Jets Planes
What branch am I most likely to fly planes or jets in?
I have heard that you have better shots at getting a fixed wing seat in the navy than in the air force, but I don’t know what to believe. I have good grades and am almost a private pilot and plan on going to the Citadel. Can you guys tell me where my best odds are going to be? Marines? Navy? Air force? Coast Gaurd?
I’m retired AF so I won’t give you a pick, just facts.
The USAF has the largest Air Force in the world, the Navy is second.
Coasties are mostly heavy drivers and rotary wing stuff. A Marine aviator is a class by himself. They do it all in training, all the ground pounding stuff as well as flying. The Corps wants the pilots to understand the problems faced by the ground units. And don’t forget the Harrier, god that thing scares me…
Thats pretty much it. Your timing of the enlistment can have an effect but I, not being on the inside anymore, can’t give you any hints on that either.
Good luck.
GIMP
EDIT: One more thing, remember; fighter pilots make movies, bomber pilots make history. That’s even more true today. With low observability aircraft, things like the B-2 frequently go forth alone and unafraid. They don’t have a squadron of fighters protecting them like was prevalent in WW II. What ever you do, keep your head on a swivel.
SECOND EDIT: My source indicates the USAF has 5573 active aircraft plus ANG and Res. The Navy (from the same source) is credited with “Over” 3700. I guess “Over” 3700 could mean several million but I suspect it is much less than 3800…
BD-5 The smallest jet plane ever made.
