46Driver said:Helo bubbas are "unrestricted naval aviators", i.e., we are qualified to fly fixed wing and helo. Jet guys are fixed wing only. Also, helo bubbas can come back to the training command and fly fixed wing, or go fly C-12's at station, or possibly get a jet transition - if you go jets, you are stuck in jets. Finally, look at the wars - helo bubbas are down and dirty everyday while the jets, ah, ah, I don't see a whole lot of "Top Gun" air to air going on now, or in Bosnia, or in Gulf War I, or during the 80's, or during anytime since Vietnam - but for some unknown reason they qualify for a $25k a year bonus while helo bubbas (Marines) only get $7k per year...
I think the point was the "jet" comment. The odds of a helo guy flying a tactical jet in the military are very low. The odds of a jet guy flying a helo are also low, but possible. You would know better than me 46D, but aren't they taking a couple jets guys per year for Osprey Transistions? I read that earlier in the year.
There's no question that a tacair squadron's bread and butter is Air to Ground. But to believe there's no Air to Air threat for american forces (n korea and china for example) is pretty arrogant [considering the company you're in]. Why does China MAINTAIN such a large number of tactical aircarft. It isn't for their neighbors, I assure you.
boot jet guy