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Word on EP-3's?

plosky1

Well-Known Member
None
In primary currently, from what I hear EP-3's are still selecting with no transition or replacement in sight. Was wondering if anyone has heard differently?
 

robav8r

Well-Known Member
None
Contributor
There is a transition plan that is tied to the Triton program. Folks that select EP-3’s this year will have the opportunity for a full fleet tour.
 

Brett327

Well-Known Member
None
Super Moderator
Contributor
In other words, avoid it like the plague. Transitions with no manned replacement are going to equal risk to career timelines and lots of potential headaches. Go TacAir, specifically Growlers, which is a growing community with a certain future.
 

Waveoff

Per Diem Mafia
None
Navy loves to throw money at P-8’s. If you like working directly with aircrew system operators and the general MPRA lifestyle, check that as well.
 

plosky1

Well-Known Member
None
Navy loves to throw money at P-8’s. If you like working directly with aircrew system operators and the general MPRA lifestyle, check that as well.
I really liked the idea of intelligence collection and am primarily looking for something that can (relatively) translate to a three letter agency afterwards. Growlers seem like a good choice for that but as always its risky as I’ve been told there’s more strike positions than EWO positions in intermediate/advanced.
 

Renegade One

Well-Known Member
None
I really liked the idea of intelligence collection and am primarily looking for something that can (relatively) translate to a three letter agency afterwards.
Just about everything one could possibly do as a Naval Officer translates relatively easily into three letter agencies.
He means having SCI and being accustomed to completing three times the amount of paperwork necessary to complete a task.
I think we're all talking about the same thing here...29925
 

sevenhelmet

Low calorie attack from the Heartland
pilot
He means having SCI and being accustomed to completing three times the amount of paperwork necessary to complete a task.

Yep, that problem frustration attribute still applies to multiple platforms other than EP-3. That process was turbo-broken last time I had to use it. I wonder if aircrew are still waiting for half their tour to be cleared for the full scope of their duties. Talk about a waste of manpower!

30071

OP, I'd go Growlers or P-8s. Pick a platform with a future, you'll be happier and better off career-wise, and still with all the security paperwork fun your heart desires.
 
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BigLuvin

Active Member
pilot
None
I really liked the idea of intelligence collection and am primarily looking for something that can (relatively) translate to a three letter agency afterwards. Growlers seem like a good choice for that but as always its risky as I’ve been told there’s more strike positions than EWO positions in intermediate/advanced.
Had the chance to do a little cross-cue coordination and flew on an EP-3 mission flight the other month. It was eye opening seeing their capabilities. I've been hearing since 2008 that the EP-3 is going away yet they are still here. Hell they're supposed to be going away in 2025, but you have to be smoking some good good to think Triton will take their place. The biggest drawback is the airframe and parts availability. Oh, and who doesn't like per diem?!
 

cmwz1510r

Well-Known Member
pilot
None
What does the program office say?
Shoot I’m too late to this party. As of right now hard sundown q1/2 25. The replacement is the “family of systems” of which heavily includes Triton. Additionally, while at WS we were working on “systems” that were being tested to go onboard a future iteration of the P8. Still in the planning/development phase, but the P8 will play a part in that family of systems. EP8 is still a term that group doesn’t like, to put it nicely.
 

murph99

New Member
Also a current primary student here with lots of interest in EP-3s for the mission and large crew atmosphere.

I’m wondering what will most likely happen to NFO JOs that enter this community if the 2025 sundown actually happens on time. Have heard from instructors here that being part of the VQ mission will always be invaluable, but how would that play out if I’m only 2-2 1/2 years into my sea tour and the community goes away? Would it be back to the FRS to switch to either P-8 or triton? Would it be possible to roll into a shore tour early?

I understand that career-wise it would be best to choose a community with a certain future and avoid these questions entirely, but despite the uncertainty in VQ, the nature of their mission and the role NFOs have in it remains very appealing to me.
 
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