What High School Electives/USNA?

[louisvillefan77]

Air Force Academy vs Naval Academy

When I get out of high school I am going to try to join one of these schools. I would eventually like to fly and get into politics. Which school would be best, and which military branch would be better to fly in. I would like to be a leader, and don't mind traveling or anything like that. Please help me and clarify which academy and branch is better. Thank you and God Bless.

Go Cards!!!

 

[wink]

You will get a lot of comments about both services. Remember, this is a Naval Aviation site. A couple AF guys here may come to the defense of the AF, but standby for some AF bashing. As to the USAFA, these days most people agree the AFA is easier, militarily, then the USNA. Academically, overall, the USNA tends to rate higher in those polls and surveys that are published yearly. The AFA has some majors that rate better then USNA. Really, the only thing you need to know is that if you go to the AFA you will end up an Air Farce officer. That is reason enough to avoid it at all cost. Nothing more to say!! Good luck.

 

[Flash]

When I get out of high school I am going to try to join one of these schools. I would eventually like to fly and get into politics. Which school would be best, and which military branch would be better to fly in. I would like to be a leader, and don't mind traveling or anything like that. Please help me and clarify which academy and branch is better. Thank you and God Bless.

Go Cards!!!

The Navy and Marines do have a lot of aircraft but it is not our primary mission, for the Air Force aircraft are their primary mission. Which service to join is largely a matter of personal preference, so we can't really tell you which particular service to join. But if flying is your primary focus, you ought to start looking at the USAF.

One thing to keep in mind is that only a small minority of personnel in each of the services actually flies for a living. Even the USAF has a large number of officers in support positions, from engineers to security forces. You could not get a pilot slot for a number of reasons, from physical to just pure timing. So keep in mind that you are serving your country first and foremost.

One thing you might want to do is visit the Academies, that ought to give you a better idea.

 

[Sky-Pig]

Both schools have their pro's and con's. You will receive a first class education at both...and have a chance to select aviation from both schools.

Caveat...Aviation is only part of the Navy while it is the primary mission in the USAF. I'll defer to someone with more recent experience to answer which school has more aviation slots each year...but I would guess Air Force.

I'd recommend you apply to both, research the two services (there are substantial cultural differences) and not look back once you decide which one looks best for you at the time.

No matter what you end up doing, there will be times when the grass will look greener on the other side...and there will be times when you will tell yourself that you could not even imagine having done anything different.

And in the interest of full disclosure, I went to USNA. The academy's are great schools...but do not forget about ROTC or other commissioning programs. All that matters at the end of the day is that you have a diploma and meet that service's standards to enter flight school. Then...everyone is on equal footing. Just do what you have to do to get in the door.

Good luck.

 

[wink]

I'd recommend you apply to both, research the two services (there are substantial cultural differences) and not look back once you decide which one looks best for you at the time.

+1 pony

This is good advice. Many academy hopefuls apply to more then one school. There is not a problem with that. Also, plan on attending Summer Seminar, at both schools if you can. You will attend in the summer between Jr and Senior years of H.S. The Seminar programs are designed to give you a taste of what you will be getting into. In the case of the Naval Academy Summer Seminar, it also gives you a small boost in the application. Every NASS participant gets a Blue and Gold interview and gets some type of evaluation during NASS that is referenced by the Board during application. The vast majority of successful applicants attended NASS.

 

[SteveG75]

And this seems like an appropriate place to repost Bob Norris' classic AF vs Navy description:

NAVY vs AIR FORCE

Bob Norris is a former Naval aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off." In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military academy to attend, Bob replied with the following:
12 Feb 04

Young Man,

Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice.

Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.

PS: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.

BTW, AF pilots are now getting UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) right out of flight school.

Also, a Naval Aviator (or Naval Flight Officer) is a Naval Officer first, aviator second.

 

[louisvillefan77]

And this seems like an appropriate place to repost Bob Norris' classic AF vs Navy description:



BTW, AF pilots are now getting UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) right out of flight school.

Also, Naval Aviator (or Naval Flight Officer) is a Naval Officer first, aviator second.

I think I am leaning toward the Navy now. haha

Q: What's the hardest thing about being a Kentucky Wildcat fan?
A: Telling your parents that you're gay.

 

[xmid]

I went to USAFA after I applied to both and was accepted to Air Force, while Navy offered me prep school. After a short period at USAFA I left and went to NAPS and eventially USNA. At USAFA they told us to look to our left and to our right, because only one of the three was going to get a pilot slot. Although I don't know how accurate that was, one thing to keep in mind is that almost everyone at USAFA wants to be a pilot and there are only so many slots, while not everyone at USNA has even considered going in to aviation. Personally I liked the alternatives at USNA far better than the alternatives at USAFA. As previously mentioned the cultural differences between the Air Force and the Navy are significant, so try to spend some time interacting with both to see which one fits you better. I was suprised by how physical BCST was at USAFA (although this was a long time ago your mileage may very). I hated bear crawls playing ping pong in siberia... And the uber gay dance off style marching competition was just embarassing... You can PM me with specific questions. We have plenty of USNA grads here and I believe a few zoomies so pic their brains. Good luck in whichever you choose. Oh and check out other commissioning sources (I ended up going OCS-SNA for personal reasons and it worked out well for me) if being an officer is your primary concern you will want to check out all means to the end.

 

[FLYTPAY]

If you want to fly UAV's, go to the Air Force Academy. I would say to try for Navy, yes I am biased but I think you need to feel out both cultures and see which one you associate more with before making a decision. Generally speaking, the AF is more rule oriented than the Navy. If you want to fly for a service whose Base Operations Building has Gucci Flatscreens with the weather and flight schedule on it, a supervisor named Bob (Tech Sgt Schmuckatelli)and the bathrooms are Italian Marble with inlaid gold sinks, the AF is for you. If you want to be on a ship for 6 months, the Navy is for you. Explore the goods and bads and make a decision you can live with. I am extremely glad that I am a Naval Aviator and not an AF pilot!

 

[scoolbubba]

don't forget the opportunity to fly airplanes that count as warbirds...every single day!

 

[exhelodrvr]

"when I get out of high school" - you don't say how old you are, but you really need to get started on the process by your junior year to optimize your chances. Is your primary consideration going into the military, or going to one of the Academies?

Start the process with both of the schools; that will keep your options open. Probably a good idea to apply for AFROTC and NROTC.

 

[exhelodrvr]

If you want to fly UAV's, go to the Air Force Academy. I would say to try for Navy, yes I am biased but I think you need to feel out both cultures and see which one you associate more with before making a decision. Generally speaking, the AF is more rule oriented than the Navy. If you want to fly for a service whose Base Operations Building has Gucci Flatscreens with the weather and flight schedule on it, a supervisor named Bob (Tech Sgt Schmuckatelli)and the bathrooms are Italian Marble with inlaid gold sinks, the AF is for you. If you want to be on a ship for 6 months, the Navy is for you. Explore the goods and bads and make a decision you can live with. I am extremely glad that I am a Naval Aviator and not an AF pilot!

You mean as opposed to Base Ops buildings which are still "temporary structures from WWII?"

 

[louisvillefan77]

"when I get out of high school" - you don't say how old you are, but you really need to get started on the process by your junior year to optimize your chances. Is your primary consideration going into the military, or going to one of the Academies?

Start the process with both of the schools; that will keep your options open. Probably a good idea to apply for AFROTC and NROTC.

I'm a freshman. I play football, make a 3.9 GPA, have a job at Subway, officer in FBLA, and in Army ROTC (only ROTC program offered by my school). I am trying hard to show leadership, academic ability, and athletic ability. Sorry for not saying this.
Go Cards!!!
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The genie responded, "I'm not that powerful of a genie. I cannot grant you that wish."
"Well," the General responds, "then can you have Kentucky win a national championship in basketball this year?"
The genie thinks for a moment, then says, "Let me see that map again."

 

[jdflyer09]

Subscribed... Only to see the next Kentucky joke...

Just listen to the advice here. There are a ton of educated people with first hand experience. Wish I logged on AW during my freshman year of high school- you're in the best position possible, so get it done man!

 

[DanMa1156]

Although I don't know how accurate that was, one thing to keep in mind is that almost everyone at USAFA wants to be a pilot and there are only so many slots, while not everyone at USNA has even considered going in to aviation. Personally I liked the alternatives at USNA far better than the alternatives at USAFA. As previously mentioned the cultural differences between the Air Force and the Navy are significant, so try to spend some time interacting with both to see which one fits you better.

These 3 reasons are what really made me attracted to the Naval Service (and Academy) vice the Air Force.

1) I realized that not everyone wanted to be a pilot at Navy. I liked that diversity and cultural respect within each of the warfare communities and I also figured I had a better shot at a pilot slot coming out of Navy, which, I'd say is questionable nowadays.
2) I liked the alternatives to becoming a Naval Aviator or a Naval Flight Officer such as Surface Warfare and the Marine Corps far better than Air Force's alternatives such as Financial Officer and those officers who man the underground missile silos.
3) I also realized I fit into the Navy cultural mindset and views on mission accomplishment.

Also, I'm not going to lie, I thought (and still do) that Navy Uniforms are way better looking than any Air Force uniform. I know, kind of pathetic on the surface, but I think it shows at least among the lower ranks at least who takes more pride in their uniforms.