When you look at a fighter jet up in the air, it may seem like it’s just one man (or woman!) working to move the plane through the jetstream, twisting and turning through the air.

It’s not true, and knowing that will help you in your quest to become a fighter pilot. Each pilot is part of a team, and I don’t just mean your squadron or wingmates. When I flew F/A-18s off the carriers, I was one cog in a vast array of servicemen and women.

We had the munitions loaders who made sure we were topped off with the best missiles and rockets that Uncle Sam could provide. To land safely and takeoff successfully from the carrier, we were in constant contact with the controllers who make sure that each plane is in its place on and off the deck.

And there is the ground crew who help us navigate the crowded confines of a flight deck with hand signals.

As you can see in this video it can get noisy and I wasn’t even around the jets as they started spooling up their engines.

The same kind of teamwork at every level is one of the reasons the Afterburner Club is so key. It helps you guys and ladies learn how to be part of a group pushing towards the same goal. I don’t think I have to tell you that the experience will serve you well when you join the military.

I’ll turn it over to you. How do you guys help each other out and make sure that each member of the club makes their way behind the yoke of a fighter?