Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Pilot vs. Navigator

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Question
My son wants to join the air force and his dilemma is does he
go for pilot or navigator. He has been told by some it is one
and the same, by others that a navigator does NOT pilot the plane
but rather is on the plane with the pilots coordinating routes, ets. Can you be so kind as to explain the difference between
the two positions, we would be most appreciative.
Also, the test for same, would it be the same test, or different?
Thank you in advance,
Juana

Answer
Juana:

 It's not one and the same by any means.  One flys the platform, the other navigates.  Just that simple.  

 No idea on the testing.  You might look into such places as the Air Force Academy, (because all pilots have to be officers, navigators as well) so he'll need at minimum a 4 year degree.

 Google 'How to become an Air Force pilot', that should bring up numerous hits for you that will be able to give you far better information than I can.  You can also try 'Air Force Navigator' 'Air Force in flight navigator' 'Air Force fighter pilot training' 'Air Force pilot qualifications'.  Those all should give you lots of information and many will be 'direct' from the source.

Best of luck!

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

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Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

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United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

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I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

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Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

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Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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