Hello, Hoping to become a USMC Pilot. Still have some questions

[Soon2BeMarine]

Hello,

I'm going to be leaving for the Marine Corps in less than a month for active duty. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to secure a aviation MOS, but my plans are still to land the ultimate goal of become a USMC Pilot.

I've been doing some reading and speaking to my recruiters about my plans. It's really complicated as to what would be the best route, but I'm going to try and explain what I've heard and hopefully some of you can advise whether I'm right or wrong and what's best to do.

My ASVAB score was 86. I'm 24, no complete formal college education (dropped out due to financial problems), but I'm hoping to change that as soon as I get into the USMC to become an Officer. We started to talk about the BOOST program and MECEP program. Just recently I've read on this forum that the BOOST program has been canceled though and that 2009 was the last for BOOST classes. Have to confirm this with my recruiter tomorrow though. So I'm guessing the MECEP program will be what I'll be taking.

Colleges:

I've read and heard different things. So far the biggest point to take in is that pursuing an Air Officer career is very competitive. The more impressive you can be on paper, the better. The more impressive you can be when next to your other officers, the better. From what I've gathered The United States Naval Academy with a major in Aerospace Engineering CAN be an impressive route to take. Of course I've read the restrictions to attending the Naval Academy (Ages 19-22 for example), but from what I understand a waiver wouldn't be impossible to get for that (I don't know I don't like to depend on that kind of possibility). I just know that I'll do my best to get an impressive SAT score, have good merits and obviously compete to be chosen to attend The US Naval Academy.

My recruiter recommended Embry-Riddle. He states that it's no joke, obviously attending the Naval Academy could/would be better, but I can still come out of Embry-Riddle as a pilot and have a competitive edge applying as a Air Officer while having graduated from Embry-Riddle as a pilot. I'd like to hear what the real opinions are to this. Is Embry-Riddle a good enough school to be taken seriously by the USMC? Am I likely to have to apply to this school since The Naval Academy has certain restrictions that COULD stop me?

Basically I plan to prepare myself to be a well disciplined, highly educated Air Officer, but I'd like to understand if I'm going through the correct route or would it likely be that I'm still mistaken about a couple of facts here.

I thank anyone that is taking the time to read this and I hope to get some good advice regarding my career choices. I'll continue to read your forum and talk to my recruiter about all this. Thank you again.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

Is Embry-Riddle a good enough school to be taken seriously by the USMC?

Yes, it's plenty good enough. I know several Marines in the flight program with degrees from there.

 

[Swanee]

Hello,

I'm going to be leaving for the Marine Corps in less than a month for active duty. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to secure a aviation MOS, but my plans are still to land the ultimate goal of become a USMC Pilot.

I've been doing some reading and speaking to my recruiters about my plans. It's really complicated as to what would be the best route, but I'm going to try and explain what I've heard and hopefully some of you can advise whether I'm right or wrong and what's best to do.

My ASVAB score was 86. I'm 24, no complete formal college education (dropped out due to financial problems), but I'm hoping to change that as soon as I get into the USMC to become an Officer. We started to talk about the BOOST program and MECEP program. Just recently I've read on this forum that the BOOST program has been canceled though and that 2009 was the last for BOOST classes. Have to confirm this with my recruiter tomorrow though. So I'm guessing the MECEP program will be what I'll be taking.

Colleges:

I've read and heard different things. So far the biggest point to take in is that pursuing an Air Officer career is very competitive. The more impressive you can be on paper, the better. The more impressive you can be when next to your other officers, the better. From what I've gathered The United States Naval Academy with a major in Aerospace Engineering CAN be an impressive route to take. Of course I've read the restrictions to attending the Naval Academy (Ages 19-22 for example), but from what I understand a waiver wouldn't be impossible to get for that (I don't know I don't like to depend on that kind of possibility). I just know that I'll do my best to get an impressive SAT score, have good merits and obviously compete to be chosen to attend The US Naval Academy.

My recruiter recommended Embry-Riddle. He states that it's no joke, obviously attending the Naval Academy could/would be better, but I can still come out of Embry-Riddle as a pilot and have a competitive edge applying as a Air Officer while having graduated from Embry-Riddle as a pilot. I'd like to hear what the real opinions are to this. Is Embry-Riddle a good enough school to be taken seriously by the USMC? Am I likely to have to apply to this school since The Naval Academy has certain restrictions that COULD stop me?

Basically I plan to prepare myself to be a well disciplined, highly educated Air Officer, but I'd like to understand if I'm going through the correct route or would it likely be that I'm still mistaken about a couple of facts here.

I thank anyone that is taking the time to read this and I hope to get some good advice regarding my career choices. I'll continue to read your forum and talk to my recruiter about all this. Thank you again.

I went to a little school called Christopher Newport University and earned myself a degree in Theater. My gpa was like a 2.9. I'm a Marine 2ndLt sitting in the pool waiting to class up API. Just get your degree and let the cards fall. Just make sure you are well rounded.

 

[Uncle Fester]

I'm going to be leaving for the Marine Corps in less than a month for active duty. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to secure a aviation MOS, but my plans are still to land the ultimate goal of become a USMC Pilot....no complete formal college education (dropped out due to financial problems), but I'm hoping to change that as soon as I get into the USMC to become an Officer.

You're leaving in a month, then you talk about "getting into the USMC to be an officer". So...you enlisted? Or what? What is your MOS going to be?

...I've read the restrictions to attending the Naval Academy (Ages 19-22 for example), but from what I understand a waiver wouldn't be impossible to get for that (I don't know I don't like to depend on that kind of possibility). I just know that I'll do my best to get an impressive SAT score, have good merits and obviously compete to be chosen to attend The US Naval Academy.

I've never heard of age waivers for admission to the Academy. To the best of my knowledge, there are none granted. But familiarize yourself with the requirements for applying for appointment from active duty.

My recruiter recommended Embry-Riddle...I can still come out of Embry-Riddle as a pilot and have a competitive edge applying as a Air Officer while having graduated from Embry-Riddle as a pilot. I'd like to hear what the real opinions are to this. Is Embry-Riddle a good enough school to be taken seriously by the USMC? Am I likely to have to apply to this school since The Naval Academy has certain restrictions that COULD stop me?

You don't need an aviation education (ERAU, aero major, etc) to become a pilot. Peruse any of a dozen threads here on this subject...the Navy can and does train everyone from physics majors to music majors to be aviators.

 

[FlyBoyd]

We started to talk about the BOOST program and MECEP program. Just recently I've read on this forum that the BOOST program has been canceled though and that 2009 was the last for BOOST classes. Have to confirm this with my recruiter tomorrow though.

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/05/marine_boostcanceled_053009w/

You are 24 and enlisting. Timing will be tough. Explore all your options now because if you start down the wrong or a misinformed path you will limit your options.

 

[jtmedli]

Colleges:

I've read and heard different things. So far the biggest point to take in is that pursuing an Air Officer career is very competitive.

My recruiter recommended Embry-Riddle. He states that it's no joke, obviously attending the Naval Academy could/would be better, but I can still come out of Embry-Riddle as a pilot and have a competitive edge applying as a Air Officer while having graduated from Embry-Riddle as a pilot. I'd like to hear what the real opinions are to this. Is Embry-Riddle a good enough school to be taken seriously by the USMC? Am I likely to have to apply to this school since The Naval Academy has certain restrictions that COULD stop me?

Two fallacies I see here:
1) Air Force Officer Programs are no less/more competitive than the Marine Corps programs, but they are competitive in different ways. The AF is typically a little more 'academically' focused in choosing or admitting candidates and the Marine Corps is very physically/PT focused. Academics and PT are important to both programs but they each focus a little differently and are different services all-together.

EDIT: FWIW, Having been in both AFROTC and USMC OCC-program and I've seen Marines that the AF wouldn't take a second look at that become great officers and pilots and I've seen Airmen that I could never think of as Marines and they become great officers and pilots as well.

2) Embry Riddle is a fine school. The Naval Academy is a fine school. Clemson University (where I went) is a fine school. The answer to your question is: Go where you want to go, major in what you want to major in, focus and do well academically, and prepare yourself for whichever program you end up pursuing (physically speaking). Everyone gets the same commission whether they're ROTC, Academy, or OCS/OTS. Don't think that you have to go to 'so and so' school and be in 'so and so' major to get a pilot slot or OCS slot.

 

[Soon2BeMarine]

You're leaving in a month, then you talk about "getting into the USMC to be an officer". So...you enlisted? Or what? What is your MOS going to be?



I've never heard of age waivers for admission to the Academy. To the best of my knowledge, there are none granted. But familiarize yourself with the requirements for applying for appointment from active duty.



You don't need an aviation education (ERAU, aero major, etc) to become a pilot. Peruse any of a dozen threads here on this subject...the Navy can and does train everyone from physics majors to music majors to be aviators.

Enlisted. Currently in DEP. BY MOS field. Hoping for a job in the 5900 field. Too bad about the Naval Academy. What I hate is that the BOOST program would of let me start the process sooner. I hear I'll still be able to apply to at least 5 schools for MECEP program. I'll give it a shot and see what happens (there has to have been some waivers for age I imagine).

I have heard that. My recruiter would tell me of his Captain that actually left, got his bachelors in Architecture in some college, re-enlisted, tried out for the flight program and got in. I suppose it's true, but I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing.

That's why I'm researching what I can. I know being 24 wont work to my advantage, so as long as I'm taking the right steps from now to when I'm asking to be an Air Officer I stand a better chance than going in blind without a clue as to what to do.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

jtmedli, I thought he was saying "Air Officer" meaning air contract, not Air Force.

 

[MIDNJAC]

You need to get into an officer program ASAP. I knew MECEPs in college who went SNA/SNFO, BUT, the clock is ticking on the age requirement for sure in your case. Yes, enlisted service can grant you an age waiver, but you need to get on the ball as soon as it becomes feasible. Don't be that guy who keeps talking about how he is just trying to go officer from day 1 (that will just piss people off), but do show the right kind of initiative and professionalism needed to get the attention of your senior NCO's (or O's) when you do get into the fleet. In my opinion, go ROTC/MECEP. It is a great program, you can enter it as an older dude, and you get the same commission. You are young enough to make this happen, just be professional about it, and keep your eyes on the prize. PM me when you get accepted for SNA.....it will happen if you make it so.

 

[jtmedli]

jtmedli, I thought he was saying "Air Officer" meaning air contract, not Air Force.

Ohhh...ok. Sorry then, I misread. You're right.

Inconsequential as it may be, my first point is still worth reading for people seeking to decide between AF/Marine Corps. Both are competitive but for different reasons so keep that in mind.

 

[Soon2BeMarine]

You need to get into an officer program ASAP. I knew MECEPs in college who went SNA/SNFO, BUT, the clock is ticking on the age requirement for sure in your case. Yes, enlisted service can grant you an age waiver, but you need to get on the ball as soon as it becomes feasible. Don't be that guy who keeps talking about how he is just trying to go officer from day 1 (that will just piss people off), but do show the right kind of initiative and professionalism needed to get the attention of your senior NCO's (or O's) when you do get into the fleet. In my opinion, go ROTC/MECEP. It is a great program, you can enter it as an older dude, and you get the same commission. You are young enough to make this happen, just be professional about it, and keep your eyes on the prize. PM me when you get accepted for SNA.....it will happen if you make it so.

I understand believe me. I know I'm drawing a big bullseye on myself by saying "im going to be an officer" when I haven't even gone through recruit training, but I need to collect as much information as possible right now. Like you said, time is a factor. For me to have gone ahead thinking that the BOOST program was still in effect would of meant I would of thought I had more time that I really do. I just can't afford that if I'm actually going to shoot for USMC Pilot. Good think I searched "BOOST" on this site otherwise I wouldn't of found this out. This site was recommended by Leathernecks.com so I'm thankful this site exists and that you guys are helping me. Seriously, I can't thank you guys enough for all the info you have on here.

EDIT: BTW, I'm reading about SNA and SNFO. From what I understand about SNA and SNFO I'd want to shoot for SNA. MOS 7599. Pilot for jets. Front seat, not back.

 

[phrogdriver]

EDIT: BTW, I'm reading about SNA and SNFO. From what I understand about SNA and SNFO I'd want to shoot for SNA. MOS 7599. Pilot for jets. Front seat, not back.

Hey, brother, slow your roll. Understand pilot is your first choice. Frankly, for most guys without eyesight issues, pilot is going to be their first choice.

Just cool it on the jet thing. That's step 57 and you've barely started on step one. With your route, you've got to do well as an enlisted Marine first, then get selected for an officer program, actually pass the program, get through, TBS, API, do well in Primary, be lucky enough to have enough jet slots available the week you select, etc, etc.

Not saying you can't have goals, just saying you need to deal with the alligators closer to your boat.

Don't let your enlisted recruiter choose your school for you. He doesn't know anything he hasn't gotten from scuttlebutt. Research what's best for you when it's time to apply for MECEP. Your college and major won't affect your chances of getting a flight slot in any meaningful way. There are plenty of threads on the subject.

 

[Soon2BeMarine]

You're right. I'm just excited as hell to be honest. About going to recruit training to be a Marine. Learning my MOS. I just am not not going to take advantage of all the opportunities given in the Marine Corps. I do hope I work well enough to be selected to be an officer. I just hate how I didn't do this straight out of highschool. I guess I'm rushing to make up for lost time lol.

 

[pharaelga]

I understand believe me. I know I'm drawing a big bullseye on myself by saying "im going to be an officer" when I haven't even gone through recruit training, but I need to collect as much information as possible right now. Like you said, time is a factor. For me to have gone ahead thinking that the BOOST program was still in effect would of meant I would of thought I had more time that I really do. I just can't afford that if I'm actually going to shoot for USMC Pilot. Good think I searched "BOOST" on this site otherwise I wouldn't of found this out. This site was recommended by Leathernecks.com so I'm thankful this site exists and that you guys are helping me. Seriously, I can't thank you guys enough for all the info you have on here.

LOL, yea expect the half salutes and good morning sir from your fellow enlisted buddies. The first thing is to do your job in the Marine Corps and it do it well, people will notice. If you have good SNCOs they will break their backs to see you succeed and do everything possible to help you get there. I definately kind of advise against going in crazy gung ho about being an officer, just follow rule number 1 and you'll be fine. The Naval Academy loves prior enlisted Marines so if you did well in the fleet getting into here can be no problem, but as for the age thing, I'd say while preparing for the next MECEP selection board get as much college done as possible and provide any college transcripts for any credits you already have. Get honor man at recruit training, everything you do from here on out has bearing on your selection. SO DONT DO ANYTHING STUPID!!!!! Marines tend to, dont fall into the crowd.

 

[Soon2BeMarine]

I haven't seen it addressed in this thread yet, but MECEP is not something you "take". You apply for it and HQMC selects the best qualified applicants. It's not like you just decide to do it and enroll yourself. As far as your age, one of the basic requirements for the program is one year of active duty service (as of the convening date of the selection board). So if you only have eleven months, you'll be waiting another year to even apply. Statistically, one LCpl was selected for the program in FY10 and I believe there was one LCpl was selected in FY09. I'm not saying you're trying to do the impossible but you need to be aware of what you're going to be facing.



Check out the list of schools here:
https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/colleges_nrotc_unitsXP3.aspx

Wow, I didn't know that MECEP had limited slots or that it's that hard to be accepted for it. I've read over the requirements. Academically I think I could be great, but as far as merits I really have to familiarize myself as to what to really do to make myself stand out as best. BTW I thought MECEP was only open to Cpl and up, not LCpl. That's why I was bumbed about the BOOST program being canceled because in the book it stated that BOOST was open to LCpl and MECEP to Cpl.