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Forced separation for prior-enlisted SNAs

B

Bowland

New Member
Hello Warriors,
I am a newly commissioned (prior-enlisted aircrewman) officer from the STA-21 program, selected as SNA. I am sitting in Utah waiting to PCS to Florida (again) for flight school. I am hearing rumors about a 90% minimum on exam scores, and that the prior enlisted cats that don't meet the minimums (or just straight out fail) are being handed their walking papers and separated from the Navy. Switching communities isn't happening much anymore. Is any of this legit or is it just another product of the rumor-mill? I have a buddy who isn't commissioned yet, but is worried enough about it that he is thinking about switching to Nuke (what he did when he was enlisted) instead of risking separation. What is really going on? Thanks.
 
RedFive

RedFive

Well-Known Member
pilot
None
Contributor
90% minimum on test scores in API is legit. I don't know about the other stuff, sorry.
 
Birdog8585

Birdog8585

Milk and Honey
pilot
Contributor
The cutting score when I went through (Aug 2008) was 80%. From what I remember, if you were a Warrant Officer and failed 2 tests, you were done. My intel is dated but I think this was still valid when my buddies went through a few months back.

The academic test scores is usually what got most the boot. The few that didn't make the swim qual or were having a tough time with it just got rolled and were given ample amount of help to get where they need to be. The PRT got some guys too but that is also rare.

If he is scared of API because of a possible 90% academic cutting score, I would say that he's in for a rude awakening at nuke school. My two spare coins.

EDIT: Well now you have a trend line of what once was
 
MIDNJAC

MIDNJAC

is clara ship
pilot
Don't sweat the API scores. Get there and put in the time needed to do well, and you won't have to worry about getting walking papers. I assume your goal is succeed in whatever community you go to (clearly you had a strong enough work ethic to get picked up for STA-21), so why not go the easy route and succeed in aviation? :)

Realistically, API academics aren't hard....some folks need to study more than others, but you have the tools needed to succeed there as long as you hold up your end of the deal (study). If you can't hack it in API, you probably will have trouble later on in the VT's.
 
FlyBoyd

FlyBoyd

Out to Pasture
pilot
Bowland said:
Hello Warriors,
I am a newly commissioned (prior-enlisted aircrewman) officer from the STA-21 program, selected as SNA.
Click to expand...

Go do the best you can. They will tell you the rules when you get there.

Also, be advised that as a prior E you fall into a special group. It is similar to any other group that is different from the majority. Your tendency will be not to feel as comfortable around the other ensigns due to your age and life experience differences. Are you married? Kids? Female? A minority? Any one of those combined with prior E exacerbates the potential problem. It can best be summed up as you are only comfortable with your own kind when you are under stress. This lack of comfort will most likely make you shy away from the group study/hanging out that is a prime tool that helps you get through (and do well) in flight school. There are not too many priors going through so you can tend to be a loner. You may not fit exactly into the mold I describe but it is very real and CNATRA has loads of data on this so don't blow it off. Just be aware of the potential and battle it if you see it coming.
 
BarrettRC8

BarrettRC8

VMFA
pilot
MIDNJAC said:
Realistically, API academics aren't hard....some folks need to study more than others, but you have the tools needed to succeed there as long as you hold up your end of the deal (study). If you can't hack it in API, you probably will have trouble later on in the VT's.
Click to expand...

I'll second everything said in the above. Get your pubs, put in the necessary time with them, and you shouldn't have any issues scoring above a 90.
 
RedFive

RedFive

Well-Known Member
pilot
None
Contributor
I heard that from somebody who recently graduated API and my roommates, sir. It seemed like solid gouge based on the individuals who told me. I guess I should know better than to listen to other ensigns. Thanks for clearing it up sir.
 
Crazy8

Crazy8

New Member
It seems that the info passed at A-Pool muster gets rapidly perverted. Either people enjoy spreading rumors, they are too sleepy to pay attention at 0700, or some of them are just plain stupid. A CDR stated that the Navy has a temporary surplus of pilots, and that, once upon a time, the Navy cut pilots with scores below 90 to eliminate a surplus. His message was to give effort and score well in API.

As for redesignation, I have no idea what might be available. Attrition at API is rare, and even considering it as a possibility seems contrary to the attitude you want to have in our profession.
 
Kycntryboy

Kycntryboy

Registered User
pilot
The harshest way of cutting I've heard of "back in the day" was they would get all the studs in the auditorium and tell them to look under their seat... either you or your buddy next to you was going home.
 
P

Pags

N/A
pilot
Bowland said:
Hello Warriors,
I am a newly commissioned (prior-enlisted aircrewman) officer from the STA-21 program, selected as SNA. I am sitting in Utah waiting to PCS to Florida (again) for flight school. I am hearing rumors about a 90% minimum on exam scores, and that the prior enlisted cats that don't meet the minimums (or just straight out fail) are being handed their walking papers and separated from the Navy. Switching communities isn't happening much anymore. Is any of this legit or is it just another product of the rumor-mill? I have a buddy who isn't commissioned yet, but is worried enough about it that he is thinking about switching to Nuke (what he did when he was enlisted) instead of risking separation. What is really going on? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Just don't fuck it up and it won't be a problem.
 
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