The Errant Ensign

The Errant Ensign

Latest — Mar 23, 2022

Navy Flight School: NIFE Phase 3

Phase 3: Flight SideIn case you missed my write up of Phases 1 and 2, you can access them here and here. What NIFE is doing (and really well—I might add) is providing a great example of what the rest of Navy Primary and Advanced flight training will be

More issues

EE’s Book Club: Moonwalking With Einstein

Why is it so damn hard to remember some things and so easy to recall others? The key, it turns out, is the Memory Palace.

The MAF Method: Maxing Out the Navy PRT

Running has never been something I’ve excelled at, which probably explains why I never do great on that portion of the Navy PRT. I’ve always thought of myself as a below-average runner and on a scale from things I love to things I hate, I would put my

Military Finances: Navy OCS and Beyond

My experience with military finances so far has been a lot like when that one neighbor asks you to dog-sit for the week while they’re on vacation: you are happy to do it, not sure how much exactly you’ll get paid, and worry they’ve completely forgotten to

Navy Flight School: NIFE Phase 2

In case you missed it from my first post covering Phase I, the US Navy moved from the old program known as API and is now using NIFE (Naval Introductory Flight Evaluation) as the first stop in the journey to becoming a Naval Aviator / Flight Officer. This post will cover

Navy OCS CandiO Boxes: The World Is Not Enough

CandiO boxes are a much-anticipated aspect of the Navy OCS experience, where at times you think your family couldn’t possibly send you enough chocolate to ease your addiction withdrawals. Although everyone quickly becomes familiar with what they are when they arrive at Newport, it was made clear to me

Navy Flight School: NIFE Phase 1

Congratulations on finally making it to Pensacola, Florida to start flight school. The cradle of Naval Aviation and home to hundreds of newly minted Ensigns buying brand new Tacomas and engagement rings. I’m kidding, obviously. Everyone knows if you’re smart you get legally married immediately for the BAH

Navy OCS Workouts and How to Prepare

If you’ve ever wondered what Navy OCS Workouts are like and what you should do to prepare for them, this is the post for you. The workouts are nothing crazy and if you can already meet “Excellent Low” standards for the PRT then you have nothing to worry about

New Author: Welcome, Unidentified Female

I am pleased to announce the addition of a new writer to the Errant Ensign Media (just made that company up) team: Unidentified Female! Unidentified Female, UF, went to OCS with me and is now an Intel Officer pursuing being a nerd professionally with the Navy! UF will be able

Life at OCS: What are the Rooms Like?

“Hi there. Navy wife and mom here. I’ve got a son headed to OCS. My older son and husband both commissioned through college, so OCS is on the unfamiliar side to us. Can you give some insight into the area of the rooms where personal gear and miscellaneous items