I don’t know (and am not asking about!) US military regulations, but Iceman is now a big shot admiral and is basically his guardian angel who keeps saving him from being thrown out.
I saw Top Gun Maverick (spoilers)
Mustrum_Ridcully
Hero
I enjoyed it, even though the only thing I remember about Top Gun is from Hot Shots. And even that's next to nothing. 
Olgar Shiverstone
Legend
Yeah, it's Hollywood. So they wont follow the rules or expect realism, and would likely have hand-waved everything. But I was curious if they attempted an explanation.
But with the assumption that the movies are contemporary to their release dates (so Top Gun is set in 1986 and Maverick 2022):
- Maverick and Iceman are both Lieutenants (O3) in 1986 in Top Gun, meaning they entered the service between 1976 and 1982. We'll use 1982 because it gives us the most time to work with, though 1980 or sooner would make more sense given level of experience in the movie.
- In Maverick, Maverick is a Captain (O6) in 2022. Without a break in service, that's 40 years of service -- but O6 are statutorily limited to 30 years of service (outside of one very specific exception I'm aware of for service academy professors). So he's about 10 years past mandatory retirement for his rank -- and admirals don't get to waive the law!
- Age-wise mandatory retirement for non-flag officers is 62, so assuming a normal commissioning age of 22 in 1982, Maverick is also sitting at mandatory retirement age so even if he had some significantly-long break in service he should most likely be out.
- Flag officers can serve past 30 years. As a four-star (O10) Iceman could conceivably serve 40 years (the current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is sitting on 42 years of service), but will bump up against mandatory retirement age at 64 (though this can be deferred to 68 under special circumstances).
That bit in parenthesis was really important.
Olgar Shiverstone
Legend
I thought others might wonder about the reason for my question.That bit in parenthesis was really important.
GreyLord
Legend
Originally when people talked about this movie on this site I predicted a flop (I figured it was an outdated property that had no interest for most movie goers these days).
I was wrong. It is apparently drawing in a LOT of older audiences back to the theaters. It looks like it is going to be a bonafide hit.
Thought I should post that I was dead wrong in my evaluation of how well it would do.
I was wrong. It is apparently drawing in a LOT of older audiences back to the theaters. It looks like it is going to be a bonafide hit.
Thought I should post that I was dead wrong in my evaluation of how well it would do.
MGibster
Legend
You and me both. I haven't seen the original since 1987, and just didn't think there'd be a whole lot of interest in 2022. I'm happy to be wrong through; it's great that so many people are enjoying the movie.
Also the film was finished a few years ago pre-pandemic, so it's not set in 2022. They do say in the movie it has been 30 years and this is his last assignment. At the end it's strongly implied (though not explicitly stated) that he retires.
trappedslider
Legend
Just saw it myself, and really enjoyed it. It hits all the right notes, awesome aerial stunts, some fun "machismo", gives some closure to some of Maverick's previous relationships. In a world of CGI movies, having something real and visceral was really great, and I tell you Tom Cruise still gets it done (when he's on his motorcycle, the smile on his face is like a kid in the candy store, you can't help but smile right back).
One thing I appreciated, so a key part of this movie is that Maverick is able to handle G forces that are difficult for even fellow Top Gun aviators. Considering his age that is highly unlikely....EXCEPT for the fact that he's been handling experimental aircraft for some length of time going incredibly fast and pulling extremely high Gs. So he's basically been G training for years.
That's what I like....I want to believe in a movie like this...I just need that little bit to hold onto. That was all I need to go "sure Maverick is old but still could pull off that crazy manuever, I'll buy it"
One thing I appreciated, so a key part of this movie is that Maverick is able to handle G forces that are difficult for even fellow Top Gun aviators. Considering his age that is highly unlikely....EXCEPT for the fact that he's been handling experimental aircraft for some length of time going incredibly fast and pulling extremely high Gs. So he's basically been G training for years.
That's what I like....I want to believe in a movie like this...I just need that little bit to hold onto. That was all I need to go "sure Maverick is old but still could pull off that crazy manuever, I'll buy it"
