Officer Life

Don't forget that 95% of the world is undatable!

Wait, the ~2 years of flight school isn't counted as active duty?

How are you in a position to speak for the "AW crowd"? You haven't gone to OCS yet, you know next to nothing about everyone on this site, and you know next to nothing about the OP.

I feel a comic idea coming on....

Roll with it Nick

It is, but the commitment is 8 years from winging.

Understood, Thanks.

It's a tough road no matter how you slice it. Some days it's going to be really amazing and some days it's going to really suck. On those days, the only cool thing about it is the sense of pride you get from being in the military. You'll get to see and do things that your civilian buddies couldn't even imagine, but you'll also deal with issues they don't have to (e.g. deployments, erratic schedule, moving fairly often). It's going to be a strain on any relationship but so are kids, houses, money and a million other things.

You'll never fully understand what you're getting yourself into until you're already committed. So, decide if you think all the things that appeal to you (being an officer, flying, seeing the world, etc.) are worth the hardships that you may not fully understand yet, but know are coming. At about year 8 you can decide if you want to stay in or fly for the airlines or be a millionaire or whatever.

Even if you hate every minute of it (and you won't) you'll still get a lot out of it.

i'm in the position to make speculations about the AW crowd from being on this site religiously and searching and reading as many threads as I possibly can as well as from the countless "tough love" feedbacks I've gotten from many people on this site. And you're absolutely right in that I haven't gone to OCS yet and know nothing about most people on this site and know nothing about the OP besides the things he said in the posts, but dude... you just proved my case... you making comments about my post more or less in a derogative way is a little proof that the general AW crowd is tough (and I like that about this site because they don't fvck around and are straight forward and even like all the sarcasms and such, at the end of the day, they are helping everyone out in that way because we should all be able to take all the criticism and "tough" feedbacks the positive way and be more motivated). Besides, I thought my prior posts were in good taste (i used smiley faces didn't I??? ) and I did eventually offer my sincere .02. I never put words in anyone's mouth, just regurgitated things that more experienced Naval Officers on this site have said over and over and over and over again that the road to Naval Aviation is extremely demanding and the only way to get there is if we go all out 110%. Anyway, didnt mean no harm so my apologies if I offended anyone else.

Not entirely accurate...

Lots of your freedom and your QOL depends on career timing and luck, more than skill I'd say. Not saying that there aren't a whole host of great times in the military - certainly i've had my share (and done irreversible damage to my liver in the process). But one thing to remember, you aren't always going to like what you do, and that may last for YEARS, but you DO HAVE TO DO IT! There are jobs that suck in the military, no matter how you slice it, you could, even as a pilot/NFO get stuck with one of those jobs.

You're an officer first, pilot/fo second.

It is one of those grass is always greener. I get paid more than most of my non-military friends. In many respects, I have a lot more responsibility than them as well. Some of them do have more flexible jobs and only two make more than I do. It is a trade off. Right now my job might suck, but at least I know that it will change in 2.5yrs.

+1
I had a few jobs before joining the Navy where I didn't feel half as free as I feel now. There are civilian jobs that do let you set your own schedule and take 4 weeks of vacation etc, but I never saw them. I had two jobs that I was on call 24 hours a day at times, was called in on my vacation and had 36 hours straight in the office on plenty of occasions; not what I call very free for a civilian. Sure they'll be plenty of days like that in the Navy, but at least the reasons behind those long days are much more important and motivating.

I'll echo that. There are jobs you'll wind up doing that you won't like, whether it's an entire tour or being 1st LT DivO at your squadron. What makes the time enjoyable is who you're spending it with. The vast majority of your peers will be great guys and you'll love hanging out with them, in good times and bad.

Also, be prepared somewhere in your head to be an officer, whether you're flying or not. One of the more memorable guys I know was an F14 driver who eventually NPQ'd (high G's started making him black out). He transitioned to EP-3's--not, I'm sure, in his planned career path. Was he bitter? Not that I ever saw. He was an outstanding officer and leader. You may wind up getting out of the aviation community (whether of your own choice or not), so if you're not content to be a Naval Officer, then don't join the Navy.

And, keep in mind that depending on when you get out (at 10 years vice retiring), you may take a pay cut. When I retire, the civilian job I can get will not pay as much as I'm making right now. I'm not a pilot, but it's my understanding that if you jump ship and hit the airlines, you're gonna start in the regionals with a huge paycut (there're plenty of guys here who can correct me if I'm wrong on that). Your earning potential once you get out is greater, but it may take a couple years to realize that.

How do I ignore a thread?

Nothing.

If you want to stick with what you know - there's no guarantees of fixed wing in the Navy/Marine Corps. I hear the regionals are hiring at the cyclic rate. Have fun.

Yup - still doesn't compare to flying the real thing.

And we get to the crux of the matter. The tone of your posts indicate that you are trying to find out what YOU get out of it. Look beyond yourself. What do YOU give back to the country? What do YOU give to the young sailors you lead? How can WE benefit from what YOU bring to the table?

The Navy is not a trade school for aviation. The Navy doesn't exist so that you can build the hours you need for an airline job, without monetary cost to you. The Navy exists to defend this country, everything else is secondary. It's an awesome and rewarding responsibility.

If you decide to join, good luck and I hope you get helos. If you decide not to join, I could honestly not give two shits - because better and braver men before and after you will step up and answer the call.

And to answer your question - helo guys can do plenty. Provided they don't assume the only flying jobs are fixed wing airline gigs. I've known guys to fly EMS, Offshore, Law Enforcement, Regionals, Major Carriers, Cargo, and Corporate.

I'm with A4's on this one - respect is earned, and so far - you're in the hole...

nvm

Thanks for the extra motivation!

edited

Topsideside69, as an officer, the enlisted sailors are not there to serve you. You are there to serve them. But judging from your current mentality, you want to join the Navy to serve yourself.

Please take a step back and look at your priorities.

Thanks for the perspective guys---no matter how offensive some of these posts seem I'm trying to value them for their honesty. I've gotten what I need from this thread. Hopefully it will serve others well too.

This isn't about flying. It's about the Navy and defending America. Perks aside, aviation is just another specialty---one that I strongly prefer. I truly feel that I would become a great officer. I think that OCS would break me in well and that I would develop over time. I have zero military family background (except for my non-blood related uncle who is a captain). So I'm starting from a completely blank slate which is probably why I've caused some of you to lose respect for me--through my ignorance. Hope to gain it back. Thanks for such an overwhelming response to my thread.

Sorry, ok: just remember that it's nothing personal, and everyone here wants to help each other succeed. It's a great start. Obviously we all make mistakes.

I don't think that was necessary - he is taking it all in stride. Pretty well for a Hollywood type IMO.

+1. You're no longer in the negative in my book... Like I said, if it's for you - welcome aboard and enjoy the ride. If it's not for you - don't let the door hit you where the good lord split you.