Forum: Future F-16 crew

I graduated from the academy and I'm currently an F-16 instructor pilot. When I was in highschool, the USAFA had a program for high school students where you could shadow a cadet for a few days. I went out to USAFA, stayed with a kid from my hometown, went to class with him, ate lunch with them at Mitch's etc. It was a good first look to see if I was up for the challenge.

My dad was in the Navy and he said, if you want to fly, join the AF. It's what we do, the chief of staff of the Navy won't usually be a pilot, the CSAF is always a pilot. I spent 3 days on an Aircraft Carrier in 09 and I can tell you it's not for me.

My best advice though is to talk to as many people with different backgrounds and opinions and then make your decision. Both services are the best in the World at what they do, USAFA, USNA, ROTC are all perfectly good ways to get a commission. Ultimately, it's what's best for you that matters.

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chronic wrote:

When I was in highschool, the USAFA had a program for high school students where you could shadow a cadet for a few days. I went out to USAFA, stayed with a kid from my hometown, went to class with him, ate lunch with them at Mitch's etc. It was a good first look to see if I was up for the challenge.

The program still exists, at least it did less than 2 years ago when I was still there, though I'm not sure what it's called. kw949, if you're interested in doing this, try the Academy's admissions site and you should be able to find information on it.

chronic- that's very interesting that your dad would say that, but I'm glad I'm finally hearing an answer to that question from someone who was actually in the navy! I will definitely keep that in mind, and thanks a lot for the advice!

Delta- That would probably be a really good idea Smile

I'm not sure why, but I've really only done some hardcore exploring of the Naval academy's website, so I suppose it's time I take a closer look at the AF's!

If I find out what the program is, I would do it in a heartbeat. I'm applying to a Naval Academy summer seminar to spend a few days there and see what it's like, so that would be great if I could find something along those same lines for USAFA

They do have a summer seminar as well though if it's anything like it was years ago, the deadline is coming up fast. It was a great experience though I think the program itself has changed significantly since I went through it.

Do they? I was looking around on their website and I didn't see anything. I'll give it another look.

Ah ha! Found it! Guess I wasn't looking too hard before..

Hi, i am a 17 year old junior who also hopes to attend an academy and fly jets for the US military. I am planing on flying for Navy right now, and have done tons of research. Here is a letter written by a naval aviatior.
[Link pending approval]
And according to USNA and flight training magazine, USNA graduates more pilot candidates per year than USAFA. But this is naval and marine corps aviation. And according to a local NROTC instructor who was a pilot, the navy (not sure if this includes MC) has more pilot slots available each year than air force. So feel free to do your own research, but this is what I have found. Also check for, Carrier: A Guided Tour of an Aircraft Carrier, and Fighter Wing: A Guided Tour of an Air Force Fighter Wing. They are both books written by Tom Clancy, so they will provide an un-biased view of each service. Good luck.

Forum: Future F-16 crew

Air Force or Navy? USAFA vs. USNA vs. ROTC