I've been in the fleet for about two years now, and in that time, every JO that has left the squadron (VFA) has has gone on to a flying billet. I don't want to say that taking orders in something other than a flying billet would be a career killer, but if you are out of the cockpit for 2.5 years for your shore tour, and then another two years for your disassociated sea tour, you are looking at 4.5-5 years without flying, which doesn't make you a real desireable choice for a department head. The exception to this might be the IA billets floating around right now. The way the Navy is driving everyone into the Admiral career path, you are afforded very little flexibilty early in your career. When you get to your disassociated sea tour, you seem to have a few more options, and obviously there are only a few flying billets available for that tour if you are not a patch wearer, which you won't be if you take non flying orders for your shore tour (CAG staff, ect). Just what I have seen in a fairly limited time in my community.