't work hard in flight school. Just get down to P'cola and kick some ass.

NSS has been dropped down to a 35 for API. It may stay there, it may not. Your going to be in the training command- get used to people treating you like you don't know anything and telling you things numerous times over, acting like its the first time they expect you to hear it. Don't ever pass up an opportunity to shut up and take in the advice of those trying to help you.

Wow man, you totally misread my post. I was never trying to imply that you were a shit bag or that you were not ready to put out once you got here. I was merely trying to state that the nss, while lower, is still no joke. Never meant to be an attack on you.

To answer your earlier question though, we had an instructor mention that the Navy needs pilots right now. Take that for what it's worth. Good luck man and sorry if I offended you. It is the Internet, you know

Thanks for all the info and again I appoligize, I know it seemed as though I was being a pissy pants.

I hope that the need for pilots means there is also a need for NFO's and with that it means I can go straight into IFS without a lot of stash/setting around time. They are saying with all the IRR students that they are sending STA21's down the month we grad but we won't get orders will end of April. Anyone have any experience with this happening? Last question...is on base housing worth staying at? With my time frame it might be my best option if it isn't crappy.

Agreed.