Aviation contract?

[MidWestEwo]

I heard that if you go to OCS under an air contract, that it is not a guarentee in the USMC. How true is that? Like if you perform sub-average in OCS, there is the possibility of ending up as an infantry officer or something? I was going for Navy OCS to become a pilot, but I was denied the first time around and I am feeling out my options. Does the process mirror the Navy, or is there a clause I should know about other than having a harder time at Marine OCS than in the Navy?

 

[AJB37]

I heard that if you go to OCS under an air contract, that it is not a guarentee in the USMC. How true is that? Like if you perform sub-average in OCS, there is the possibility of ending up as an infantry officer or something? I was going for Navy OCS to become a pilot, but I was denied the first time around and I am feeling out my options. Does the process mirror the Navy, or is there a clause I should know about other than having a harder time at Marine OCS than in the Navy?

You don't lose your air contract if you are "sub-average" at OCS... you probably just won't commission. The contract doesn't guarantee that you become a pilot, it just means you get a chance if you make it through OCS and TBS. There is no secret clause that will make you become an infantry officer.

 

[teabag53]

If you don't make the cut at OCS you simply won't be become a Marine Corps officer of any sort until you do (if given that opportunity)...it's that simple.

 

[GO_AV8_DevilDog]

I don't think The Corps. sees making a person an infantry officer a reward for sub-standard achievement... In fact it's probably one of the most sought after and competitive contracts there are.

Truth be told the Marines don't want bad O's, so they wont let anyone just skate by through OCS (haven't been yet, but anyone who has feel free to correct me)

But to answer your question. If Aviation is on your contract, you are medically qualified, and you pass OCS/TBS, then yes, you are assured a CHANCE at winging (i.e. don't go on any long distance exotic bird hunting trips while you are at flight school).:icon_wink

 

[torpedo0126]

i wouldn't base your choice on Navy or Marine based on which you can get an air contract from. Your first question should be "do you want to be a Marine?" There is a different culture in the Marine Corps and you will have a very hard time if you don't grasp that.

Also, infantry is the number one sought after MOS at TBS.

Lastly, you still have to worried about being medically qualified--this is one of if not the biggest ball buster.

 

[aukonak]

I'd wager the Corps counts on people contracting Air with them vs. the Navy for that very reason- "guaranteed flight spot." I'd also wager that they have faith that OCS and TBS weeds out the ones who are simply looking for the easy route.

 

[Sennin]

I havent been to OCS either, however I have spoken with a number of prior officers and Es, some older, some newer...and the conversation goes:

Them: So...say you go to OCS, get commissioned and for any reason you dont get your air contract...what are you going to do then?
Me: Serve the Corps. If Im ground, Im ground.
Them: Good answer.

Your OSO, or at least his Sarg will probably ask you a similar thing...if you want to be all fancy pants...I guess go on the Air force thread.
In addition, if you do get your Air Contract, you can still 'wash out' of flight school at several points...not too likely, but possible. At that point, welcome to ground.

Marine Officer first, Pilot second. Thats been repeated on a number of threads.

 

[MidWestEwo]

I want to make myself clear that I in no way have a problem with ground at all. I would not have a problem serving as a ground officer if the air contract would not work out. I am just trying to weed out the bad gouge that I have been hearing about the USMC. Thank you all for your comments! They are all informative.

 

[Sennin]

I want to make myself clear that I in no way have a problem with ground at all. I would not have a problem serving as a ground officer if the air contract would not work out. I am just trying to weed out the bad gouge that I have been hearing about the USMC. Thank you all for your comments! They are all informative.

OOH RAH

In addition, all O candidates get either an Air, Ground, or JAG contract. The Air contract is a "guaranteed" spot in flight school (or at least a chance to wash out of flight indoctrination!).
If: Pass OCS +TBS (including all flight physicals) and have Air Contract
Then: Go to pcola.

Anything can change, but thats the set precedent

 

[phrogdriver]

I havent been to OCS either, however I have spoken with a number of prior officers and Es, some older, some newer...and the conversation goes:

Them: So...say you go to OCS, get commissioned and for any reason you dont get your air contract...what are you going to do then?
Me: Serve the Corps. If Im ground, Im ground.
Them: Good answer.

Your OSO, or at least his Sarg will probably ask you a similar thing...if you want to be all fancy pants...I guess go on the Air force thread.
In addition, if you do get your Air Contract, you can still 'wash out' of flight school at several points...not too likely, but possible. At that point, welcome to ground.

Marine Officer first, Pilot second. Thats been repeated on a number of threads.

Who's this "sarg" guy? I'm assuming you mean the assistant OSO, usually a staff sergeant or gunnery sergeant.

When I was younger I used to get all bent about guys who signed up for the flt contract. Then I realized I had no desire to be supply, arty, log, or most of the ground MOSs, either. As long as you pull your weight at OCS and TBS, no worries.