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Dropping Wings/Leaving the MV-22 Community
- Thread starter Solo22GS
- Start date
Flight Instructor without being a TAC not possible. Peers in other V-22 squadrons and in other TMS. Overall the peer group in my squadron is roughly 1 to 1.5 years behind our peers in other V-22 squadrons.
At this point, fulfill my service obligation and get out in three years. Move on to get my MBA, use GI bill, etc. No desire to be flight school instructor, WTI, command, etc.
I don't think there is anything wrong with that plan. Is this your final tour, or do you have another before your EOAS/MSR? If so, maybe do something non-flying that expands your horizons and/or makes you as competitive as you can be for MBA programs. I don't think turning in your wings will accomplish that. I think we can all empathize with your situation (it sucks, I totally get that), but I really don't think this will be the victory you imagine it will be.
+1 on this. You have earned those wings. Hold on to them.
Also keep some perspective that we are in the midst of a good deal of change right now. Economically, geopolitically, etc. You sound like a clear thinker who has worked hard to earn your place. As @mad dog often says, "things can change in a heartbeat".
There is a difference between turning in your wings (you really don't want to do that) and voluntarily terminating your flight status (stop flying for the USMC but keep your wings).
I'll say this, when you know your time is up, then your time is up. If you really can't stand getting in the cockpit anymore, if it keeps you up at night, if it makes you drink a 6 pack or a hip flask in the driveway when you get home to deal with the stress, go talk to an MFLC for a few sessions.
Then, with a clear head and having spent some time to really deal with the emotional side, have a no shit conversation with your CO to discuss your rational fears and issues.
You're not alone, don't make permanent solutions to temporary problems.
Genuinely appreciate everyone’s feedback. I’ve realized, as unsettling as the lack of proficiency is, the reason I’m so stuck on this is the emotional drain of continuing to cancel flight schedules due to aircraft MX and readiness issues, lack of progression and not sure how we’ll ever get better if we don’t fly etc…
I will have a no bs discussion with my CO and try to find a way forward that doesn’t involve dropping my wings.
I will have a no bs discussion with my CO and try to find a way forward that doesn’t involve dropping my wings.
Good luck…from the old guy cheaper seats I say hang on, fly when you can, and leave with honor when your clock runs out…go and fly for the guard after that.
Damn, I don't know how I missed this thread when it originally got posted.
Homie, I'm going to guess you're in either VMM-163 or -362. I'm either just down the line or in the same hangar and it has been incredibly disheartening to see two squadrons (or at least two peer groups) be so incredibly mismanaged/screwed over from within or from the top. I didn't make aircraft commander on time, but y'all's situations are nothing short of infuriatingly insane.
My personal standpoint has always been every MV-22 pilot who demonstrates the potential should get a shot at Aircraft Commander at a minimum, Section Leader if they're not a total idiot. At that point you have enough MOS credibility (these days) and utility to the squadron to take a backburner if there are only a select few who can be prioritized for higher instructor designations and beyond. Sadly, the problems with MV-22 maintenance go so far above beyond the squadron level it's hard to say when things will ever be un-boned.
Anyway, I don't have any advice to give that hasn't already been given in this thread. Definitely hang in there, fly Cessnas on the weekends like your OpsO, don't hit the bottle too hard (I'm one to talk) and as long as you make TAC then VT IP is in the cards.
Homie, I'm going to guess you're in either VMM-163 or -362. I'm either just down the line or in the same hangar and it has been incredibly disheartening to see two squadrons (or at least two peer groups) be so incredibly mismanaged/screwed over from within or from the top. I didn't make aircraft commander on time, but y'all's situations are nothing short of infuriatingly insane.
My personal standpoint has always been every MV-22 pilot who demonstrates the potential should get a shot at Aircraft Commander at a minimum, Section Leader if they're not a total idiot. At that point you have enough MOS credibility (these days) and utility to the squadron to take a backburner if there are only a select few who can be prioritized for higher instructor designations and beyond. Sadly, the problems with MV-22 maintenance go so far above beyond the squadron level it's hard to say when things will ever be un-boned.
Anyway, I don't have any advice to give that hasn't already been given in this thread. Definitely hang in there, fly Cessnas on the weekends like your OpsO, don't hit the bottle too hard (I'm one to talk) and as long as you make TAC then VT IP is in the cards.