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Comment by JudyM on April 24, 2018 at 10:11am

ulua, Somehow the entire link to the flight school process did not show. It is pretty accurate.

here it is

Navy flight training

Comment by ulua on April 24, 2018 at 9:55am

One of my favorite diagrams to understand the aviation training pipeline, specially for newcomers: search

US Navy and Marine Corps flight school - training pipeline  https://www.reddit.com

great visual to see what’s in store for your aviator

Comment by ulua on April 24, 2018 at 9:34am

Thanks for the info TriciaM. I never understood there to be ‘slots’ that particularly led to jets. I thought everyone went through API then Primary at Milton or Corpus Christi. After that there was selection to different flying platforms; helos, large transport, or strike, all based on performance and what pilots the Navy required at that time. There seemed to be a selection process after each segment of training all the way through to advanced strike with carrier quals.

I have never heard of a recruiter getting someone a ‘jet slot.’ My understanding is the Navy would promise a candidate the opportunity to try to advance through the training process to fly an aircraft of some type, no guarantees or promises, all based on performance and Navy needs.

my son was also a flight instructor. He had his private license very young, the joke was he could fly his friends before he could drive them. He was an instructor by age 19. He finished his bachelors degree in 3 years so was young to begin his Navy journey, with his degree paid for by the Navy through the BDCP program. 

Sitting watching the ceremonies both at OCS and winging, I was overcome with pride and emotion watching these amazing young officers. They are all truly the best of the best, intelligent, accomplished, educated. I am proud and grateful to have them working to protect my freedom.

Comment by TriciaM on April 24, 2018 at 3:09am

Rousse 54   I did not  mean to suggest your son was not dedicated. I was  saying that someone who does not know him  and not his recruiter makes the  slot decisions and the final ok.  And that person can be any number of different individuals currently  in  the process  when your son's name comes up. Info I just got when talking to  a current aviator  today was that they have a good number of flying slots open right now and that is good for your son, but the slots that can lead to jet jockey are more limited than other aircraft.  that also slowed my son down because his recruiter was determined to get him a jet slot and did.  But my son got very little notice when  the day was here .  Yes my son was employed as  flight instructor  (wanted the hours in the air and always wants to fly anytime any place) but  refused to take any job that committed him to a length of time  eg. a lot of the flight instructor jobs he was offered wanted him to commit to a year contract and he turned those down even tho they paid more. Instead he worked at his alma mater. Yes I am very proud of him.  His major disappointment is that he does not see an opportunity to go to Mars! His goal was astronaut  after aviator in the navy. But with the space program almost shut down and a whole line of astronauts  on standby he is contemplating his next step after the navy which probably will not be space!  But he is committing to at least 5 more years right now so the next step is somewhere in the ether. At least congress has funded more F-18's in the budget, but have not yet put the cash on the table. Good luck to your son and enjoy the ups and downs of being a Navy flying officer's MOM. I just wish they would let Moms backseat with their Navy aviators! I miss flying with him up in the peace of the skies and the beauty.

Comment by Andrea S on April 23, 2018 at 8:18pm

Wow...Mother's Day is the weekend before.Thanks for pointing that out!  I have been so caught up in the OCS experience that I failed to notice that. 

Comment by Allison on April 23, 2018 at 8:13pm

Rousse54: I agree with Nancy, It will all work out. My LO was given a start date at OCS a week after he was accepted into the aviation program. He opted to delay his entry due to prior commitments, despite his recruiter's warning that it could be a long wait for a new start date. He spent those extra months going to the gym, getting his affairs in order and commitments wrapped up. That extra level of fitness was a huge help in getting through OCS without being rolled and he has done well ever since. This process is nerve wracking for family to watch but entering the program with a clear mind may also help your LO succeed. Good luck!

Comment by ulua on April 23, 2018 at 8:09pm

All good advice, be as prepared as you can possibly be. Don’t forget there is some serious swimming in Pcola. IN a flight suit. Congratulations Andrea on the upcoming graduation, what a great mother’s day for you!

Comment by Andrea S on April 23, 2018 at 7:48pm

There is also plenty of information on a site called AIrWarriors.com 

Comment by JudyM on April 23, 2018 at 7:43pm

Before my son went to OCS (Jan 2011) he received a spiral book called Guide to Success. It has lots of great info such as ranks, physical fitness and what to bring to bring and not to bring to OCS. The number on the back is 013-0238. His was Rev. 08-09.

Comment by Nancy on April 23, 2018 at 7:23pm

rousse54: I don't think there will be a problem. I haven't heard of people being called up to OCS sooner than the start date given them since I've been following OCS classes from a year and a half ago. In the off chance that he is called sooner, I'm sure he will go, given he can just up and leave his current job. My son was employed as a civilian engineer with Norfolk Naval Shipyard prior to OCS and was given a date 2 months away and that never changed. In fact, I didn't even know until now that that could have been a possibility and I have been following the OCS pages. Don't worry, everything will work out as it is supposed to. 

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