Enlisted pilots

A plowback tour was the career kiss of death for a naval aviator. Does
anyone know a naval aviator who had a plowback instructor tour and later
screened for command? Practically 100% resigned as Lieutenants or LCDR
selectees.

I can't speak for more recent times, but during the late 1960s - early 1970s
a sizeable percentage of many NA and NFO classes was SERGRADed immediately.
The class ahead and behind one's own might all get fleet seats, with your
own class only getting two or three - or none at all. There are instances
of entire classes being stashed, especially in the NFO communities.

As best I can determine, this did not hurt (or help) anyone's career path -
it was just the way things were back then. Proof, if any more was needed,
that "needs of the service" are always paramount.

Owl sends.
--
Mike Kanze

436 Greenbrier Road
Half Moon Bay, California 94019-2259
USA

"Hey, it's a long way to victory over terrorists and we're barely out of the
driveway. So kids, stop asking, 'Are we there yet?'"

- Larry Mazur, Jr.


"Yofuri" wrote in message
...
A plowback tour was the career kiss of death for a naval aviator.

[rest snipped]

"Mike Kanze" wrote in message ...
A plowback tour was the career kiss of death for a naval aviator. Does
anyone know a naval aviator who had a plowback instructor tour and later
screened for command? Practically 100% resigned as Lieutenants or LCDR
selectees.

I know of one plowback/retread who eventually had command of an
operational squadron, the rag, got his deep draft, and finally a wing.

Sid- I know of one plowback/retread who eventually had command of an
operational squadron, the rag, got his deep draft, and finally a wing.
BRBR

name please??
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer

"Pechs1" wrote...
Sid- I know of one plowback/retread who eventually had command of an
operational squadron, the rag, got his deep draft, and finally a wing.

name please??

Different one, but Don Barbaree (SERGRAD VT-25 ca 1979) was CO of Kitty Hawk
just prior to Iraqi Freedom. Currently acting COMOPTEVFOR.

"Pechs1" wrote...
Sid- I know of one plowback/retread who eventually had command of an
operational squadron, the rag, got his deep draft, and finally a wing.

name please??

Different one, but Don Barbaree (SERGRAD VT-25 ca 1979) was CO of Kitty Hawk
just prior to Iraqi Freedom. Currently acting COMOPTEVFOR.

"Pechs1" wrote...
Sid- I know of one plowback/retread who eventually had command of an
operational squadron, the rag, got his deep draft, and finally a wing.

name please??

Different one, but Don Barbaree (SERGRAD VT-25 ca 1979) was CO of Kitty Hawk
just prior to Iraqi Freedom. Currently acting COMOPTEVFOR.

Mike- I can't speak for more recent times, but during the late 1960s - early
1970s
a sizeable percentage of many NA and NFO classes was SERGRADed immediately.
BRBR

Got my wings in June of '74...for many weeks before, all the nuggets were
'plowed back'...During my 'week', there were 25 fleet seats available, only 18
or so nuggets available. They waited until the next week to fill these, with
new nuggets. REALLY peeved the SerGrads..

3 Phantom, some S-3, lots of A-7 and A-4(Bruce Carrier), 3 or 4 A-6, even some
Spad I think.

Right place at the right time.
P. C. Chisholm
CDR, USN(ret.)
Old Phart Phormer Phantom, Turkey, Viper, Scooter and Combat Buckeye Phlyer