If Not Selected This Time..

[thull]

I've been working with my OSO on an aviation package that will be submitted for the winter class. I will need an age waiver, which I feel somewhat confident about. my question is this:

If I don't get selected, I'm willing to apply again with an age waiver for the summer '07 class. And again for the fall '07 class. Hell, I'll apply again and again till they won't let me apply no more. But my OSO seems to be saying, if you don't get accepted as SNA, you got the ground option, and "we'll get you in by this winter one way or another".

He/they have been absolutely great to work with, but I think they have the idea that they just want to get me to OCS with some kind of contract. I on the other hand REALLY want an SNA spot. If I don't get selected, should I just bag the winter class and keep trying with this age waiver? I just turned 27...

Troy

 

[Carno]

Well, the more time passes, the harder it will become to get an age waiver for SNA. With a ground contract it's a little bit easier, but from what I hear they're kinda strict when it comes to age waivers and SNA's.

 

[Thunderboom]

Thull,

Was in your exact shoes. I was 27 1/2, OSO only had 1 flight slot going to the board and it was filled with someone with a higher PFT. We sent up both an air contract and ground contract. Ground got accepted. Went to OCS Jan-March then straight to TBS in Apr. While at TBS they look for people who want to switch contracts. THE AMOUNT VARIES FROM CLASS TO CLASS BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE MARINE CORPS. My company was infantry heavy, so there were only 7 competative flight slots available, 2 SNFO and 5 SNA. Got my slot, am now in Pensacola.

Here are some tips that got me here:
-Had a complete flight physical before going to OCS, even though I was a ground contract. Payoff was, I had a hernia before OCS didn't disclose it untill I graduated TBS, but it was never an issue since it wasn't on my physical. Can talk more offline about this.

-Take an ASVAB and do well before going to OCS. The guys who were competing at TBS were given about 6 hours notice that they would have to take the test, and this was during a training evolution. Little time to study resulted in about half of them getting weeded out. I had one already done, scored well, so didn't have to retake.

-The only magic number you need to wory about is 29 (29 1/2 depending on who you ask). This is the age limit on picking up and air contract, I just snuck in under the wire turning 29 last July.

Hit me with your questions, been there got the t-shirt.

 

[thull]

Asvab??

crazy you got in at TBS. Kinda risky isn't it? I mean, roll of the dice - not sure if I'm ready to do that. I've pretty much got my entire SNA app ready to go. I should know this but what is the ASVAB all about? my oso hasn't mentioned it - is it necessary after taking the ASTB?

 

[Thunderboom]

Sorry, wrong acronym. Have a good ASTB....dont worry about the ASVAB. Sorry about that. Comes down to whether you want to fly or be a Marine Officer. I sent up applications for both ground and air to the board. During my switch over at TBS had to write an essay on why I want to be an aviator. Simple answer: the purpose of Marine air is to support the ground effort, not just to fly. (PS they look for this thinking in the essay, not just "I've always wanted to fly")

Took the ground contract because I'd rather be a Marine officer than not a Marine. Flying is the bonus. Also, was pushing the limits on age and pretty much only had one, maybe two shots before I was over age. At the time DC Aviation (Gen Hough) had a policy of no age waivers. The new DC aviation Gen Castallaw, unsure of his policy. Send both applications up, you can always turn down the ground if you get it....they have stand by guys to fill in.

 

[thull]

I see..

Thanks for the info, tbird... what is DC? man I really hope age waivers will be accepted. I'll be in pretty early for the winter class, so I'm hoping if they get a look at my app I might have a shot. I'm of the similar thinking - want to be a Marine officer one way or another, but really want NA.

How are you liking Pensacola? How was OCS? any advice in case?

Troy

 

[Thunderboom]

DC Aviation: Deputy Commenandant for Aviation, he advises the Commendant on all items aviation. It is my understanding that it is his office, not necesaraly him directly, that is the thumbs up/down on aviation age waivers. Here is his bio if your interested:

http://www.usmc.mil/genbios2.nsf/biographies/CF5DED7A86EFACDB85256803004C4810?opendocument

I was a winter OCC class, Jan-March. I grew up in the Marine Corps so I had been in Quantico during the winter, so I knew what to expect. I went through the Philadelphia OSO, so I was able to get a little acclimated with cold weather PT before I got there. It was funny watching the guys who came in from Fl or Ariz. Being from Maine you shouldn't have a problem, but it is still cold no matter where you are from.

Send both applications up, see what comes back. Another thing I would suggest, is meet your OSO's boss, the regional OSO. This is usually a Maj, and he should stop by somewhat regularly, if at the very least, he has to come by to pick up the packages to take to the board. The reason I say this is that it puts a face to the name in the paperwork. Even if it is just for 5min, put on a coat and tie/khakis, introduce youself. Make sure he knows your highlights, ex: high pft, community service, where you work.. so he doesnt have to search through your app. Tell him what you want the board to know about you. Ask your OSO about the presentation process, best of my knowledge the Maj stands infront of the board and has like 3 minutes to speak on the behalf of each package. Board votes, record the vote, after everyone has presented, they slice off the bottom vote getters untill they get down to the amount of slots they have to fill plus alternates. Double check this info with your OSO. Meet the Maj, its like he is your agent.

Only other thing you can do is keep putting up good numbers on PFTs and ASTB.

 

[Thunderboom]

Troy,

Saw your PFT stats on another string, you will have no problem. Pilots license is big money also. What kind of vibe are you getting from your OSO?

 

[thull]

TB - So you were Winter also? Wow, sounds like you really did go through exactly what I will/might go through. I really appreciate your insight here and would like to keep in touch with you.

Vibe from the OSO is good - very good actually. I have been trying to stay in constant communication with him and we get along great. I will write him and ask if the regional guy is going to be around. you know, I ran cross country and some track through high school and college, and am trying to reach my potential as a runner even now, but until recently I never thought it would help me in any career type form! But looks like the PFT is pretty serious in the aviation business.

I'm down to a couple hurdles now, gotta get my ex to sign off on a form saying she's willing to look after my two year old son while I'm deployed. hoping that won't be an issue. waiting for passport so i can finish off my security clearance. and i have to have a molar tooth extracted for dental.

Where are you from originally?

 

[Spin]

Don't know if it's the same now but I got in with an age waiver just under 3 years ago (I was 28).

 

[thull]

Don't know if it's the same now but I got in with an age waiver just under 3 years ago (I was 28).

Interesting, Spin. were you a super stellar candidate or what do you think was the key for you?