The ultimate dillemma. I have just began primary, but already this question has been bouncing around in my head. Coming from MCAS Miramar, where the F-18 rules the sky, I have always wanted to fly jets. I worked on helos and jets alike, and have always had an attraction toward the Hornet. But after talking to many pilots regarding the separate platforms, I'm just not so sure any more. I don't know if these next assumptions are true, but that's what this post is for.
Jets
Pros: Slick looking, and incredibly fast. You rack up a good amount of tactical jet time, especially if I want to be a NASA Shuttle pilot. Not technically multi-engine time, but fixed wing time, good for transitioning to the airlines or air parcel (maybe?). Possible transition to the JSF.
Cons: Fly in circles, burning holes in the sky waiting for that call to drop ordinance (probably my main downer). Longest training pipeline (not much of a concern to me). Single seat option (more boring?)
Skids
Pros: Attack helicopters kick ass. Awesome mission (my favorite of all the choices). Good location of West Coast bases (I am from the O.C. after all). Crew flight, especially with air crew. Providing that close support for all those guys on the ground. Ability to fly different platforms.
Cons: Not a wide selection of flying opportunities after I get out, of course I could go be an instructor during primary (although at this point in time, I suck at teaching anything). High operational tempo and deployment cycle. It's not an F-18.
I have no interest in flying 53's, 46's, Hercs or Ospreys. A wise man once told me to pick the mission, not the airframe. I would love to fly the Cobra, but I wouldn't want to look back on passing up the chance to fly jets. I'd love to hear stories of missions and what squadron life is like in each of these communities. Thanks for any input.
Jets
Pros: Slick looking, and incredibly fast. You rack up a good amount of tactical jet time, especially if I want to be a NASA Shuttle pilot. Not technically multi-engine time, but fixed wing time, good for transitioning to the airlines or air parcel (maybe?). Possible transition to the JSF.
Cons: Fly in circles, burning holes in the sky waiting for that call to drop ordinance (probably my main downer). Longest training pipeline (not much of a concern to me). Single seat option (more boring?)
Skids
Pros: Attack helicopters kick ass. Awesome mission (my favorite of all the choices). Good location of West Coast bases (I am from the O.C. after all). Crew flight, especially with air crew. Providing that close support for all those guys on the ground. Ability to fly different platforms.
Cons: Not a wide selection of flying opportunities after I get out, of course I could go be an instructor during primary (although at this point in time, I suck at teaching anything). High operational tempo and deployment cycle. It's not an F-18.
I have no interest in flying 53's, 46's, Hercs or Ospreys. A wise man once told me to pick the mission, not the airframe. I would love to fly the Cobra, but I wouldn't want to look back on passing up the chance to fly jets. I'd love to hear stories of missions and what squadron life is like in each of these communities. Thanks for any input.