Is TPS really a "good deal" for helo pilots? As far as I understood it, while helo TPS is awesome for your career post-navy, it's not that great for your Navy career since it takes you out of the pipeline. Am I wrong?
from what i've heard, its viewed kind of neutrally. it's not directly good for the community since it's not involved in production like HTs or the RAG. however, its still a flying tour and you will more than likely still be flying your fleet a/c. it's also good for you (but not the community) since it advances you professionally if you're interested in R&D. however, you would be performing R&D work that needs to be done in order for the fleet to have the latest and greatest. so, in the end it is good for the community, just not directly.
and i've never heard anything about 53s making you more competitive for stuff afterwards. seems like a lot of TPS guys I know came from LAMPS.