Re: ASTB... Flying for USMC
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Everyone goes by first names, grows there hair long, etc. If you are going that route why Marines?</div></div>
Not at all true. In fact, in some HMLA squadrons, junior Captains address senior Captains as "sir."
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> He was leaving his two young children and wife in states for a year. He was a Harrier pilot. A very highly trained, very skilled, MOS, and the Corps sent him overseas in a non-combat station for a year. </div></div>
Everyone deploys these days, and sometimes they're unaccompanied. Sometimes deployments suck. So what?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Also, I heard that they are going with 8-10 year commitments for fixed wing aviators. That is a long time.</div></div>
Its currently 6 years for helo pilots, 8 years for fixed wing, AFTER you get winged. So, when you factor in TBS and flight schools, its probably 8 years service for helo guys, 10 years for jet guys.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Another thing to think about is the training. After OCS you will go to TBS, about 6 months of field skills, and basic Marine training. Aviators bitch about it the whole time. Then you go to basic air school, were you compete for the different slots available. The Marines don't garuntee anyone crap when they sign up. I have met many a aspriring jet pilot flying CH-46. Not that there is anything wrong with that, just saying again, make sure that the default position will sit well for 8 years or so.</div></div>
First off, EVERYONE bitches about TBS at times, not just pilots. I wouldn't say aviators complain any more or less than anyone else.
Second, no service guarantees anything these days when it comes to flight training. The only thing the Marine Corps guarantees if you have a flight contract is a chance to start API. You still have to make it through API, Primary, Intermediate, and Advanced flight training to get winged. AND, you have to pass the FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron).
Third, what's wrong with the CH-46? Its sometimes referred to as "God's Chariot" or "The Chariot of the Skies" and for good reason. Some guys think jets are the guys that do all the neat stuff, but I know plenty of jet guys who spent their combat deployments orbiting at 14k staring at their FLIR for hours on end. Not exacly high speed, eh? I also know HMLA guys that fired all kinds of ordnance and did some great stuff. I know jet guys who don't like flying jets and helo guys that don't care for helos. The bottom line is that every platform in every service has good and bad aspects that must be considered. I was lucky enough to get my first choice (CH-46, west coast) and have to say that my time in the fleet was miserable, fun, amazing, challenging, frustrating, depressing, and ultimately the most rewarding experience of my life. I wouldn't trade it for anything.
A few more points to consider:
1. If you're a Marine pilot, you're a Marine. First, last, and always. Period. Odds are good that you'll do at least one non-flying tour, and spend time with the infantry or some other part of the Marine Corps. I know guys that loved such tours, and guys that hated them. Mostly it depends on your attitude.
2. If you really want to do well in flight, take flying lessons first. In fact, I can't remember the name of the program, but many Navy/Marine pilots can get 15-20 hours of flight instruction in civilian aircraft prior to flight school. But, regardless of how well you do, what you get often comes down to what happens to be available the week you select.
3. This post has probably gone long enough...PM me with any questions or amplifying details.
