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12 APR 17 SNA/SNFO Board

Bravo Kilo

Active Member
It's not a millenial problem. It's the general stigma perpetuated by society and pilots in the Navy that NFOs are the bottom of the barrel taking what they can get. So many Navy Pilots make fun of NFOs. I've seen so many civilians who make fun of NFOs too and always throw it out that they couldn't make it as pilot and that's why they're an NFO. The sailors see it from a different side though, NFOs are officers and still a critical part of aviation and the core mission of the Navy.
That stigma is perpetuated because Naval Aviator has a nice tidy title associated with it - pilot. It looks good to be a doctor, pilot, or lawyer on paper, but in reality there are hundreds of jobs in-between that make the mission happen, and NFO is one of them. It's not as apparent what they do. My perspective may be a little more open because I have seen first hand what their Air Force counterparts do (CSOs), and they are the ones playing with some seriously cool toys, dropping bombs, and racking up kill-counts. I realize a lot of people were gunning for SNA first and foremost, but nobody should scoff at NFO or feel they are bottom of the barrel. If you've made it this far, you've done damn well and you're the cream of the crop already. Just my 2 cents. The only bad thing is that your prospects on the outside are a little different and you have to adjust accordingly and make the best career moves for yourself.
 
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sethpat

Waiting game
Personally, I have nothing against NFO's; I just want every chance I can get to fly. I'm currently a pilot so I know I love to fly. If something happens down the road that's out of my control and I have to redes, then so be it. If I'm going to put my name down on paper for 10 years though, it's only going to be for SNA.
 

msv123

MVaughn123
I was told yesterday I got NFO by NRC HQ, today my recruiter told me it was official I did not get SNA and asked if I would rather ship in 3 or 6 weeks. I hadn't seen anyone else here say it was confirmed they didn't get SNA, I found that interesting.
*whisper voice in the back of the class* go against SOP and call back the HQ number and ask the top brass yourself ;)
 

msv123

MVaughn123
It's not a millenial problem. It's the general stigma perpetuated by society and pilots in the Navy that NFOs are the bottom of the barrel taking what they can get. So many Navy Pilots make fun of NFOs. I've seen so many civilians who make fun of NFOs too and always throw it out that they couldn't make it as pilot and that's why they're an NFO. The sailors see it from a different side though, NFOs are officers and still a critical part of aviation and the core mission of the Navy.
Guys, he was just giving us sh*t. lol
 
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KnightFlight

Well-Known Member
IMG_0921.JPG The Navy is all timing. This board they need NFO, next one who knows. The newest class at OCS when I was there was literally all NUKES. No kidding, besides the candidates that rolled in, all NUKES. Because the Navy needed to fill NUKE spots. It will be that way when you select platforms too. One week 5 jet slots, the next 0. And then when you select duty stations. One week 3 go to Hawaii the next week none. Gotta roll with the punches. Contract is signed, time to bend over and enjoy the ride. That being said, you better love your job, or you are going to be unhappy and turn into that a hole everyone hates flying with. Don't let someone else decide your future while you still have a say.
If you're cool with being a FO, then go for it. You'll have a better chance of riding in a tail hook aircraft as a FO than you will as a pilot stud that's for sure. I've got some good buddies that run the airspace as FOs in the E2. Couldn't get the job done without them. It's a very valuable position. If you truly want to serve your country and are cool with whatever the Navy throws at you, than take what you can get.
But if you are hesitant, and not in some sort of age waiver crisis, then do what your heart says. You're not in the Navy yet, you're still allowed to say no. Trust me, flight school is the hardest school I've ever done, and I was an aerospace engineer. If I didn't truly love flying, I'd be hating life right now, failing events, and counting down days til my contract was up. Do what's right for you.
If you sign NFO, DO NOT expect to switch to SNA later, your recruiter is lying.
As for declining NFO to try again for SNA and them not letting you, or looking down on you because you declined, I have no idea. I'd be worried about that too. I do however have a hard time believing the Navy will remember you from a previous board, but that's not fact, just opinion.
My personal situation, I put SNA only and had to go to 2 boards, there are no NFOs in helos, and which seat looks better to you? ;)
 

Safashton

Well-Known Member
Pretty sure some enlisted Sailors are laughing at the millenial applicants complaining about going NFO vice Pilot.

I agree with you, especially if you applied both. If you applied only SNA, then I disagree. But if one has time, apply for what you want only, then if comes down to the wire, take what you can get.
 

zboss

Member
All,

Apparently, there is no such thing as being "tabled" it is either yes, or no. If you got tabled it is likely that your recruiter messed up and did not submit your packet in time.

Also, has everyone that has been selected for NFO already finished with school? I am still a month out from graduating and I wonder if that plays a factor because they need people to ship ASAP. I think we should keep our cool and wait for the phone call.
 

Swimcris

Member
All,

Apparently, there is no such thing as being "tabled" it is either yes, or no. If you got tabled it is likely that your recruiter messed up and did not submit your packet in time.

Also, has everyone that has been selected for NFO already finished with school? I am still a month out from graduating and I wonder if that plays a factor because they need people to ship ASAP. I think we should keep our cool and wait for the phone call.

Yes, got my degree back in 2014.
 

sebald15

Active Member
Yes I graduated too in '15. If the Navy needs to ship by the end of June that would be very quick to verify degree and ship. Might be why people graduating this May are being tabled until the next board.
 

Welsham

Well-Known Member
All,

Apparently, there is no such thing as being "tabled" it is either yes, or no. If you got tabled it is likely that your recruiter messed up and did not submit your packet in time.

Also, has everyone that has been selected for NFO already finished with school? I am still a month out from graduating and I wonder if that plays a factor because they need people to ship ASAP. I think we should keep our cool and wait for the phone call.
I also graduated in 2014.
 

FormerRecruitingGuru

Making Recruiting Great Again
You guys are all WRONG with what's considered "Tabled". Tabled means the applicant/application was reviewed, but determined he or she is not yet there (stats wise) and will be considered at the next board (if more spots are available). We had one at my NRD, guy had a 3.0 GPA, ASTB of 49/5/6/5, so not the best of stats...
 

msv123

MVaughn123
All,

Apparently, there is no such thing as being "tabled" it is either yes, or no. If you got tabled it is likely that your recruiter messed up and did not submit your packet in time.

Also, has everyone that has been selected for NFO already finished with school? I am still a month out from graduating and I wonder if that plays a factor because they need people to ship ASAP. I think we should keep our cool and wait for the phone call.
Graduated in '15
 
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