Best Commissioning Program

[Son of a Grunt]

All things being equal, what is best way to get a commission in the Marines and a flight contract/slot/chance/whatever-you-call-it, out of: Platoon Leaders Class (PLC), Officer Candidates Course (OCC), Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps - Marine Option (NROTC), the United States Naval Academy (USNA), and Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP). What is the worst? Are a certain number of slots assigned to each program and if so which programs get the most slots? Which get the least? What program did you go through; would you recomend that program.


P.S. If this is a repost: cover me FlyMikeFly!

 

[smustang51]

Well, based on my experience, I found the best and most sure-fire way to get a flight contract and commission is through the PLC program. It is my understanding that it is harder to get a slot for it through OCC although the results are the same, you get your contract prior to shipping to Quantico. The academy is subject, typically, to how well you do while at the academy and there is no flight contract ahead of time as is also the case with a rotc program. In either case, you hav no guarantee as to what the end result will be and won't know until the end. I remember when I went through I was looking at Navy and Marines and I got selected for PLC with air long before the Navy. I had to turn the Marines down and pray for the Navy for about a year. As far as MECEP, I have no prior knowledge, however, I would say that enlisting in anything and then trying to get an officer commission (especially with a flight contract) is going to be the worst possible route unless you are already enlisted

 

[SemperGumbi]

Well, as to not start a war on why the other ones suck, here are some benefits about college->OCS

1) You get to go to a non military college. If you are on a scholarship of some non-military type (sports, academic, whatever) you still aren't paying for school. And you get to actually do all the college stuff. You aren't in ROTC so you are doing what you want to do. It is like being married. THe ROTC folks get to do a lot of the fun stuff just like normal college kids do...just like a married guy will often get to go out with the boys. But deep down it just insn't the same...

2) You aren't tied into any contract until you decide you want one, and you get the contract you want. You decide your fate. Want a pilot slot? You can sign up for JUST a pilot slot. If you are ROTC or academy you request one. I know bitter NFO dudes who didn't get the pilot slot they wanted but were already under contract so they had to take what they got. So thats something to think about. With the OCS route you KNOW if you will be a pilot, NFO, or ground before you sign anything binding (well, at least get a chance to not f--k away the first two). That can be an advantage.

 

[penderwt]

I am only sort of familiar with most of those options, but the PLC program is the way to go, if you ask me. You can pick whatever major you want, get paid a few hundred bucks a month through MCFAP (and MCTAP, if you're stupid...or if you really need it). You get a guaranteed seat in flight school. You're pay entry base date starts when you first go to OCS (unless you take MCTAP, which is why you shouldn't unless you have to). You don't have to wear a uniform to classes, you can grow an out of regs beard during the school year, you're not under constant scrutiny and evaluation like you would be in the academy/rotc, and you get treated like a human being 46 weeks per year.

MECEP makes sense if you're an NCO

The Academy makes sense if you've got the stats to get in, and you REALLY want to be there.

ROTC makes sense if the "normal college" experience disgusts you, and you are ok with the rigid lifestyle. Also, if you've got really good stats (PFT, GPA, command evaluations) you may pick up scholarship, which is huge if you go to an expensive school.


Otherwise, just do PLC. It was awesome.

 

[Son of a Grunt]

So with OCC and PLC you sign a flight contract as soon a you join; while, with Annapolis and NROTC you can't do that? So far I'm considering three Ag. schools Texas A&M, University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University. Only Texas A&M has NROTC (which looks like a lot of fun). If I were to go to TX A&M with a Scholarship what then would be my chances of getting a contract if I am commissioned.

 

[SemperGumbi]

Oh yeah...PS...
I wasn't PLC but I think it is the best deal because of the pay issues.

 

[smustang51]

Well, if you're looking for the program that offers the highest odds/guarantee...the general consensus, which I have already agreed with is PLC. It can be done through any university you wish, and I believe you can start the summer after your sophomore year. You get paid while at PLC juniors/seniors/combined and I believe that you are there for two six week terms if you start your sophomore year and ten weeks (I'm pretty sure if you do combined). You also have an option for tuition assistance, however you are required to add another few years to your contract if you opt for it. If you wait until later and apply for OCC with air, your odds are decreased as there is more competition for this program. If you do manage to get the ROTC scholarship, then it might be worth your while to go to A&M, but as was said before you don't get a guaranteed flight contract. So, you will be subject to how well you rank among other ROTC kids as well as the timing of your graduation in reference to the needs of the Marine Corps. If you don't get the scholarship, A&M will be very expensive since you will be paying out of state tuition. I suppose it comes down to your determination and need of financial aid. If I were you I would go to your state school with a PLC contract, especially if you can get some aid from those guys and keep in consideration that people do get air contracts through Annapolis (I have a friend that got one) as well as ROTC. Just keep your eye on the ball and strive to be the "elite, best of the best" while in either of those programs so that you get choice over everyone else because you will be faced especially while at Annapolis with the best and brightest out there. NO CONTRACT= NO GUARANTEE.

 

[Son of a Grunt]

Can you drop out of ROTC?

 

[HH-60H]

Can you drop out of ROTC?

In some cases. It depends on what you have signed.

 

[Son of a Grunt]

Does anyone know about how many contracts are availible each year(on average)?

 

[penderwt]

and I believe you can start the summer after your sophomore year.

You can start summer after your freshman year.

 

[Nose]

Can you drop out of ROTC?

If dropping out is one of your long term choices, make sure that you REALLY want this before you sign up for it. Like anything else that you really want in life, getting wings takes a serious commitment, and sometimes your commitment to yourself is the only thing that keeps you going.

I understand that you are just exploring options, but don't let your feet take you where your heart doesn't want to be.

Nose (<---NAVCAD, so not qualified to talk about any commissioning programs!!)

 

[MasterBates]

You graduate yet Nose?

 

[HeyJoe]

I understand that you are just exploring options, but don't let your feet take you where your heart doesn't want to be.

Great saying and when I think back to PLC and flight school, the vast majority of folks who fell by the wayside were either NPQ or just not up to commitment needed to complete the program.

 

[Herc_Dude]

Oh yeah...PS...
I wasn't PLC but I think it is the best deal because of the pay issues.

Hell yeah, that has got to be one of the best reasons. If you get involved early on in college (after freshman year) you can make a killing. I did the 10 week thing after my junior year and its still great having that last year of college go towards my time.

You really can't go wrong with the option not to accept your commission after your summer(s) at PLC. If its not right for you there is still the chance to opt out.

Just keep this is mind, don't get a contract just to check things out and come home after 2 weeks - you could be taking a slot from a kid who would never quit. If you go, finish your 6 or 10 weeks, then come home and let your mind settle back down. If after all that you still don't think its right for you, then make that decision. (And don't let that looming 2nd 6-week session be your deciding factor!)