To become a naval flight officer, a position in the Navy branch of the United States military, you will first have to earn a bachelor’s degree and then apply to the Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS). Following your completion of this program, you will have to attend an aviation course and then complete the Naval flight training program. This begins with basic instruction and then moves on to more specific training depending on the types of aircraft to which you are assigned.
In order to attend OCS, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. This degree can be in any subject that you choose, although majors in aviation are typically ideal. You can complete your education as a civilian, or enlist in the Navy and obtain your degree while serving.
After you have completed your bachelor’s degree and decided to become a naval flight officer, you will need to apply to the Navy OCS, the basic training through which all officers of the Navy must go. In order to do so, you must be a United States citizen and at least 19 years old. In general, the easiest way to apply is to talk with a Navy officer recruiter, and discuss your goal to become a Navy flight officer. He or she will be able to aid you in getting into this prestigious program and prepare for training. OCS includes academic and physical training over an eight-week period, in which you will learn about leadership, warfare, administration, and other aspects of the Navy.
Following your completion of OCS, you will typically have to move immediately into the Navy’s academic air program. This training lasts for six weeks, and the first month includes training in meteorology, aviation, aerodynamics, and other aspects of aviation. The last two weeks of training include survival training, with a strong focus on swimming. You will have to complete this program even if you already have a degree in aviation.
Once you have completed the initial training to become a naval flight officer, you will begin your flight training. At first, you will learn the basics of flying an aircraft through hands-on instruction, as well as specific maneuvers, formations, and navigation techniques. After you have completed this portion, you will be assigned to a specific aircraft type, and then continue on with your aircraft-specific flight training to become a Naval flight officer.
The branch of the Navy in which you will become a Navy flight officer will vary based on the needs of the Navy at that time, although you may be able to request a certain type of aircraft. You may be assigned to helicopters or other types of aircraft, and you will move on to additional training on these specific crafts. Once you have completed this training, you will be assigned to a command and become a Naval flight officer.
