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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Aviation
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Question
I would like to know that if I join the Navy next year when i turn 17, is there a chance that i could become an aviator? Do i have to work towards that and take places where the Navy wants to put me? Or do I choose what i would like to do and the Navy puts me in classes for it?
Greetings Amanda -
My area of expertise is the Air Force, so I'm really not an expert on the Navy. I can tell you that, in the Air Force, you can pick the job you want to do, and you will be sent to the training base that will teach you that skill. After that, you will be permanently assigned to a base that needs that skill. In your case, that would probably be a ship if you are assigned to sea duty.
As far as becoming an aviator, you need to get your bachelor's degree, either before joining or during your enlistment. Then you need to apply for, and be accepted into a commissioning program. I'm sure a recruiter from any branch of the service could give you the details of the various programs available.
Most people who apply for commissioning have a specific job they are applying for. In your case it would be as an aviator. You have to meet all the requirements for aviation service to be able to apply.
I hope this answers your questions. If there is any way I can be of further help to you, don't hesitate to write back. Your best bet is to check with a Navy recruiter to get the official word on what you would like to do, as I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information I have given you here. As I said at the beginning, this is how it would be in the Air Force.
Good luck,
James Bell
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Answers by Expert:
James Bell
Expertise
I am a retired MSgt (2004) with 24 years experience in the aircrew career field, both as a loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1) and flight engineer (AFSC 1A1x1). I have been to every continent at one time or another, and regularly flew 300 to 500 hours a year. I have been involved in the operations in Grenada, Panama, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I can answer most questions you may have about enlisted Air Force life in general, assignments, benefits, and enlisted aircrew operations. NOTE: If you have specific recruiting and/or medical questions about how to get into this career field as a civilian, they have changed since my time, so that is best answered by a recruiter or MEPS. I can answer questions about military personnel wanting to RETRAIN. If you are asking about being an Air Force pilot, please be advised my area of expertise is ENLISTED aircrew operations, NOT OFFICERS.
Experience
Loadmaster (AFSC 1A2x1): 7 years - 2,000 hours - C-5A Galaxy cargo plane. Flight Engineer (AFSC 1A1x1C): 7 years - 2,500 hours - C-141B Starlifter cargo plane, 10 years - 3,800 hours - KC-10A Extender aerial tanker. Served as aircrew Flight Instructor, Flight Evaluator and Training Manager
Education/Credentials
Aircraft Loadmaster Initial Qualification - 1980. Mission Qualification (C-5A) - 1981. Fixed Wing Aircraft Performance Course - 1987. Initial Flight Engineer Qualification (C-141B) - 1987. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1988. KC-10 Initial Qualification Course - 1994. Mission Qualification (KC-10A) - 1995. Instructor Qualficiation (KC-10A) - 1997. Evaluator Qualification (KC-10A) - 2000.
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