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So that's false unless you're assuming an entirely ballistic profile, which is pretty bad for an aerodynamic body. Credibility killed.

Been awhile since I posted, enough my account was deactivated apparently. I'll start off with my .02 on this place. I've been out here for almost 2 years now, 7th PCS, prior E married with kids, with the U28s. It's definitely not where I'll call home forever but it's tolerable for a tour. Having said that: 1) I live in Portales and don't enter Clovis unless need drives me. I live on the south side of town and my commute is usually 25 min. From what I can tell the commute is comparable from the much sought after NE quadrant of Clovis. 2) Portales has ENMU, and 2 clubs. One is more college oriented and the other is more western oriented and has a package store. There's a local grocery and an Ace hardware. There's a microbrewery and another in the works 3 storefronts down in addition to the smattering of locally owned restaurants . I understand 90% of your bros live in Clovis which will not be conducive for after work house parties, but Portales to me seems like it has a bit more diversity due to ENMU with its international program. 3) The house gouging situation is the same. I'm sure there's crime here, but I've never seen it or been a victim of it. There aren't multiple schools to choose from down here. System seems fine, but I know some people are picky as hell. 4) Housing on base is expanding rapidly. Most of the new stuff is still under construction. Consider that when buying in the community with the intent to sell. 5) Yes, you need to plan your day if you choose to leave the local area. This is what I call a 'get shit done' base. There's not many distractions if you have some PME or a hobby you want to take on seriously. Not many professional opportunities for the spouses though.

Mid: 20+ year Navy 0-5 (Reservist but sitting up here in Newport RI at the War College on active duty right now) and staring 0-6 in the face (blind squirrel [me] may find a nut [STS 0-6]). You go Submarine, you won't be able to break from that gravitational pull and switch to aviation. I have seen a few surface warfare officers do it...but I haven't seen a sub driver yet. You will be invested in heavily to get through Nuc school and then pushed hard on your first SSN/SSBN/SSGN tour...chances are likely you will be more interested about getting out of the Nav then going to flight school by that point. "Of course, there's no guarantee of fighters, and while the navy has other cool planes and helicopters, 10 years (flight school + 8) is a big part of my life to commit to the Navy without having much control over what I'll be doing or where I'll be".....VERY VERY short sighted. If you want to fly...go to flight school. Get your head out of the "fighter pilot of bust" mentality. Flying a helo hunting subs or shooting Hellfire at ships or a P-8 on a SRO track/mowing the lawn on det is not a bad deal compared to being a sub driver. All the aviators I have known have been happy with the community they ended up in, some were upset when they didn't get their platform of choice, that's only natural. I didn't get my first choice...made the best of it and eventually was able to fall into the best military aviation job I could have hoped for (I'm a plankowner in the 319th out of Hurby...folks on this board will know what that is). I have a ton of respect for what the undersea community does but don't be fooled...they eat their own and they ride them very hard. I work with 4+ former sub skippers (one a classmate of mine from college)...all are getting out as either 0-5 or 0-6 because they are just trashed. "I would enjoy and excel at aviation"...BOOM....those words came out of your mind, through your fingers and showed up here. That is the attitude to have. Period. PM me if you like to discuss further. Now where did my Woodford Reserve go? Cheers ATIS

If you become a submariner, it is unlikely that you'll ever become a fighter pilot. You may have these great plans, but then life happens. You won't be an off the street guard hire, you'll be a non-rated officer. Which means you'd show up as an O-3 after UPT. Unless you start rushing units years out and they love you, you'll be in a very weird category. Add to that the interservice transfer hassle and most units will pass. If you want to fly fighters, take a chance and go aviation. If you want to hang out in a metal tube that's long, hard, and full of seamen, go subs.

You sound like a woman who just realized the guy she's been sleeping with doesn't want a relationship.