How long would it take a Marine to complete Top Gun training?

Dave in San Diego wrote:

:Eris wrote in
:
:
: What is the difference between a mechanic and a pilot? Training, the
: can train anyone with in certain skill levels to be a pilot.
:
:It takes a college degree to fly them, but only a high school diploma to fix
:them. And I've known more mechs with flying skills than I have pilots with
:mech skills.

This recalls to mind a joke that used to float around.

We've got airplanes that are designed by guys with PhDs and Masters
degrees, flown by guys with Bachelors degrees, and maintained by folks
who MIGHT have a high school diploma. Then we wonder why readiness is
what it is.

--
"Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute."
-- Charles Pinckney