Apparently, NFWS now bears little resemblance to the original NKX NFWS, also known as unit III, Top Gun, and later TOPGUN.
Way back in the day:
Remember that TOPGUN was established for a very specific and narrow purpose: To correct the dismal kill ratio F-4s had in the air war over North Vietnam against Soviet MiGs. Indeed the school accomplished that mission superbly and made history!
- Only four F-4 crews went through as a class, and no others. … Two crews from the East Coast, two from the West Coast and only one from each squadron.
- Each squadron CO solely determined who the two individuals went whether they were already crewed together or not.
- The two guys the squadron sent always flew together during the course. Each squadron provided a dedicated aircraft and maintenance crew.
- While the GS subjects were as diverse as public speaking and Soviet history, the flying was strictly ACM (mostly BFM) and section, "loose deuce" tactics.
- Although F-4s were very good bombers, there was no Air-to-Ground training whatsoever.
- Nobody ever failed the course that I know of.
While it may not resemble the TOPGUN of 1969, I would say the evolution is probably a good thing. The purpose is to create SFTIs and tactics for the fleet, so the subjects and training need to be as well rounded as the capabilities of the F/A-18. Both the selection and completion criteria have become more difficult and that's probably a good thing as well. Since we've been in a ground war for the last 12 years or so it has become more and more important for air to mud training.
No it's not the TOPGUN that you remember, but nothing in the Navy is anymore.