I am a pilot and doc in the Navy. I have no idea what it means if a recruiter says your package looks better for CSO or NFO. Both services are hemorrhaging pilots. If you want pilot, and are qualified, then go for it. If you want to back seat, that is cool too. I think the commitment is shorter.
The odds of getting a fighter type aircraft in either service are based entirely on your performance and the needs at the time. The only part of that you can control is your performance. But for both services they have more back seaters in the big wing airplanes than in fighter types.
I know a Navy pilot who went to USUHS as an Army medical student. I also know a Coast Guard pilot who went to USUHS as an Army medical student. I also know an Air Force pilot who is now a Navy psychologist. I know a Navy doc who switched to Air Force. In general people stick with their service; sometimes people switch for a variety of reasons. Focus on where you want to be an aviator. If you still want to do medicine later you can decide to stay with that service, switch or get out completely.
I don’t think we have much in England for aviation right now so odds of the UK are slim to none.
As for Navy vs Air Force I will copy and paste a letter that was written to a young man who was accepted to both service academies. It was written in 2004, after I had already joined, by a career Navy pilot who did an exchange tour with the Air Force. In my experience, it is pretty accurate. While I haven’t done a full exchange tour with the Air Force I have trained with them to fly the F-16 (see my profile pic) and done deployments with them.
Young Man,
Congratulations on your selection to both the Naval and Air Force Academies. Your goal of becoming a fighter pilot is impressive and a fine way to serve your country. As you requested, I'd be happy to share some insight into which service would be the best choice. Each service has a distinctly different culture. You need to ask yourself "Which one am I more likely to thrive in?"
USAF Snapshot: The USAF is exceptionally well organized and well run. Their training programs are terrific. All pilots are groomed to meet high standards for knowledge and professionalism. Their aircraft are top-notch and extremely well maintained. Their facilities are excellent. Their enlisted personnel are the brightest and the best trained. The USAF is homogenous and macro. No matter where you go, you'll know what to expect, what is expected of you, and you'll be given the training & tools you need to meet those expectations. You will never be put in a situation over your head. Over a 20-year career, you will be home for most important family events. Your Mom would want you to be an Air Force pilot...so would your wife. Your Dad would want your sister to marry one.
Navy Snapshot: Aviators are part of the Navy, but so are Black shoes (surface warfare) and bubble heads (submariners). Furthermore, the Navy is split into two distinctly different Fleets (West and East Coast). The Navy is heterogeneous and micro. Your squadron is your home; it may be great, average, or awful. A squadron can go from one extreme to the other before you know it. You will spend months preparing for cruise and months on cruise. The quality of the aircraft varies directly with the availability of parts. Senior Navy enlisted are salt of the earth; you'll be proud if you earn their respect. Junior enlisted vary from terrific to the troubled kid the judge made join the service. You will be given the opportunity to lead these people during your career; you will be humbled and get your hands dirty. The quality of your training will vary and sometimes you will be over your head. You will miss many important family events. There will be long stretches of tedious duty aboard ship. You will fly in very bad weather and/or at night and you will be scared many times. You will fly with legends in the Navy and they will kick your a$$ until you become a lethal force. And some days - when the scheduling Gods have smiled upon you - your jet will catapult into a glorious morning over a far-away sea and you will be drop-jawed that someone would pay you to do it. The hottest girl in the bar wants to meet the Naval Aviator. That bar is in Singapore.
Bottom line, son, if you gotta ask...pack warm & good luck in Colorado.
Banzai
P.S.: Air Force pilots wear scarves and iron their flight suits.