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Army or Navy Aviation Program?

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akmoon

Registered User
I'm planning on entering the military soon after I graduate college (2 more semesters) but I'm still not sure of a few things regarding which branch (Army/Navy) is "better" per say. I have always wanted to be a Warrant Officer in the Army with the sole purpose of flying Apache choppers. It'd be a dream come true for sure. Not to mention they are in need of pilots as of today and they are more than eager to get me into the program (although getting into an Apache is nothing less than extremely difficult).
On the other hand I went in to my Navy recruiter and spoke to him about NFO opportunities and that looks every bit as exciting and challenging as flying choppers (especially if it's in an F/A18/F14). I also would love to call the cockpit of a Cobra home as well.
So I guess I basically want some opinions on what branch of service you would go into given the pros and cons of each knowing that I want to fly helos and could possibly become interested in becoming an NFO.
I appreciate your time fellas/ladies.
 
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Dave Shutter

Registered User
Find and talk to as many people in the service as you can. Find out the ins and outs of the different branches and decide which one better suits you. There are some major differences. Flying will only be part of your job and it's the other elements that you'll find yourself dealing with. I've found that military pilots at air shows have been brutally honest about the pros and cons of their communities and their branch of service. You may join the Navy because you want to fly Hornets. Guess what: you may not get them depsite good grades, or after flying for a bit, you may find that Tacair is the last thing in the world you want to do. Make the best informed decision is all I'm suggesting. Good luck!
 
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dufault.2

Registered User
Hey akmoon-I understand what you are going through. I was dead set on heading to Warrant Officer school and becoming a chopper pilot in the Army myself. I was already in the reserves, and my older brother had been an Army chopper pilot for years and enjoyed it, so I though it would be a good idea.
Well, I talked to my brother about my decision and he told me to look into aviation with the Navy. Basically, he told me if you want to fly in the military you should do it with the Navy. He had been very impressed with how well trained and the Navy pilots were compared to the people he had flown with in the Army. (Note-I'm not trying to dig on the Army-I would have gladly served in the branch had my Navy OCS packet not gone through).
Are you thinking about just NFO with the Navy, or pilot also? Just curious. I hope his advice to me helps you out.
 
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dufault.2

Registered User
Hehe-didn't see that one coming perchul. You do have to admit though, the 160th SOAR is a pretty bad assed unit. If you don't believe me, check out their website: www.nightstalkers.com
 
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RobNLa

Registered User
Don't do it man. Take it from somebody who almost settled for WOFT. I thank God everyday that I did not go for Warrant in the Army. The Army needs pilots, while the Navy is extremely competitive for aviation spots. This should tell you something right away. Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to knock the Army. If you were "born to fly" and vision is a problem or you don't want to go to college, then WOFT might be just for you. It seems to me though that the long term benefits as far as education, promotion, and post-service opportunity are far better in the Navy. Keep in mind that I have never been in the Army or Navy. I have, however, talked to numerous Warrants and Naval Aviators, and my advice it to FLY NAVY! Dave is right when he says to get all the information you can. Talk to as many people in every branch that you can and then make your best decision. Good luck.
 
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andrew

Registered User
I was given no option due to getting LASIK eye surgery!! but when a black hawk is sent in to pick your shot down ass up or a apache is sent to light up one of your targets or cover your ass remember who is flying that bird!!ARMY
 
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akmoon

Registered User
All the replys are appreciated.
I figured I'd get a bunch of negetive opinions on the Army due to the fact that this is a Naval Aviation forum which is fine.
All I want is to fly choppers, so what it comes down to is which branch is more apt to make that a reality. It seems like the Navy is far more competitive than the Army (which is good and bad on many levels) whereas the Army has more slots available.
To be honest, I'm more interested in flying attack helicopters than transports - ie, Apache, Cobra, Blackhawk, rather than say a SH-3 Sea King or something comparable, which points me in the direction of the Army. But from what I hear the Navy takes far better care of their people than the Army does.
Not to mention there's always that possibility that if I did go the Warrant Officer route - then got stuck with a Chinook - I'd be kicking myself for not joining with the Navy.
I guess my next step will be to try and get in touch with some helo pilots from both sides and bombard their asses with questions.
Thanks again for all the feedback fellas.
 
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spsiratt

24 April OCS
Y'know, it's really hard to say this, but from what you've said, Army is probably the way for you to go. Just try to think what your long term goals are and keep a clear head about it.

Dude, did I recommend someone join the Army? The end is near.
 
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