The Cost of Flight Training...The Cost Of Life

BillyBob · November 25, 2009

Bravery is NOT the absence of fear.

It is operating IN SPITE of your fear.

Inferno · November 25, 2009

I'm not quite sure what being american has to do with patriotism and wanting to serve ones country... We didn't invent the concept, and we sure as hell aren't the only ones that practice it...

I've seen Indonesians, Singaporeans, Norwegians, Brazilians, Panamanians, Mexicans, etc, just, if not more patriotic than the average American. And why not? Shouldn't people love the country of their birth?

That being said, the current economy, as well as recruitment practices by the military have led to a lot more of the "looking to get something from it" group over the patriots.

If your not American then you probably don't understand.

Jerry
USAF Retired

beckwith · November 25, 2009

That being said, the current economy, as well as recruitment practices by the military have led to a lot more of the "looking to get something from it" group over the patriots.

Those two things are not mutually exclusive.

Inferno · November 25, 2009

Sure, it may give some of them a push in the right direction, but how many would you hazard to guess did it just to put food on their family's table (metaphorically speaking...)?

EDIT

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washingt...oosts_military/

Theres an article talking about the surge in enlistment....

Those two things are not mutually exclusive.

palmfish · November 26, 2009

Used to be a way to stay out of prison too.

BillyBob · November 26, 2009

Used to be a way to stay out of prison too.

Really?! A shot at Warrant Officer Candidate School and Initial Entry Rotary Wing (flight school) were rewards for potential convicts?! REALLY?!

Please tell me that you are joking.

palmfish · November 26, 2009

Really?! A shot at Warrant Officer Candidate School and Initial Entry Rotary Wing (flight school) were rewards for potential convicts?! REALLY?!

Please tell me that you are joking.

Enlisting in the Army is what I was referring to. But I suppose a "problem child" could theoretically become a pilot back in those days if he became a good soldier.

mechanic · November 26, 2009

Not to start a "Branch" fight, but back in 88' when I joined the AF at the meps center a kid was getting kicked outta the AF for smoking weed. I asked him why was he at the meps center then, explained he was joining the Army. I said really? He said, yep they don't care. I lost more respect for the branch after that. I think he was going infantry, lol....

You guys kill me. I don't know why this type of argument comes up from time to time on forums. If your too big a chickin to join, don't join. Its volunteer, either you want to or not, no big deal. Us that have been there know its a pretty good deal and want to make sure you younger guys consider all your options.

Do you think your immune from death driving your car, going to the bank or flying civilian only? Get real, if your breathing it can happen at any moment for any reason.

Just my thoughts, USAF

Wally · November 27, 2009

http://www.idahostatesman.com/1425/story/977840.html

Now, I know many people have told me to join the military...it is the only economical way to become a helicopter pilot.

However, please tell me this. Is it worth dying just to get your certificates free? After reading this article and many others a like, I would have to pass on the military option. But then again I am sure there are some who take it as an adrenaline rush.

Yeah, there are some who enlist for adventure. Soldiers join for lots of reasons-3 hots and a cot, the GI Bill, travel, citizenship, to get out of the house- add patriotism and love of your brother to each. Even those who don't volunteer (draftees) made pretty good soldiers. You get pretty close to people you might not have been able to stand in "The World".

My experience of combat is that it's a lot of very, very hard work. Sometimes it gets exciting, but it's not much fun even then. Emerging in one piece comes with a price, too. If you're honest with yourself, you know luck has more to do with it than skill- although ignorance and sloth have a high mortality. It's WORK, hard work, before, after, and during the shooting. Asymmetric warfare is especially hard, you chase the barsads, until they catch you. I'd guess that hasn't changed in 40 years.

You're mistaken on one important point- you don't "get your certificates free"- you earn everything you get. Is it "the only economical way to become a helicopter pilot"? Only in that you won't eat much ramen noodles while you serve your obligation. And you'll get some experience. Experience, as the cliche has it, "Is what you're likely to get a lot of if you don't already have enough of it to duck it".

How much is 7, 8 or 9 years of your life worth? The cliche number of a $70,000 debt seems pretty cheap...

NOV 30- I meant to include in my original post that I was "High School, flight school, and Vietnam", enlisted to get flight training. I would have probably enlisted anyhow, but that's unarguably why I did it at that point. Many of my colleagues and contemporaries were there for the same reason and circumstances. My impression is still that we weren't good career soldiers but did 'the job' pretty well.

Edited November 30, 2009 by Wally