Marine Air Career Timeline

[robav8r]

Before rushing to judgments about "shitting" on applicants . . . . .

Maybe the ones doing said "shitting" be those that are fully qualified in the platform/service/community. That way, the applicant will know the excrement is coming from someone that has truly "been there, done that."

 

[Pags]

Before rushing to judgments about "shitting" on applicants, be advised these folks are applying to become an officer. At the very least, they should be doing the homework to include asking their recruiter and/or searching around the threads/Google to find the answer. Otherwise, you are going to have folks who create the same thread over and over...

I've learned that it's easy to remember facts by looking them up than simply throwing your hands up in the air and asking for help.

So what happens when a candidate demonstrates some initiative, googles around, finds AW, makes an account, searches around here with the terrible search function, and then asks a question to a group of guys/gals doing the work that they want to do and who will have the "real deal" answers? Are some of these questions a bit cart before the horse? Sure. Does that matter? For mids at USNA/NROTC they routinely get this info during career briefs, MIDN cruise, exposure to fleet aviators, etc. If they don't have access to these things then how are they supposed to find out this info? What if their recruiter is a grunt or some non-aviation MOS and can't answer questions like these? If somehow someone started asking me a bunch of questions about SWO I'd probably send them to Sailor Bob. We as members of the AW community need to realize that many google searches will lead people here because AW is probably the best source of gouge and information on going from a dude on the street to a dude in the fleet. Where else can you ask questions to a bunch of guys who have been there done that?

 

[Gonzo08]

So what happens when a candidate demonstrates some initiative, googles around, finds AW, makes an account, searches around here with the terrible search function, and then asks a question to a group of guys/gals doing the work that they want to do and who will have the "real deal" answers? Are some of these questions a bit cart before the horse? Sure. Does that matter? For mids at USNA/NROTC they routinely get this info during career briefs, MIDN cruise, exposure to fleet aviators, etc. If they don't have access to these things then how are they supposed to find out this info? What if their recruiter is a grunt or some non-aviation MOS and can't answer questions like these? If somehow someone started asking me a bunch of questions about SWO I'd probably send them to Sailor Bob. We as members of the AW community need to realize that many google searches will lead people here because AW is probably the best source of gouge and information on going from a dude on the street to a dude in the fleet. Where else can you ask questions to a bunch of guys who have been there done that?

Sounds like we need a "stickied" post at the top of the Main Forum. Maybe call it Commonly Asked Questions (C.A.Q for short) or something along those lines...if only a phrase like that already existed...

 

[xmid]

What if their recruiter is a grunt or some non-aviation MOS and can't answer questions like these?

Or in my case a 1st class petty officer with little knowledge about aviation. Or being an officer...

 

[Pakol]

Greetings. I've been looking long and hard at pursuing a PLC/OCC Air contract this coming year, and my research has generated a few questions regarding the career options available for a prospective 75xx.

1. Assuming that one is selected for a PLC Air contract and completes OCS, following University graduation there is a delay for TBS classes, and then a delay for API classes. What sort of stash opportunities are available? What kind of work would a new 2Lt. be doing? I have heard scuttlebutt that 2Lt's with an Air contract are often sent to the IOC following TBS completion, is this accurate?

2. How long is an FRS-qualified aviator usually assigned to a squadron in the fleet? Is one usually a Capt. when finally assigned to an operational squadron? Is the time spent at TBS, API, etc., considered a liability when promotion boards occur?

3. Does the Officer get any input to the monitor for his/her follow-on B-billet? I have heard that FAC tours are common, how long does that tour typically last? Is it unit dependent (e.g. MEU, LAR, ANGLICO, RECON) or like an IA?

4. Is WTI comparable to SFTI/TOPGUN, or more comparable to NSAWC short courses? Is WTI considered a prerequisite for attending SFTI? Is there a follow-on sea tour?

5. What short courses are available (and applicable) to Marine Aviators? e.g. LSO, NPS Squadron Safety, HARM-U

6. Are there slots available at VX-9 and VX-31 for Marines not initially selected for USNTPS/USAFTPS to conduct operational flight/weapons test and apply for subsequent boards?

7. What does the situation look like as far as hours available in each community? Will VMFAs receive low-hours F/A-18C airframes from Navy VFAs as they transition to F-35C and F/A-18E/F? Will the current F/A-18A+/D and AV-8B's undergo SLEP before the planned F-35B/C transition dates, or will Marines be stuck on the ground doing bare minimum hours until that transition date?

Thank you for your time.

I'm only qual'd to help with #1:

You won't be delayed that long after University graduation. My PLC-combined contemporaries are waiting about 3 months post-grad to pickup TBS. If you go OCC you will commission on a Friday and begin TBS on Monday. When you report to MATSG-21 after TBS you will be given errands, paperwork, classes, and appointments to complete before being eligible to pick up IFS. YMMV, but as things stand now most are picking up IFS as soon as they finish their "homework", and picking up API the week after their last IFS flight. IRT IOC: I and a few others asked nicely but were told, in no uncertain terms, that the days of 7599s going across the street to IOC before Pensacola are over for the foreseeable future. My SPC said I could either have IOC or my Air Contract; Aviation night and FEX III in January helped confirm my decision. I'd encourage you to also try before you buy.