Most Family Oriented Community

[RobNLa]

I realize that military aviation is not the most family oriented career. I would like feedback from aviators and nfos about their experience. Most importantly, which aviation community will allow me to be with my family most often. I know that it depends on the squadron and other factors. I am only looking for general information about each community. Also, how often have you had to relocate your family?

Thanks,
Rob

 

[bunk22]

The C-2 community seems to allow a bit more family time than others. The primary mission is logistics from the beach. So during work-ups, we normally fly missions to the ship but come home each night. On cruise, we are usually shored base, allowing plenty of access to talk to your loved ones. Last cruise, I spoke to my wife and daughter just about every day. I use the terms normally or usually being that things could change. My first cruise with VRC-30 was a full blown, fly at night, stay on board for 6 months (including work-ups) type of cruise. As COD pilots though, we don't do drug ops, weapons dets, Fallon dets, etc so we spend more time at home between work-ups and cruise.

 

[RobNLa]

Bunk,

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[travislikes]

The TACAMO (E-6B) community is all about family. 2-3 week deployments (pulling in per diem), no boat, and no 6 monthers preceded by workups preceded by exercises preceded by training dets. The downsides, of course, are Oklahoma and being little more than a talented bus driver. Family is one of the main reasons I came here.

 

[texasmid]

travis-
how tough/rare is it to get an E-6 slot in flight school? when there is one available does it usually go higher in the class or do people shy away from it because it's "boring"

 

[travislikes]

When I selected (2 or so years ago) it was at least a decent NSS (mid 40's) and luck that got guys a slot. Most guys that selected had around a 50-60 NSS and really wanted to go E-6's. It all depends on where your priorities lie...I would love to go fly off the boat, but I chose the family life and free time that this community has to offer.

 

[Jaxs170]

Over the past 3-4 months E-6 slots have gone to people with an NSS between 52 and 58 (for the most part, lowest I have heard of was a 49 back in the begining of June), so it has gotten far more competitive than it was some years ago.

And as was said, timing has a TON to do with it: Every 3 weeks 2 new Navy studs start class at Vance w/ T-1s, and about every 4th week only 1 new Navy stud will start.