Dorkman said:
Hey everyone, I am selecting this week and am curious about what will happen if I get my first choice and not do very well. I am looking to select jets and I have buddies in Kingsville and Meridian thet are telling me that it is easy to attrite from there. Also, what if I start and do not find it is the right community for me. I guess what I am asking is are they letting people go to other flying communities if they do not make through advanced?
Just looking for advice before I decide on my next adventure. Thanks
Advance attrites should never happen… but they do.
(I think it is often a failure of the system, more than the SNA at that level.)
I have long been out of the loop, but I can speak with some authority on the subject.
I wonder, by your question, are you really looking for an escape valve, and already setting yourself up for failure?
Or are you just a cautious individual that wisely keeps their options and safety nets open?
It is impossible for me to tell from your post, but these are crucial questions.
Nevertheless, while your 1st post here suggests some requisite courage and intelligence; your moniker suggests otherwise. Ultimately though, it is your skill and perseverance that will endure and determine your future.
Assuming your question is legitimate, I can tell you that if you apply yourself, and have a modicum of skills, instructors will bend over backwards to make sure you succeed.
The advanced attrites I remember from long ago were either skilled aviators who got caught lying, cheating, or stealing on a "significant" level; or were in the "wrong business" – because of family or outside pressures, and being "non-quitters" they continued on with something they could do, but had no desire to do. (I had 2 attrites thank me for doing what they could not do for themselves.) Unfortunately, there is always that third group – honest pilots who desperately wanted the prize, but were severely challenged. Fortunately, they were very rare. Also fortunately, they never made it to the fleet where they could kill other squadron or shipmates.
This is a most difficult business, with lives beyond our own at stake. If you give it your honest effort, the process will take care of you and your fellow aviators. Give it your best shot and all will work out. Focus on success, not failure… but always have a bug-out maneuver in mind. And if you find you are in the wrong business, give your buddies a break. Make the decision yourself.
Good luck and buck up.