Trying for AD pilot through OCS/OTS. USAF/USN AD pilot pros and cons?

[Austin-Powers]

'Puddle pirate?' I am triggered!! ?

I'll apply around Spring 2021, if I cannot get into CSPI, I will look into Army Aviation or possibly ANG, I live real close to a C-130 squadron, so I hopefully can apply to them.

 

[PMCsmiles]

Hey everyone! I’ve got an app in as a civilian with both the USAF and USN to be an AD pilot and it looks like I’ve got a good shot at getting into both. Since I might have to decide between the two, I was wondering if anyone could comment on the current pros and cons that I've got in my head. I’d be honored to serve and fly in either branch. Thanks!
P.S. I’ve seen the Bob Norris letter.
USAF
-Pros
-Large number of well-maintained, fixed wing aircraft
-Nice base facilities
-Bases in interesting foreign countries
-Cons
-Could get stuck in a boring base location stateside
-Have heard that leadership seems to regard pilots as office workers instead of pilots.
-Training pipeline is severely clogged mostly due to COVID. Probably wouldn’t go to OTS until late spring 2021 at the earliest.
-Seems to be overly strict about trivial matters akin to a HOA president from hell who’s mad your grass is 2.25” instead of 2” and that you installed a scarlet backdoor instead of a crimson one.
-Have had issues with the recruiting process and know people who have also had issues. I know that problems with recruiting and bureaucracy are more of a feature than a bug in the military, but it’s still concerning especially when compared to my Navy experience so far.
USN
-Pros
-Lots of travel opportunities
-Great base locations in the U.S.
-Chance to fly off carriers
-Seem to be more opportunities to be a leader
-Seems to have the reputation of being less strict than the AF with operational procedures. If it works and isn’t overly dangerous or illegal, do it.
-Hard to describe, but seems more welcoming? Tighter community? Had a better and easier recruiting process than with the AF.
-Cons
-High chance of being stuck flying helos. I’m interested in fixed wing.
-Ship living could get old after a while
-Not as many types of aircraft to fly
-Might not get to explore ports of call all that much

What’s your current experience? My team is looking for a pilot with experience flying fixed wing and rotary, for a PMC.

 

[UmYahYah]

What’s your current experience? My team is looking for a pilot with experience flying fixed wing and rotary, for a PMC.

Currently no flight experience. Just about to head off to OCS actually.

 

[FinkUFreaky]

What’s your current experience? My team is looking for a pilot with experience flying fixed wing and rotary, for a PMC.

Awesome thread resurrection for your recruiting; please look into what the threads are about first? I'm not a mod, but I imagine it'd be appreciated.

Thanks to the resurrection, and my first time reading it, great choice @UmYahYah . One thing not mentioned here (or I missed it): Air Force philosophy in general specifically delineates what you CAN do; Navy what you CAN'T. There is a difference; and I prefer the latter. All that said, of course, if you do something stupid, even if not specifically prohibited, it falls on you.

Edited for clarity: I'm talking about in flight. NATOPS manuals vice what the air force calls theirs. Not during off-duty activities etc.

 

[UmYahYah]

Awesome thread resurrection for your recruiting; please look into what the threads are about first? I'm not a mod, but I imagine it'd be appreciated.

Thanks to the resurrection, and my first time reading it, great choice @UmYahYah . One thing not mentioned here (or I missed it): Air Force philosophy in general specifically delineates what you CAN do; Navy what you CAN'T. There is a difference; and I prefer the latter. All that said, of course, if you do something stupid, even if not specifically prohibited, it falls on you.

Edited for clarity: I'm talking about in flight. NATOPS manuals vice what the air force calls theirs. Not during off-duty activities etc.

I have heard that in a couple of places, but appreciate another person confirming it. Definitely one of the reasons I'm glad to be joining the Navy.