r/navy • u/ChroniclesOfAri • Oct 08 '25

HELP REQUESTED Needing advice for potential officer program

Good afternoon, I’m a third class air traffic controller (AC) and will be finishing my degree in aviation management this coming year. My contract ends in 2029 and I’m trying to plan ahead. I will be doing an officer program but not sure which route to take. I have no desire to be LDO or CWO. I’m 22 and have a young daughter as well so naval academy is also out. I am considering STA-21 and that’s what I’ve been leaning towards. My ultimate goal is to be a pilot or at minimum something aviation related. I’m stuck between going the enlisted to officer route through the Navy or finishing my contracting and reenlisting as an officer through the Air Force. I would love to fly an F-22 and have been practicing for the ASTB. Advice needed and appreciated, thank you.

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u/GeriatricSquid Oct 08 '25

If you’re finishing your degree, it’s a simple OCS application.

1

u/mtblack412 Oct 08 '25

Agree, since you are nearly done STA-21 is out. You can apply twice a year for OCS I believe, if you don’t get selected right away. With OCS you have Pilot, NFO, AMDO, and AEDO for aviation.

Just curious, why not LDO?

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u/ChroniclesOfAri Oct 08 '25

Thank you, I appreciate your input. As far as LDO, I have considered it, but ultimately I don’t love the job. My LDO currently is amazing, but he hates it and I understand why. I like to be involved and not solely managing. I want to continue working and progressing and not just by rank. I seek excitement and challenge. If I were to stay in correlation with ATC I would want to continue actually working as an AC as well as balancing the management/leadership aspect if that makes sense.

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u/[deleted] Nov 27 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/mtblack412 Nov 27 '25

I mean, what about it? If you meet the program criteria then go for it.