Aviation selection, fixed vs rotary

[goodone85]

I'm on an air contract and I'm good to go on my ASTB, packet for this PLC this summer should be accepted any day now, knock on wood. Given that I haven't even started OCS yet I realize that I shouldn't be worrying about this, but its been on my mind for the past few days.

I flew in a helo (civilian) with a Marine Major the other day. It was cool as hell, I can only imagine what a military spec helo is like. But I love planes, always have always will. I've been reading Jay A. Stout's Hammer from Above about Marine air combat in Iraq - it sounds like anything and everything is balls to the wall.

My question is this - what kind of choice do YOU get in choosing helo/fixed and beyond that do you have any input in flying say a Cobra or a Huey, a C-130 or a F-18 ? I realize that the Corps will put you where they need you, I'm just wondering how excactly the process works. Thanks for the help

Dave

 

[scotty008]

I'm sure that the more experienced guys can elaborate further, but here's something. Your scores and the needs of the Navy/USMC will determine where you end up. You rank your preferences, and if you are first in your class at the end of Primary AND the Marines need a jet spot filled, you'll probably get it. If you suck relative to everyone else, you might not get what you want. The same applies to airframe after advanced. If you're the stud and what you want is available, you should have a decent chance. Be the best, and keep your fingers crossed, because 'needs of the Marine Corps' is king. Good luck.

 

[zippy]

You rank your preferences, and if you are first in your class at the end of Primary AND the Marines need a jet spot filled, you'll probably get it. If you suck relative to everyone else, you might not get what you want. The same applies to airframe after advanced. If you're the stud and what you want is available, you should have a decent chance. Be the best, and keep your fingers crossed, because 'needs of the Marine Corps' is king. Good luck.

If i remember correctly for Marines their selection choices at the end of primary are:

Jets
C130s
Rotary
Tiltrotor

Thats about as specific as you are going to get. You find out what specific airframe you will fly towards the end of Advance.

Do your best and what is going to happen is going to happen. Be #1 and you might get what you want. I can remember at least one selection where all the Marines put rotary down first- and there was one slot. The other guys had to go Jets and C130. It all depends on the week you are selected and what the Marine Corps needs that week.