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The basics of API
- Thread starter Crowbar
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Just google Navy API and all the pubs should be on the website. But do yourself a favor and relax before API. Those pubs have about 10 times as much info as you’ll need to know, and without an instructor pointing you in the right direction, you’ll probably waste time studying things you don’t even need to know.
API isn’t hard if you put in the time when you get there. But studying before OCS is definitely overkill.
ajpurvis
Jarhead gone squid
Alright that’s good to know. Is there anything I can do to give me an edge since I have the time?
Also there’s very limited information out there about pipeline selection. Do people tend to get what they request, or is it just a complete luck of the draw?
rockthearts281
meh, worst case scenario, we die.
Here is my honest advice from someone who did exactly as you are thinking right now. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT API RIGHT NOW. Run your ass off. PT, do burpees, V ups, and do this all while screaming as loud as you can. Study appendix C and learn chow hall procedures. Learn what the mission of the navy is and what to do when then yell DISCIPLINE. Worry about API bs after commissioning.
Relaxing will give you an edge. Read some books for fun. Hang out with friends. Go to the beach. Check out Pensacola. Enjoy yourself.
Where the Navy's needs cross your grades determines what you get. For better information, consult a crystal ball.
You've got at least 9 months before you start API... studying for it should be the last thing on your mind right now
There’s limited info because it changes depending on what the Navy needs. Currently, about half of selections are helos, ~20% jets, and 20-25% P8s, but that could change any time. Whether or not students get what they want is dependent on their grades and what’s available the week they select.
Focus on OCS right now. Looks like you've got a Mech E degree and some serious motivation, API will be no problem at all. And even if you crush it, it won't matter nearly as much for pipeline selection as your grades in Primary. The grading formula is an eternal mystery but the gouge is that all of API counts as much as 1 flight in Primary.
Austin-Powers
Powers By Name, Powers By Reputation
Have fun before you begin
If you're not in OCS yet: have fun, don't get in to trouble.
If you're in a-pool: have fun, don't get in to trouble.
I fully understand the desire to get started and to be as ready as possible but API just isn't that hard; especially if you've already made it through an ME program.
Now's a good time to find a hobby (drinking doesn't count), spend time with family, etc. Lower your handicap, learn to paint, do 100 one armed pushups, put a bunch of rounds through a gun, hike, write the great american novel, read some books (especially after an ME degree), watch foreign films, travel.
If you're in a-pool: have fun, don't get in to trouble.
I fully understand the desire to get started and to be as ready as possible but API just isn't that hard; especially if you've already made it through an ME program.
Now's a good time to find a hobby (drinking doesn't count), spend time with family, etc. Lower your handicap, learn to paint, do 100 one armed pushups, put a bunch of rounds through a gun, hike, write the great american novel, read some books (especially after an ME degree), watch foreign films, travel.
ajpurvis
Jarhead gone squid
Well damn. I have a few Marine buddies that'll be disappointed to hear that.
Thank you everyone for all your input, I wasn't expecting such an overwhelming response. I remember enlisting in the Marine Corps right after high school and doing the same thing. Looking back to boot camp I remember being so exhausted 24/7 that the idea of relaxing was just an absurdity. With that being said, my tireless preparation greatly contributed to my success...
Fortunately, my hobbies closely align with what might be helpful; working out, running, playing video games, and learning new skills. I'm one of those ass holes that can't just sit still - I know I will enjoy my time more if I I'm being at least a little productive. This could be playing simulator or strategy games, memorizing some pesky things ahead of time, or watching naval history movies.
Don't worry, I'll do my fair share of relaxing and wasting time before I leave. However, in my caffeine crazed energy surges, there has to be something you can think of. Has there ever been a time in training where someone had an advantage over you because they did 'x' or 'y' before they joined? Have you ever thought "given more time, I would've done much better"? Did you play a simulator game that might have helped a bit?
If you really cant think of anything then so be it - I'll take your advice, crack a beer, play some guitar, and see you in the fleet. Oorah!
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Not for API, but for IFS (or whatever program they're developing in its place) and Primary.
If you have the time/money/okay from your Safety Department, you could schedule a flight lesson at a local airport/flight school. One is enough to just get a feel for what it's like to be in a small plane and manipulate the controls. You don't need to do multiple lessons, and probably shouldn't so you don't have to unlearn bad habits, but one could be helpful. A friend of mine had done that before he joined (I think his parents gave it to him as a birthday present) and he picked up the early stuff a little quicker because it wasn't an entirely new experience for him.
This isn't necessary by any stretch, plenty of people do just fine with 0 flying experience beforehand, but if your caffeine induced energy surges need somewhere to go, it's an idea. Might also want to think about cutting back on the caffeine before OCS.
I’d second that. I think if I had done that before IFS I would have had a little more confidence going in. That being said I made it just fine without it, but if you’re anxious it might help doing control manipulation without any pressure to perform. In fact, that goes for everything the rest of your career.