It was for someone who has now deleted his other post because he didn't like getting told something he didn't want to hear. It wasn't aimed at any of the posts that are still on the thread.
Hope this question hasn't ruffled too many feathers ... Anyone else have any other thoughts on the matter? From what I understand the aviation program is pretty awesome in general. Is there anything especially cool about being an ET?
Originally posted by mae323: Hope this question hasn't ruffled too many feathers ... Anyone else have any other thoughts on the matter? From what I understand the aviation program is pretty awesome in general. Is there anything especially cool about being an ET?
It's pretty simple... AET's work on stuff in planes and helo's... ET's work on stuff in boats, buildings, and towers...
I think ET is a more diverse field... We've got a lot of different types of gear that we're responsible for... From the VHF radio's on the 25'RB-S to the 650 or so foot LORAN towers... And everything in between... How much gear can you really fit in a helicopter????
I opted for ET vs. AET b/c I wanted to make rank... I'm not too wild about slow advancements... I want to actually make Master Chief before I die...
I was actually on the AET A school list years ago and either one is a great choice, not only for CG but in the outside world as well. I waited 10 months and there was no movement and from what I've seen ET's move way faster. I debated getting out recently and learned that the opportunities for ET are huge, it's a very competitive field because of the variety of C schools and training you get. I was actually rectuited for a number of aviation positions. Both paths are excellent and I'm sure you'll be happy with either one. Good luck.
Originally posted by onceanft: It was for someone who has now deleted his other post because he didn't like getting told something he didn't want to hear. It wasn't aimed at any of the posts that are still on the thread.
Actually, I retracted that commment because I didn't want to come off as a know everything piece of.... anyway, Chief, all I am trying to do is honor a few prior FT's who heave had a heavy influence in my life, and carreer. Two of my mentors, as well as my dad, we're prior FT's (dad was navy, but I forgive him I wasn't trying to belittle or talk bad about the FT rate, just honor it. If it still existed, I would have followed that route. But it doesn't. I am proud to be an ET. I'm proud to try to honor the legacy that the FT's left as well. Sorry about the misunderstanding, honestly.
Back on topic, I agree with ET3 there. I wanted to make rank as well, honestly. I have an in-law who is an AET1, and from all he had told me, it really is very slow advancement. Plus, he hinted that it isn't nearly all the aviation is cracked up to be- he said for years it's more about washing the planes than it is going up and working on gear...
This message has been edited. Last edited by: etcampbell,
Originally posted by etcampbell: he said for years it's more about washing the planes than it is going up and working on gear...
That's definitely not accurate. I'm sure there are more responsibilities (gear wise) being an ET, but being an AET has much more to do with besides washing planes. Plus, you get to be an aircrewman on whichever airframe you're assigned. Personally, I couldn't see myself doing anything else in the CG. I highly recommend it. As an above poster said though, do you want to work on boats or planes? That's really what it boils down to. As with all ratings, there are pros and cons for both.
As far as advancements go, the AET2 lists have been cleared for about two years or more now. I'm not familiar with ET advancements, but I made AET1 in about 7 yrs. It's not as bad as you're making it sound.
like I said, I'm not speaking from personal expierence, just explaining what my brother in law told me before I enlisted, and how that influenced my decision between the two rates. I kinda figured affter that fact not everything he told me was true... I'm not knocking the rate at all. I wish I knew alot more about different jobs before i enlisted, and his insight was what influenced me the most. Overall i enjoy my job so far. I'm sure I would have loved AET as well.
quote:
Originally posted by me65ch:
That's definitely not accurate. I'm sure there are more responsibilities (gear wise) being an ET, but being an AET has much more to do with besides washing planes. Plus, you get to be an aircrewman on whichever airframe you're assigned. Personally, I couldn't see myself doing anything else in the CG. I highly recommend it. As an above poster said though, do you want to work on boats or planes? That's really what it boils down to. As with all ratings, there are pros and cons for both.
As far as advancements go, the AET2 lists have been cleared for about two years or more now. I'm not familiar with ET advancements, but I made AET1 in about 7 yrs. It's not as bad as you're making it sound.
I have been doing electronics for many years now and I can truthfully say Electrons are electrons. Wether they are in the air or on the ground. In the past the aviation rates have locked up tite when other rates where still advancing. Its all a numbers game the rates with the most numbers tend to flow better. Aviation has moved since they dumped the rate with high year ten year. But as with everything there are only so many billets and alot of people want and are willing to wait for aviation. Neither rate is better or worse then the others. From what I understand Aviation you are pretty much locked into a airframe type and with ET you can work on something different each tour if you like because our equipment is so diverse. Nomatter what you choose good luck with your career.
Thanks for your opinions, everyone. Sounds like the main thing to consider is whether I'd prefer to work on boats or on planes. If anyone has anything else to say, I'd love to get as much input as I can on this. Thanks again.
