I'm just a puppy!

[muffin]

Ok guys, I’m at square one and was direct here from another sight. I was thinking about going ground (tank) but have since decided I may like to fly. I’ve read many of the posts but can’t seem to find just exactly what I’m looking for. Keep in mind that I’m at the very beginning and so I’d like to know:

What questions should I ask my OSO over the phone when I first contact him? I don’t want to come of as a dumb-ass and say, “My name is blah blah and I’m interested in becoming an officer,” (awkward silence) then him firing back with, “Join the club.”

I think I may have just missed the requirements for vision so do I need a PRK before OCS, TBS, or is it flight school? I’ve read that it’s a six month wait but before what? (Ask OSO? Damn it, just tell me)

I’ve heard of weekend OCS’s but have any of you just gotten together on the weekend to work out? Do OSO’s hold programs like this?

 

[perchul]

Well in my humble opionion the only thing you should ask with him over the phone is to see when you can meet with him to discuss the Marine Corps. If your really serious about just thinking about joining the Marines I think it should be done face to face...you order ikea furniture over the phone not your career. It won't be a waste of your time to go to wherever you need to. Be prepared with the questions you've already asked here to ask him the people on this forum enjoy trying to answer them but most of us can't say it with any authority. The initial pipeline for flight goes something like this [OCS 10 weeks]--->[TBS 6 months]--->[Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API)] and I'm not sure how long that last because I haven't started the pipeline of diddly squat yet. My OSO has PT 1 to 2 times a week for the applicants in his area so yes they do

 

[muffin]

Also, I never hear anyone taking up their 25 free flight hours after OCS. What's up with that? Do they just pay for flight time at your local airport?

That's all

 

[BigWorm]

Perchul had a good response. OSO’s have so many slots that they have to fill, if there are a lot open, it won’t be hard to get their time; if they are all filled up you may have to fight your way in. USMC Capt’s love hearing confidence and motivation, so don’t worry about offending them, just be yourself and then puff your chest out a little.

Part of their job is to prepare you for the real OCS, some may set up a mini/weekend OCS just to get you in the mindset, and in addition, they will do some PT + classes.

If you shoot for a ground MOS, make sure you find out about the quality spread. Some of the guys that wanted to be a ground pounder are pounding their fists against the wall in their supply shed right about now. Selection takes place about 2/3 through TBS, tanks sounds pretty cool, but it was one of the more exotic MOS with maybe about 2 slots for two hundred and something people. You really have to go in with the mindset of wanting to become a Marine Officer, and then take whatever job they give you.

 

[AviatorMR239]

I'm not going to go down the high and mighty path and question your resolve or how serious you are, or the age old be an officer before a pilot lecture. I haven't even been accepted yet so I agree with perch, you need to talk face to face with an OSO.

One thing I can tell you about is flying. I doubt there is a person out there who hasn't thought it would be cool to fly an airplane, Just as i think it would be cool to drive a tank. However I don't think driving a tank would be such a rewarding experience that I would dedicate 4 to 6 years of my life to learn how to do it.

Granted I fly Pipers and Cessnas which don't match the complexity of a CH-53 chopper or an F-18, however once I'm in the air i'm just as reliant upon my skills and knowledge to prevent myself from having a very bad day. And no one is shooting at me.

It seems like you have an interest to go military and I'll defer to those who are already commissioned to answer your questions about the process. But before you decide you want to be a pilot, I would spend some time looking into what a pilot does, becuase if you think it's just flying the plane you will be disappointed.

I am going this route because I want to be a Marine Corps Pilot. While I want to fly jets, if I end up in helicopters or transport props I won't be let down becuase I simply love to fly. Then again I love to study aerodynamics, weather, navigation, mathematics, mechanics, radio communication, and a dozen other skills that a pilot must know. In my spare time I read about airplanes, I hang out at the airport, I talk to other pilots. And I love doing it.

If you don't see yourself having a passion with flying then you shouldn't consider aviation. I'm not saying you aren't capable of being a pilot, but without a profound interest you will wash out of flightschool. I've seen people do it in the civilian world and only lose money, you don't want it to ruin your career.

enough preaching

 

[GTodd]

1. Do some sole searching, make sure this is what you want, it is a big commitment and an honor.
2. Call up your OSO and make an appointment.
3. The next is up to you, good luck.