U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy Joint Pilot Training: An Analysis of the FighterTraining Tracks

摘要

This study investigates the feasibility of consolidating the Air Force Fighter-Bomber and the Navy Fighter-Attack pilot training tracks. Excluding Navy Carrier Qualification training, the core training in these two undergraduate fighter training tracks is similar. The instruction in fighter-related training areas is also similar in nature, but different training philosophies have reduced the compatibility for consolidating the two fighter training tracks. The two fighter-related training tracks were compared to highlight the similarities and the differences. Staff interviews were conducted to provide service-related perceptions and to clarify research questions. This study concludes that near-term consolidation is unlikely. However, long-term consolidation is feasible but requires immediate studying if it is to occur. The study promotes further research to consolidate the training conducted in the two fighter training tracks into a Joint Advanced Phase Fighter track.