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Keep in mind also, that only about 10-15% (roughly) of a shrinking
USMC aviation program is jets. It's more like 35-40% of the Navy
program--especially with the demise of the maritime patrol
community. The Navy is your better percentage bet if you want to
fly jets.

Is there any actual idea when the Navy, Air Force and Marines are
going to get these F-something Joint Strike Fighters? And also, when
are they going to start training pilots on them?

The first aircraft will begin delievring around 2005-06. But that's for
testing -- only experienced pilots will be flying them at that point.
Initial Operating Capability (roughly when the operating force has enough
aircraft for a full operational squadron) comes about five years later. For
the Marine Corp's F-35B STOVL JSF, that's 2010, followed by the Air Force's
F-35A in 2011 and the Navy's F-35C in 2012. Operational pilots might see
some planes somewhat earlier than that to begin working up the first
squadron.

Of course, that assumes no program slippage between now and IOC. If you
believe that, I've got a very nice piece of Florida waterfront property for
sale.

--�
Tom Schoene Replace "invalid" with "net" to e-mail
"If brave men and women never died, there would be nothing
special about bravery." -- Andy Rooney (attributed)