Peace Time: February 17, 2003

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The end of the Cold War in 1991 put a stop to lots of customs, and one the U.S. Navy felt the most was the sharp drop off in applicants to be carrier pilots (or "naval aviators"). For as long as anyone can remember, the navy was able to be very selective in who was get into the carrier aviation program. No more. The navy takes just about anyone with a college degree (in any subject, even if for nuclear propulsion engineers in submarines), as long as they can pass the physical requirements. If you are a recent college grad with good eyesight and are in good physical shape, here's your chance. This is particularly true if you already know how to fly and have at least a few hundred flight hours to your credit.