You are the top one percent of all naval aviators.

The elite.

The best of the best.

We'll make you better.

You'll fly at least two combat missions a day,

Attend classes in between

And evaluations of your performance.

Now, on each combat sequence,

You're gonna meet a different challenge.

Every encounter is gonna be much more difficult.

We're gonna teach you to fly the f-14

Right to the edge of the envelope,

Faster than you've ever flown before

And more dangerous.

Now, we don't make policy here, gentlemen.

Elected officials, civilians do that.

We are the instruments of that policy.

And although we're not at war, we must always act

As though we are at war. What are you doing?

The tip of the spear... I'm just wondering...

...Best be sharp.

...Who's the best.

In case some of you wonder who the best is,

They're up here on this plaque on the wall.

The best driver and his rio from each class

Has his name on it.

And they have the option to come back here

To be top gun instructors.

You think your name's gonna be on that plaque?

Yes, sir.

That's pretty arrogant,

Considering the company you're in.

Yes, sir.

I like that in a pilot.

Just remember, when it's over out there,

We're all on the same team.

Gentlemen, this school is about combat.

There are no points for second place.

Dismissed.

Nice going.

( jet flies past )

The, uh, plaque for the alternates

Is down in the ladies' room.

( laughs )

Oh, jesus.

Oh, you kill me. You really do.

No, no, no, no.