As you are certainly aware at this point, VFA-41 is not like any other DCS squadron. That difference starts at the front door.
Most squadrons exist as simply a Discord channel. Click the link, and you're in! You're automatically a member! Who else is a member? Who knows! Who is going to fly a mission? Whoever shows up! How many pilots are in the squadron? No way to tell! I clicked the Discord link months ago. Am I still in the squadron? YUP! Forever! What aircraft do we fly? All of them! Whatever you want!
So what happens when someone applies to VFA-41?
First off, there are only 12 roster slots, same as it's been since 2006. When a roster slot is vacated, the 'JOIN' button is added to the website. (Website? An actual website? Not just a Discord channel?) A candidate clicks on the JOIN link and fills out the application. A small fraction of the applications I receive are incomplete or filled out incorrectly. I just discard those.
For complete applications, I send the standard response letter, including a link to the Black Aces Discord channel, including instructions to PM the XO and/or me for initial interviews.
A large fraction never show up. I think they are surprised, like 'I clicked the JOIN button! Why am I not already a member??' Because that's how it works with almost every other squadron.
Then some do check in on Discord, arriving in the Recruit Reception area. That's where you see the notification. And then that's it. They never PM me or Mr. Bean. If they are unable or unwilling to follow that simple direction, they are not pilots we need, so they have effectively weeded themselves out.
So maybe 50% of applicants actually get interviews. As you know, applicants have to talk to me AND the XO. We will then confer and discuss any 'red flags.' Many candidates withdraw their applications at that point, especially when they discover that becoming a Black Ace requires an actual commitment. Others disqualify themselves for a variety of reasons. (Telling us what we're doing wrong or should do differently during the interview is a great way of not earning a roster slot.)
So maybe another 50% of interviews exit the recruitment process for one reason or another, leaving the remainder to be offered a checkride and ultimately a commission in VFA-41.
Is it a perfect process? Nope. We still occasionally commission pilots I describe as "serial joiners." They get some sort of satisfaction in gaining acceptance, and then they fade away. We do our best to weed them out so we're not wasting everyone's time, but I will usually lean toward affording an applicant the benefit of the doubt.
So. TL;DR: What's makes VFA-41 different?
1. Actual website. Why? Firstly, so you can clearly so who are Black Aces. There's no guessing. Am I in the squadron?
2. 12, and only 12, roster slots. Most squadrons have an infinite number of give-away memberships. Click the button and you're in! Roster slots in VFA-41 are limited and valuable.
3. Every pilot who has earned Naval Aviator wings in VFA-41 is a valued asset who knows that his presence on the flight line is not just a casual interest, but rather critical to the success of the squadron.
