Want to Land on Aircraft Carriers?
If you’ve considered becoming a pilot in the USN or USMC, you’ve surely wondered, “What does a Navy or Marine Corps pilot do?” An easier…
So You Want to Fly Army?
If you’re a regular to the annals of BogiDope, odds are pretty high that you’re fully aware of the United States Air Force’s beginnings. You’re,…
The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path (Part 1)
I’ve written extensively on The Pilot Network about what I consider to be the Ideal Career Path for a Military Pilot. I envisioned that path…
The Ultimate Military Pilot Career Path (Part 2)
Welcome back, future aviators! In Part 1 of this series we saw how getting hired by a Guard or Reserve unit right out of college…
How to Become a Fighter Pilot
Have you seen Top Gun or any of the (objectively terrible) Iron Eagle movies more times than you’re willing to admit? Do you daydream of…
Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 1)
Dear BogiDope Readers, We have a treat for you today! A recently-commissioned Second Lieutenant wrote a fantastic report about what to expect at Total Force…
Ultimate OTS/TFOT Guide (Part 2)
Welcome back BogiDope readers! This is Part 2 of our in-depth report on what OTS is like right now. We covered sections 1-3 last week,…
USAF Initial Flight Training (IFT)
So you’re a freshly minted, steely-eyed 2nd Lieutenant that’s ready to dominate UPT with the highest MASS score ever recorded and eager start your new…
Surviving Wright Patterson and Your FC1 Physical
First of all, congratulations, you did it! Whether it was through ROTC, Active Duty, or the Guard/Reserves to fly fighters, heavies, or helos, you won…
Air Force Career Progression – Officer
We’re going to discuss career progression today. As a former Active Duty pilot, I’ll admit I don’t love this topic. You have to understand: I’m…
Air Force Career Progression – Pilot
Welcome back to Part 2 of our series about career progression for Air Force pilots, from the pilot perspective. If you haven’t already read Part…
Military Pilot Pay and Benefits
The military offers some fantastic career opportunities for pilots. It can also set you up for an enjoyable and lucrative civilian flying career later in…
Decision Point
If you’ve been keeping up with this article series, you’re now familiar with the basic mechanics of getting into Navy Flight School, working your way…
Fleet Meat: What to Expect in the Fleet Replacement Squadron and Your First Fleet Tour
Once you get those Wings of Gold after what can be two-to-three years of continuous training, it’s time to go do the nation’s business for…
USN/USMC Flight School
This article’s objective is to give you an overview of what Navy flight school looks like generally with an eye towards the attitudes and trends…
Starting Flight School
All right, you’ve got your grand plans for commissioning and getting selected for aviation. You feel like you’re set and ready for takeoff. But first,…
Getting In the Door: Commissioning Sources
If you want to fly for the Navy or Marine Corps, your best bet is to get a commission. While non-commissioned (typically warrant officer) pilots…
Navy Platforms & Places
In the spirit of this series, the function of this article is to leave the prospective Naval Aviator more informed about just what it is…
Naval Aviation – Cultures, Attitudes and Career Path
If you’re interested in figuring out if Naval Aviation seems like your cup of tea, you’ll be interested in what sort of folks do the…
A Day in the Life
You know, many people consider “A Day in the Life” to be The Beatles greatest work? I, personally, struggle to agree with that… Don’t get…
Reporting for Duty
Hello again! You’ve learned a lot about becoming an Army Aviator in the last couple of months. Though the last two weeks did focus on…