A friend sent this one on to me I hadn't seen it before thought you would all
agree with his comments.
Sparky
USN or USAF?
by Bob Norris

Bob Norris is a former Naval Aviator who also did a 3 year exchange tour
flying the F-15 Eagle. He is now an accomplished author of entertaining
books about US Naval Aviation including "Check Six" and "Fly-Off".
Checkout his web site at http://www.bobnorris.com/.

In response to a letter from an aspiring fighter pilot on which military
academy to attend, Bob replied with the following.

12 Feb 04
Young Man,
Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force
Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a
fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share
some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service
has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one
am I more likely to thrive in?"

USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run.
Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet
high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are
top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent.
Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The
USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what
to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training &
tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a
situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for
most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force
pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry
one.

Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes
(surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy
is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The
Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be
great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the
other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise
and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with
the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth;
you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from
terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will
be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you
will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training
will vary and sometimes you will be in over your head. You will miss
many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious
duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and
you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy
and they will kick your ass until you become a lethal force. And some
days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will
catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be
drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the
bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.

Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.
Banzai
P.S. Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.