Boot Camp/FA-18 Books

[Goofytallguy]

I was wondering if anyone else had read either of the following 2 books:

Honor, courage, commitment: Navy boot camp
By: J. F. Leahy

Or

Bogeys and bandits: the making of a fighter pilot
By: Robert L. Gandt

The first follows a division through boot camp from the bus into RTC to shipping out 9 weeks later. The author was allowed complete access to any part of the base, allowed to observe all of the training, and allowed to interview any of the recruits when they had the time to talk.

The second is the story of F/A-18 training, from their first orientation to completing carrier quals.

I really enjoyed both books, and I don't imagine any more realistic have been written. So, the purpose of this post is twofold. First I wanted to let anyone know who has never heard of these books and is interested in hearing about either experience that they are out there at your local library or bookstore. Secondly, I wanted to hear comments from anyone who has read either, and has also gone through the actual training or is otherwise familiar with it. Are these books as realistic as the authors would have you believe? Any major differences you would like to inform the rest of us about?

I appreciate any and all comments. Thanks!

 

[akamifeldman]

I read "Bogeys and Bandits," and loved every page of it. I would rather have seen a book chronicalling the entire flight training process, from T-34 onward, instead of just the specialized F/A-18 training. Really good book, though!

 

[chccurd]

There actually is a book that goes through most of the T-34 training. Its called Airwarriors. I thought it was pretty good and showed most aspects of the training.
-Chris

 

[jlinscott]

I also read AirWarriors but I thought that, while it talked alot about API and early Primary training, it just skimmed over the rest of the primary, intermediate, and advanced training. It was still a pretty good read.

 

[D_mac05]

"The Making of A Fighter Pilot" was an awesome book. I believe the author did a great job walking the reader through the book! I actually felt like I was in F/A 18 training. If it isn't all factual, I hope that most of it is true, because it really seemed to be competitive yet enjoyable. I also liked how it followed the whole class (8?) instead of just one person. I would definately recommend this book!!

D

 

[AndysGirl]

Is The Making of A Fighter Pilot very technical? My boyfriend is SNA with hopes of flying F/A 18s, as I am sure everyone else is. I would love to read up on the subject so that I have a better understanding of what he is going through. Hard to be supportive if I don't know what is going on!

And not to sound stupid, but the Airwarriors book mentioned, is that a real "I can go buy it" book?

Go Navy

 

[jlinscott]

Yes it is a real book.Here is the link the book on amaazon:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684814307/ref=cm_wed_ovu-pg.1-pos.5/102-4380468-6262559?coliid=I2PVVX0VSA5830

 

[AndysGirl]

Thanks, I will have to check it out!

Go Navy