There are plenty of places to put pilots in B-billets. A lot, if not a majority, of FAC billets are involuntarily assigned. This is just an extension of the "Every Marine a rifleman" thing, in that every aviator is supposed to be able to go to the field. It also stems from the belief that pilots are better able to understand each other.
I think that belief is overstated. I know a little more, but not that much more about strike than most officers, and few strike pilots know much about assault support. So set up a school to teach the necessary knowledge and send some sharp, experienced NCOs to it.
To Rainman--Test Pilot School has mixed opinions on it. A lot of people will say that it's not good for your career because you get stuck in the non-operational world for a long time. Of course, people also say that HMX-1 is bad for your career, as well as flight school IP, FAO/RAO, grad school, acquisitions, OSO, NROTC, etc, etc. There's not a lot left. So, do what you want, while keeping in mind an overall plan, and do well at what you choose. There are exceptions to every cliche.
I think that belief is overstated. I know a little more, but not that much more about strike than most officers, and few strike pilots know much about assault support. So set up a school to teach the necessary knowledge and send some sharp, experienced NCOs to it.
To Rainman--Test Pilot School has mixed opinions on it. A lot of people will say that it's not good for your career because you get stuck in the non-operational world for a long time. Of course, people also say that HMX-1 is bad for your career, as well as flight school IP, FAO/RAO, grad school, acquisitions, OSO, NROTC, etc, etc. There's not a lot left. So, do what you want, while keeping in mind an overall plan, and do well at what you choose. There are exceptions to every cliche.
