ON BECOMING CAG

摘要

As one considers naval aviation in the 21st century, a disturbing trend emerges: More than half of all career carrier aviators are denied the opportunity to command a carrier air wing (CVW). Artificially stovepiped career paths made possible by restrictions on billets have prevented thousands of officers and entire aviation communities from being equally considered for the position of CVW commander, commonly referred to as "CAG." Tellingly, over the past five years, only fighter-attack (VFA) aviators have been selected for the role. As a community, naval aviation must not stand for policies that limit the career options of capable and competent officers. The segregation of career paths is one of the great unspoken truths of naval aviation. An aviator's potential to become a CAG is, to a large degree, decided the day he or she selects a platform for advanced flight training. Many students do not get such a choice; the needs of the Navy or timing override individual performance in flight school. Aviators are ushered into disparate communities, with the intent of facilitating a "quality spread" of talent. Young officers in the rotary wing (HSC, HSM), airborne early warning (VAW), and electronic attack (VAQ) communities have the privilege to serve in CVW squadrons and positions on the CVW staff, but will very likely never become the CAG.