Pilots vs Commanders

[Mr. Scot]

Recently in the head coaching discussion, we've talked about the differences between coordinators and head coaches. Likewise, we've talked about where Ron Rivera has his strengths...and his weaknesses.

Perhaps this analogy will be helpful in understanding both those concepts.

In modern warfare, air power is a huge factor. In order to control the skies, you need pilots, guys that can control and navigate a fighter plane travelling at insane speeds while also trying to hit targets (sometimes moving targets) with accuracy. These guys are making split second reactive decisions, and they have to be very good at it because the margin for error is razor thin.

In the background, you have those in command.

This is an entirely different skill set, sometimes reactive but best when it's proactive. The decisions made here aren't usually "split second" but they're major. You have to know what men to choose for a mission, you have to know what tools to give them and where to send them, and you have to be able to craft a strategy that will ensure the defeat of your enemy and (as much as possible) the safety of your men.

There are some pilots that can become commanders, and there are some commanders that could also be pilots, but there are quite a few men who only suit one role or the other.

In the NFL, coordinators are pilots, commanders are head coaches.

Ron Rivera is a pilot trying to be a commander.

He'd be better off as a pilot.

[4Corners]

Yawn 

[Mr. Scot]

9 minutes ago, 4Corners said:

Yawn 

I can use smaller words if it'll help.

[TNPanther]

Great analogy; @4Corners is just being an ass.

I’d argue it’s like being a captain vs. colonel. One is out in the field making the play calls ad-hoc, the other is reactively commanding.

Ron is a much better colonel.

[Mr. Scot]

I'm expecting at least one or two of our resident former military guys to come in and dissect my analogy

Just a metaphor, guys. Don't rip me too badly

[Popsickle]

5 minutes ago, TNPanther said:

Great analogy; @4Corners is just being an ass.

I’d argue it’s like being a captain vs. colonel. One is out in the field making the play calls ad-hoc, the other is reactively commanding.

Ron is a much better colonel.

Colonel is analogous to head coach, your staying Ron is a better HC than DC or another subordinate role?

[TNPanther]

Just now, Popsickle said:

Colonel is analogous to head coach, your staying Ron is a better HC than DC or another subordinate role?

I thought colonel was the guy out in the field directing the squadron while the captain was in charge of the units.

I guess my military knowledge is about on par with Ron’s HC skills...

[Popsickle]

Just now, TNPanther said:

I thought colonel was the guy out in the field directing the squadron while the captain was in charge of the units.

I guess my military knowledge is about on par with Ron’s HC skills...

2nd lieutenant

lieutenant

Captain

Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Brigadier General

Major General

Lieutenant General

General

For army/Marines maybe air Force. Not sure about the Navy they are all jacked up and their captains are O-6s equivalent to an army Colonel so I can see your mistake. 

[Burnout189]

32 minutes ago, Popsickle said:

2nd lieutenant

lieutenant

Captain

Major

Lieutenant Colonel

Colonel

Brigadier General

Major General

Lieutenant General

General

For army/Marines maybe air Force. Not sure about the Navy they are all jacked up and their captains are O-6s equivalent to an army Colonel so I can see your mistake. 

Trying to learn Navy rankings will give you a fuging headache.

[Snake]

6 minutes ago, Burnout189 said:

Trying to learn Navy rankings will give you a fuging headache.

Air force is more confusing imo. 

[mc52beast]

19 minutes ago, Burnout189 said:

Trying to learn Navy rankings will give you a fuging headache.

Really not that hard;

Ensign

Lieutenant JG

Lieutenant

Lieutenant Cmdr

Commander

Captain 

Assorted Admirals

[jamos14]

Navy is odd.

 

Yes, I agree with your analogy though.  A Lieutenant/Captain of an infantry unit would be the equivalent of the coordinators.  They are in the middle of the battle, leading patrols, etc. 

 

Major/Lt.Col is at the FOB or somewhere strategically located to better command/control his units from afar.  He positions his men around the battlefield and let's the company grade officers (Lt, Capt) make the tactical decisions.

 

Source:  I am Marine Corps Captain

[Mvp2014]

Commander:pilot

gm:coaching

[tiger7_88]

2 hours ago, Popsickle said:

2nd lieutenant  Ensign - Collar insignia is 1 gold bar (in the Navy, we refer to Ensign's as "butter bars" for this reason)

lieutenant Lieutenant JG (Junior Grade) - 1 silver bar

Captain Lieutenant - 2 silver bars

Major Lieutenant Commander - Gold leaf

Lieutenant Colonel Commander - Silver leaf

Colonel Captain - Silver bird

Brigadier General Rear Admiral (Lower Half) - 1 star

Major General Rear Admiral (Upper Half) - 2 stars

Lieutenant General Vice Admiral - 3 stars

General Admiral - 4 stars

For army/Marines maybe air Force. Not sure about the Navy they are all jacked up and their captains are O-6s equivalent to an army Colonel so I can see your mistake. 

Navy equivalents listed above.