Med School opportunities after the USNA

mombee
Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:52:23 +0000

Memphis9489:

For the most part, on a whim, a midshipmen can put “Air” as their #1 choice and there really are no requirements other than to be physically qualified. And, since there are far more wanting “Air” than slots available, some do not get it. And, from what I hear, during the Class of 10’s selection, class ranking was not strictly honored in this regard.

In my day, class ranking ruled supreme! It was very rare for somebody to get their 2nd choice. In fact, off hand, I don’t know anybody who did not get exactly what they asked for. The only exception is that there were some who wanted to go “Nuke Power” who didn’t get it. But they knew, going in, that their grades were likely to shoot them down. It didn’t come as a surprise to them.

This past service selection, there were some getting “NFO” with a higher class ranking while lower-ranked classmates were doing the endzone dance in the P-way after having got their pilot slot.

When did service selection ever become a spin of the roulette wheel?

I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. In your day, class rank did not rule supreme. There was the AQT/FAR. And there still is. I think it has a new name though. In your day, there were no study guides. There are now. No reason except arrogance or laziness not to do well on it but some don’t. They are the very few NFOs who have lower ranked pilots dancing circles around them. You never had a board. They do now. Probably very minimal influence but enough to move one or two up at the bottom and move one or two down from the top. Again, laziness or arrogance. If one does not give the board it’s proper respect, they do not deserve to be an aviator. And yes, there are those in the bottom 20% of the class who might not have an opportunity to select aviator. How many of the bottom 20% really submitted 100% effort while there? With eye surgery, if you want to be an aviator, you can.