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Navy/USMC and NASA

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Grant said:
Are astronauts still considered on active duty while with NASA (since its a civilian administration), and can they go back to a "normal" unit when done with NASA? Does anyone ever do that? I'd imagine that having NASA on your resume would make you a shoe-in for becoming a General/Admiral down the road...
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Alan Shepard did. He became a Rear Admiral.
 
skidkid said:
Gen Bolden went from NASA to Wing CG so yes it does happen. He did if I remember right spend a lot of time at NASA and didnt get to command a squadron so there are trade offs
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Gen Bolden spoke at the MATSG-22 Birthday ball a few years ago (Squeeze, you probably remember)...outstanding speaker. The guy has more time in space than most have regular flight time. He also spoke to our unit while on our second westpac (97).
 
Geology_Rocks said:
Alan Shepard did. He became a Rear Admiral.
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One of few astronauts to make flag rank. Many retired as an O-6.

Just a sidenote: Has anyone else read "Light this Candle?"

ChuckMK23 said:
Neil Armstrong was NOT a Naval Aviator...he was prior USAF then civ test pilot for NACA/NASA on X-15 program
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To add a little extra info to Brett's rebuttal...
Neil Armstrong in Korea


As to the original question:
NASA has no real preference to USAF/USN/USMC. All pilot candidates go through same lottery selection and then are meausred up to the standards NASA has for its selection.
I know of a Hornet guy from Miramar who is currently a candidate for being selected as a pilot. Aside from having plenty of flight time as a Test pilot, NASA also likes pilots with science-oriented degrees (Masters or higher).

and just for the hell of it
"They're not called 'pilots' in the Navy; they're called 'Aviators.' They say they're better than pilots." :D
 
Grant said:
I hate to encourage goofy topics like this, but...

Are astronauts still considered on active duty while with NASA (since its a civilian administration), and can they go back to a "normal" unit when done with NASA? Does anyone ever do that? I'd imagine that having NASA on your resume would make you a shoe-in for becoming a General/Admiral down the road...
Click to expand...

My XO had been in BUPERS before he came to my squadron and he mentioned in a brief on the promotion process that astronauts are in their own category when it comes to promotions. From what I remember, promotion up to O-6 is pretty much automatic as long as you stay in NASA. Getting promoted to Flag is a bit differnet.

BTW, one of the guys in my RAG class was a Shuttle simulator instructor before he came in the Navy. He mentioned that NASA actually liked helo pilots. They used them as mission specialists, specifically to control the mechanical arm on the shuttle, it had dual controls and helo guys were pretty good at it. There is hope for all piltos out there.... :D
 
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