So my questions are: who is NATOPS? What is the general concept of weather briefing and authority and how that works in the USN/USMC? And Does the USN/USMC rotarywing file IFR a lot more often that VFR and is it a desired method to file IFR, only to cancel your clearance later and continue VFR?
Thanks for the explanations in advance.
NATOPS = Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization. "The Book," as it were, or at least one of them. Each aircraft has a NATOPS manual which dictates standard procedures, EPs, limits, systems info, etc. Every aircrew must be NATOPS qualified in model and this is done through written tests (open and closed book) and a yearly checkride. This is usually done in the sim so as to throw horrific compound EPs and other crap at you. Don't know what the Army calls its equivalent, but the AF equivalent is a "Dash 1" apparently.
There is also a "NATOPS General Operating Instructions," which is OPNAVINST 3710.7, and is the CNO's policy on how he wants ALL of his aircraft flown. Deals with things like filing procedures in different WX, training rules, how to administer NATOPS/Instrument Checks, etc.
The CV NATOPS manual and LSO NATOPS manual deal with carrier operations, the CV NATOPS more with how the whole ship is run and the LSO NATOPS with details of the FLOLS/IFLOLS/MOVLAS and how the Paddles mafia operates.
There's also an Instrument NATOPS for IFR flying, but it is horribly dated, obscure, and hard to find. Nerds study it before taking or giving Instrument checks.
I was under the impression that the WX brief was advisory only. Meaning YOU are responsible for knowing and following the rules and regs according to the WX which is briefed, and the forecaster can't order you to do anything. I know that they can give you a "Severe WX on route" stamp which is essentially saying "we told him so" and preemptively washing their hands of the idiot that wants to fly through the thunderstorm. Safe operation of the A/C is still the responsibility of the PIC.
I have never so much as flipped a switch on a helo, so I will shut up regarding your other questions.