Posted on Jun 21, 2016
Where can I get the best naval recommendation letters?
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I'm sure by now alot of you guys are tired of my aviation questions. This may be my last one guys (probably not). But I need some strong recommendation letters. I'm going full throttle applying to be a naval aviator, and with a less than wowing GPA I'm relying pretty heavily on a kick ass astb and strong recommendation letters. Only problem is I'm in the Army and don't have many aviation connections. I'm getting some from my own unit, but I'm trying to land at least one from a naval officer, preferably a pilot or NFO. No idea how to do this though. Any tips? I do have some time, so building up a rapport with said recommendation writer is possible. Thanks guys.
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Aviation
131x: Naval Aviator
Aviation 131x: Naval Aviator
Posted >1 y ago
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LTJG James Jones
Sir you're a pilot, and LTJG (Join to see) needs a Naval Aviator connection. Perhaps you could talk to him?
Sir you're a pilot, and LTJG (Join to see) needs a Naval Aviator connection. Perhaps you could talk to him?
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I don't have the time for details at the moment, but I can get you some answers and good information. I'll check back in roughly 12 hours.
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LTJG (Join to see) sorry about the late response. I got tied up in some NJP-related nonsense.
So, if you need naval aviators as references, you should look up your closest NAS and try to contact squadron PAOs. They might be able to get you a squadron tour and a meeting with their CO; they'll appreciate your proactive approach at the very least. Another option would be to call down to API in Pensacola and try to reach someone there who could provide you with training information and insight.
Truth be told, your ASTB matters probably more than anything. Try to get your hands on some Sporty's or Jeppesen training materials and study up. Practice some introductory calculus, some mechanical engineering principles. Read up on your naval history as well, as your OAR will matter for getting an OCS slot.
If you feel like that may all be a bit overwhelming or have other questions, just send me a private message. I'll give you my cell number and you can just ask me any questions directly.
So, if you need naval aviators as references, you should look up your closest NAS and try to contact squadron PAOs. They might be able to get you a squadron tour and a meeting with their CO; they'll appreciate your proactive approach at the very least. Another option would be to call down to API in Pensacola and try to reach someone there who could provide you with training information and insight.
Truth be told, your ASTB matters probably more than anything. Try to get your hands on some Sporty's or Jeppesen training materials and study up. Practice some introductory calculus, some mechanical engineering principles. Read up on your naval history as well, as your OAR will matter for getting an OCS slot.
If you feel like that may all be a bit overwhelming or have other questions, just send me a private message. I'll give you my cell number and you can just ask me any questions directly.
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SPC Ladolcetta - Sorry for the late response. While it probably won't hurt to get a letter from a Naval Aviator, he/she has no real idea who you are or your qualities or traits especially when it comes to becoming a naval aviator. They have never worked with you and never had you work for them. The best letters you can get are from your chain of command who know you better than anyone else.
You should "get" letters form a very senior enlisted person (Who knows you best), you platoon commander, your company commander, a O-5/6 and a General Officer. I was already a Naval Officer in 2001 when I applied to transfer and enter flight school. I had my CO (O-5), my Carrier Airwing Commander (O-6), and my Admiral (O-8) "write" letters for me. That O-6 by the way just retired as NORTHCOM commander (ADM Gortney).
So "getting" or "writing" letters. I wrote my letters for each of the individuals so they could tweak them and then sign them. I would speak to your chain of command and see how they would like to handle that. Whether you write the letters and they edit or they write them for you, just be prepared to write them yourself. You can show enthusiasm for naval aviation but you want to highlight your career achievements and what you will bring to the Navy. What kind of leadership traits do you have, what kind of analytical skills do you have? How can you make the Navy better?
In the Navy you are a leader first, and officer second, an administrator third, and an aviator last. I will expand on that more tomorrow when I get back into work if you want.
Also quick question, what program are you attempting to enter the Navy through? That might have some weight to what you put it the letters.
Feel free to ask more questions. There really are not stupid questions.
You should "get" letters form a very senior enlisted person (Who knows you best), you platoon commander, your company commander, a O-5/6 and a General Officer. I was already a Naval Officer in 2001 when I applied to transfer and enter flight school. I had my CO (O-5), my Carrier Airwing Commander (O-6), and my Admiral (O-8) "write" letters for me. That O-6 by the way just retired as NORTHCOM commander (ADM Gortney).
So "getting" or "writing" letters. I wrote my letters for each of the individuals so they could tweak them and then sign them. I would speak to your chain of command and see how they would like to handle that. Whether you write the letters and they edit or they write them for you, just be prepared to write them yourself. You can show enthusiasm for naval aviation but you want to highlight your career achievements and what you will bring to the Navy. What kind of leadership traits do you have, what kind of analytical skills do you have? How can you make the Navy better?
In the Navy you are a leader first, and officer second, an administrator third, and an aviator last. I will expand on that more tomorrow when I get back into work if you want.
Also quick question, what program are you attempting to enter the Navy through? That might have some weight to what you put it the letters.
Feel free to ask more questions. There really are not stupid questions.
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CDR (Join to see)
SPC Ladolcetta - I will follow-up with a good question that you can maybe answer in your personal letter. Why do you want to join the Navy and be a Naval Aviator? If you want to fly jets you a have a much better chance in the Air Force. If you want to fly helicopters into combat you have a much better chance in the Army or Marine Corps. If you want to do special operations, the Army and Air Force has a much greater presence (The Navy barely supports special operations except for training purposes). If you want to deploy and be away from home a lot then the Navy is for you. Naval Aviation does a lot, we do go into combat and we support a large number of operations but the majority of student pilots fly something other than the F/A-18. We have P-3/P-8 maritime patrol aircraft. E-2 radar aircraft. EF-18G electronic warfare aircraft, and of course helos, H-60s and H-53s.
It's an awesome job but be prepared to not get what you want as the odds are not as good as the other services.
It's an awesome job but be prepared to not get what you want as the odds are not as good as the other services.
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LTJG (Join to see)
Honestly...what airframe I get barely matters to me. I'll be happy as long as I'm in the air. I have my preferences. That F-35B is beautiful and me flying one of those would be a dream come true. But as far as what I'm flying...that isn't a driving concern. I want a lot of flying time and in a lot of different places...which sounds at least a little consistent with what you said would be a good purpose to want to be in the navy. What other aspects do the Navy offer that other branches won't have as much of? I'll say one thing though. I have taken the aviation tests for both the Army and the Navy now. I was way more impressed with how much the Navy asked of me as compared to the Army. The tests were not even comparable.
As far as your recommendation letter advice when you put it that way it makes a lot of sense. The idea of getting a letter from a naval aviator sounds great at first glance but what does it actually mean. I'm just struggling a bit. My military career is pretty short. And I'd be getting released from the Army so asking my unit to both release me and recommend me sounds like it could be a touchy line. Do you have any other pointers as far as recommendation letters? Like your leader, then officer, then administrator then aviator comment. I also have to write a personal statement hitting on exactly what you described. Why I want to be an officer...why I want to be in the Navy. So this advice could help me out with that as well. I put a draft together and was having trouble deciding what part of my experiences I should highlight most. Whether my education, extra curriculars, military training or what.
By the way thanks a lot for everything I appreciate all the time you're giving me.
As far as your recommendation letter advice when you put it that way it makes a lot of sense. The idea of getting a letter from a naval aviator sounds great at first glance but what does it actually mean. I'm just struggling a bit. My military career is pretty short. And I'd be getting released from the Army so asking my unit to both release me and recommend me sounds like it could be a touchy line. Do you have any other pointers as far as recommendation letters? Like your leader, then officer, then administrator then aviator comment. I also have to write a personal statement hitting on exactly what you described. Why I want to be an officer...why I want to be in the Navy. So this advice could help me out with that as well. I put a draft together and was having trouble deciding what part of my experiences I should highlight most. Whether my education, extra curriculars, military training or what.
By the way thanks a lot for everything I appreciate all the time you're giving me.
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CDR (Join to see)
Don't worry about airframe or any of that at this point. It's a long road just to flying. So inside baseball, you will get the least amount of flying time in the Navy and Marine Corps compared to the Army and Air Force. Especially Army Warrant Officers. Navy pilots do not get as many hours because we only have roughly 4 flying tours in a career. First sea tour, first shore tour, and if you are lucky department head, and if you are very lucky command. So if you get lucky and fly a lot you might get to 3000 hours. Army warrant officers tend to get twice that many and they do not go to none flying jobs nearly as often as officers to. All officers regardless of service have non-flying tours to broaden your expression and education. But that is getting way into the weeds so to speak. And don't let me dissuade you at all form trying to join the Navy.It is fun and a great time, I just want to temper your expectations and broaden your options.
The army test is different and I suspect easier because they take high school students into flight training in the warrant officer program. No college required. AS you know warrant officers a technical experts, not like officers (Al thought you should be a technical expert as an officer)
A chain of command should support you regardless of your ultimate foals and if you are getting out anyways, it does not hurt to ask for the letters of recommendation. The worst they will do is say no, at which point you are where you are right now. So if you can not get a letter or more than one letter form chain of command, then you should get letters from those who know you best. So any teachers you have had classes with that know you well. If you go to church then a religious leader. Really anyone that can speak to your character.
Sounds like you have a good set of ideas to put in your letter. I would highlight everything you mentioned. Education wise any science, math or engineering classes make the Navy happy. If you don't have any, don't worry, we have art history majors as aviators. Extra curricular activities, any volunteer stuff etc is great also. While you may have a short military career, it is military career. It counts for something. You already bring more experience to the table than most applicants. You now who to take order and operate int eh military environment. Getting through the commissioning program should be a breeze for you.
Make sure you have others proof reader before you send anything in. I will be happy to proof-read if you need a set of eyes. Just let me know. Also please feel free to ask as much as you want, I will try to get you a good answer.
Best of luck
The army test is different and I suspect easier because they take high school students into flight training in the warrant officer program. No college required. AS you know warrant officers a technical experts, not like officers (Al thought you should be a technical expert as an officer)
A chain of command should support you regardless of your ultimate foals and if you are getting out anyways, it does not hurt to ask for the letters of recommendation. The worst they will do is say no, at which point you are where you are right now. So if you can not get a letter or more than one letter form chain of command, then you should get letters from those who know you best. So any teachers you have had classes with that know you well. If you go to church then a religious leader. Really anyone that can speak to your character.
Sounds like you have a good set of ideas to put in your letter. I would highlight everything you mentioned. Education wise any science, math or engineering classes make the Navy happy. If you don't have any, don't worry, we have art history majors as aviators. Extra curricular activities, any volunteer stuff etc is great also. While you may have a short military career, it is military career. It counts for something. You already bring more experience to the table than most applicants. You now who to take order and operate int eh military environment. Getting through the commissioning program should be a breeze for you.
Make sure you have others proof reader before you send anything in. I will be happy to proof-read if you need a set of eyes. Just let me know. Also please feel free to ask as much as you want, I will try to get you a good answer.
Best of luck
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