Marine Corps or Navy

Keep in mind also, that only about 10-15% (roughly) of a shrinking USMC
aviation program is jets. It's more like 35-40% of the Navy
program--especially with the demise of the maritime patrol community. The
Navy is your better percentage bet if you want to fly jets.

Is there any actual idea when the Navy, Air Force and Marines are
going to get these F-something Joint Strike Fighters? And also, when
are they going to start training pilots on them?

wrote in message
om
Keep in mind also, that only about 10-15% (roughly) of a shrinking
USMC aviation program is jets. It's more like 35-40% of the Navy
program--especially with the demise of the maritime patrol
community. The Navy is your better percentage bet if you want to
fly jets.

Is there any actual idea when the Navy, Air Force and Marines are
going to get these F-something Joint Strike Fighters? And also, when
are they going to start training pilots on them?

The first aircraft will begin delievring around 2005-06. But that's for
testing -- only experienced pilots will be flying them at that point.
Initial Operating Capability (roughly when the operating force has enough
aircraft for a full operational squadron) comes about five years later. For
the Marine Corp's F-35B STOVL JSF, that's 2010, followed by the Air Force's
F-35A in 2011 and the Navy's F-35C in 2012. Operational pilots might see
some planes somewhat earlier than that to begin working up the first
squadron.

Of course, that assumes no program slippage between now and IOC. If you
believe that, I've got a very nice piece of Florida waterfront property for
sale.

--�
Tom Schoene Replace "invalid" with "net" to e-mail
"If brave men and women never died, there would be nothing
special about bravery." -- Andy Rooney (attributed)

"Thomas Schoene" wrote:

:For
:the Marine Corp's F-35B STOVL JSF, that's 2010, followed by the Air Force's
:F-35A in 2011 and the Navy's F-35C in 2012. Operational pilots might see
:some planes somewhat earlier than that to begin working up the first
:squadron.

The Marines are getting theirs first now? When did that happen? Was
that the several hundred million that USAF 'misplaced' behind that?

:Of course, that assumes no program slippage between now and IOC. If you
:believe that, I've got a very nice piece of Florida waterfront property for
:sale.

I've heard there are already budget problems. Any surprise there?


--
"Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute."
-- Charles Pinckney

The Marines are getting theirs first now? When did that happen?

Astonishing! As O.J. said a day or two ago, the marines always seem
to get the short end of the stick.

For a time, when I was in the marines, 50 years ago, I flew airplanes
that had olive-drab paint under the blue, visible where the blue had
worn off. I took it for granted that the army air corps had given
them to the marines after they had worn them out.

vince norris

"vincent p. norris" wrote in message
...
The Marines are getting theirs first now? When did that happen?

Astonishing! As O.J. said a day or two ago, the marines always seem
to get the short end of the stick.

For a time, when I was in the marines, 50 years ago, I flew airplanes
that had olive-drab paint under the blue, visible where the blue had
worn off. I took it for granted that the army air corps had given
them to the marines after they had worn them out.

vince norris

The Marines get theirs first as part of a deal worked out first with the
Navy and then with the Air Force. Part of the deal with the Navy was not to
spend aircraft money on new Harriers, or getting the F-18-E/F. This lets
the Navy get the F-18 E/F faster.

In turn the Navy and Marines then made a deal with the Air Force to provide
funds earlier to speed development of the F-35 program (actually more like
allowing it to remain on schedule), with the F-35B production being speeded
up.

Of course I have nothing to back this up except conversations at the O'Club.

Of course I have nothing to back this up except conversations at the O'Club.

Probably a more trustworty source of info than any official
pronouncements out of Washington.

vince norris

On 10/22/03 2:17 PM, in article
, "
wrote:

Keep in mind also, that only about 10-15% (roughly) of a shrinking USMC
aviation program is jets. It's more like 35-40% of the Navy
program--especially with the demise of the maritime patrol community. The
Navy is your better percentage bet if you want to fly jets.

Is there any actual idea when the Navy, Air Force and Marines are
going to get these F-something Joint Strike Fighters? And also, when
are they going to start training pilots on them?

That's for somebody in this group that actually tracks that program...

Let me just ask you this: Is this "I wanna be a pilot" thing just a passing
fancy for you? I have to question the motivation of a guy who refers to the
F-35 as "F-something." Not trying to beat on you... Just asking for an
honest self-assessment.

Did you just wake up a week ago and decide that this year might be a good
year to try to become a Naval Aviator?

If so, consider carefully. Military flight programs are no piece of cake,
and those with low motivation tend to be those that get canned from the
program.

--Woody