Test Pilot

[jmcquate]

TPS grads typically incur a 24mo obligation to the VX they're slated to go to. Can't remember if the obligation specifically incurs a return to the fleet as a DH. However, in my experience some go back to the fleet as DHs and others lateral transfer in to the AEDO community. A lot of those who go to the fleet as DHs come back to the acquisition world as COTF folks, TPS instructors, GFTDs (VX DHs), Class Desks, IPT leads, VX COs, Program Managers, PEOs, and NAVAIR actual.

So it gets you to DC faster.

 

[BigRed389]

So it gets you to DC faster.

Does Southern Maryland count as "DC?"

 

[Pags]

So it gets you to DC faster.

Pax, the Lake, and Mugu are the big three. But all roads lead to SoMD.

Does Southern Maryland count as "DC?"

Only when you're trying to convince your wife it's a good deal and for BAH/Locality pay.

 

[IKE]

I think that's community specific. Or maybe I just suck that much.

Fact. It's community-specific and designator specific.

Recently, helo NAs have it the worst.
VFA NFOs have it the easiest (sometimes not enough applicants to fill slots, so VFA NAs get a second look).

 

[JWL]

So, it is an extra 2 years beyond MSR if one accepts an appointment to USNTPS?

And, slightly off topic, although it was mentioned in this thread, was does an aviator do during his department head tour? Is he part of a squadron?

 

[Python]

So, it is an extra 2 years beyond MSR if one accepts an appointment to USNTPS?

And, slightly off topic, although it was mentioned in this thread, was does an aviator do during his department head tour? Is he part of a squadron?

A fleet squadron's officers typically has the following from top to bottom (excluding the maintenance officers):

CO (O-5)
XO (O-5)
Department Heads (O-4)
Training Officer (O-3 or O-4)
Junior Officers (O2-O3)

 

[Pags]

So, it is an extra 2 years beyond MSR if one accepts an appointment to USNTPS?

And, slightly off topic, although it was mentioned in this thread, was does an aviator do during his department head tour? Is he part of a squadron?

Squadrons are sub divided in to departments of different functional areas such as admin, safety, operations and maintenance. Each department is then further decomposed into divisions. If necessary divisions can be split off in to branches. Department Heads run their respective departments in support of the CO/XO. In civilian terms a DH is the middle management of a squadron's officers.

 

[Pags]

So, it is an extra 2 years beyond MSR if one accepts an appointment to USNTPS?

And, slightly off topic, although it was mentioned in this thread, was does an aviator do during his department head tour? Is he part of a squadron?

No, TPS is a shore tour. Depending on your personal timing your MSR may be during a test Squadron tour or during a follow on tour.

 

[Ralph]

I have heard this for SFTI but not USNTPS. No shit last SFARP the Weapons School SFTIs were trying to recruit people to go to the course. Apparently the interest has gotten pretty low lately.

If that is also happening for TPS that is pretty interesting. Everyone is trying to bail ASAP.

Guys are not groomed anymore?

 

[sevenhelmet]

So, it is an extra 2 years beyond MSR if one accepts an appointment to USNTPS?

And, slightly off topic, although it was mentioned in this thread, was does an aviator do during his department head tour? Is he part of a squadron?

TPS applicants agree to a commitment for 4 years after graduation from TPS (AFAIK, it only applies if you get picked and graduate). Virtually everyone's MSR runs out before that, so it's part of the math if you're a first or second tour dude considering an application. For most JOs who go to TPS, it commits them to staying in at least long enough to screen for O-4 and make the decision whether to try for DH or another path, such as AEDO.

DH as we normally refer to it here is part of an operational squadron as an O-4, generally running a large portion of the squadron such as Admin, Safety, Maintenance or Operations (or a det for helo/COD guys). There are also shore-based DH billets (Training Command, FRS, etc.) as well, which are board-selected as part of the annual aviation DH screen board.

 

[JWL]

Thanks, all. Appreciate all the good info.