[chiph]

In a fighter, the cockpit is too cramped and the weight/balance figures too tight to allow for backup nav systems, other than a compass. With it, they could drop down and follow a road or power-line home (at the expense of greater fuel consumption and exposure to hostile ground fire). But if they still have an operating radio, they'd probably call air traffic control or an E-3 Sentry for directions. Larger planes like the B-52 might still have their radio beacon equipment installed.

[knodi123]

What I was asking, though, was do the pilots still have to learn it? Considering the limitations we both pointed out, I wonder if it has been removed from ground school and basic pilot instruction.

[Nrsolis]

You always learn the basics. I've not been USAF but you're always taught the "hard" way or "old" way before they teach you the "new" or "easy gizmo" way.

How long you spend on the topic and whether you have to prove proficiency is a different question.