V-5 aviation cadet

• Origins in World War II: The U.S. Navy V-5 Aviation Cadet Program was established in 1935 but rapidly expanded after the attack on Pearl Harbor to meet urgent wartime pilot demands. • V for Volunteer: The “V” in V-5 stands for “Volunteer,” reflecting the program’s reliance on civilian volunteers to become naval aviators. • University Training: Many V-5 cadets were sent to colleges and universities for pre-flight academic training, combining military discipline with academic education. • Elimination Base: The first stage for cadets was the “Elimination Base,” where basic flying skills were tested. Those who didn’t pass were “washed out.” • Famous Alumni: Several notable figures, including President George H. W. Bush and astronaut Neil Armstrong, began their military careers as V-5 cadets. • Physical Requirements: V-5 cadets had to meet extremely rigorous physical standards, including a minimum height and excellent vision, to ensure suitability for combat flying. • Women in V-5: While the V-5 program itself was male-only, it inspired the creation of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) aviation units. • Specialized Training Tracks: Cadets could be tracked into different aviation roles, including fighter, bomber, and reconnaissance pilot training. • Cadet Life: Life as a V-5 cadet was intensely regimented, with strict schedules, physical training, and academic coursework—described by many as “boot camp meets college.” • Legacy: The V-5 program laid the foundation for modern naval aviation training and was succeeded by the postwar Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) program.