F-18 vs. EA-6B

[mudflap02]

I am currently slotted as an NFO for the Marines, graduating in August, starting OCS in October. I just wanted to bounce a couple of things out there hoping some of you might have some answers. First, as an NFO in the Marines, am I correct in assuming that the F-18 and the EA-6B are the only two possible planes they have NFOs on? And secondly, does anyone know whether you get to pick your type of plane, or if it's based on performance and or/ the needs of the Corps?

Thanks and Gig 'Em

 

[squeeze]

1) yes

2) the way i've heard it is, first gets his first choice, after that, an quality spread is used (like TBS MOS 'selection')

3) i'm sure a current 7580 could provide a better answer, they do things differently than SNA-land

4) being an aggie, are you sure you have the g-2 to be a FO?


Hook 'Em
c/o 02

 

[Pat1USMC]

F-18D and EA-6B are the only platforms for Marine NFOs. You get to put down what you want your first choice to be. Everyone I have seen recently recieved what they wanted except for one. The only thing that separates the two in flight school is that the F-18 pipeline takes a while longer. So if you have borderline grades at selection, you might not want to take the longer route when your main focus is to get winged. This does not mean that F-18s are better or EA-6Bs get all the borderline attrites. Also, the Prowler RAG is quite a bit longer than the F-18, so it pretty much evens out.
I posted a long post about my experience in Pensacola and what each phase is like over on the NFO forum. It should answer some questions... If you have any more, feel free to PM me.
Good luck.