Marine Pilot Quality of Life vs Navy

[CowboyK]

New here, but a long time lurker. I have two questions

1) I've learned and seen alot about how Navy pilots live from this site, documentaries, the internet, and movies. I'm just curious how Marine pilot life is different compared to their Navy brethren as far as nice perks, locations, cool missions, impromptu trips to the pacific islands, things like that. Marine pilots don't seem to get publicized as much so its hard for me to try and gather what its like, other than I assume their non-flying duties are a little bit more grueling and physical (im guessing). Seems like Marine pilot life is a little "tougher". And believe me I have no crazy notions of flying 24-7, I know in either branch there is plenty of hard work, and if I get that far I will be asked to do plenty of things that may not exactly be fun, but I was just curious about the perks for a Marine pilot that kinda make you think "man this makes it all worthwhile". I've read alot of cool stories on here from experienced pilots but most seemed to be Navy pilots.

2) Wikipedia says MAWTS-1 is like the USMC version of TOPGUN school...is that accurate and if so, how do you get invited? And do Marine pilots get selected for Red Flag as well?

Thanks in advance for the answers.

 

[sundevil_av8r]

New here, but a long time lurker. I have two questions

1) I've learned and seen alot about how Navy pilots live from this site, documentaries, the internet, and movies. I'm just curious how Marine pilot life is different compared to their Navy brethren as far as nice perks, locations, cool missions, impromptu trips to the pacific islands, things like that. Marine pilots don't seem to get publicized as much so its hard for me to try and gather what its like, other than I assume their non-flying duties are a little bit more grueling and physical (im guessing). Seems like Marine pilot life is a little "tougher". And believe me I have no crazy notions of flying 24-7, I know in either branch there is plenty of hard work, and if I get that far I will be asked to do plenty of things that may not exactly be fun, but I was just curious about the perks for a Marine pilot that kinda make you think "man this makes it all worthwhile". I've read alot of cool stories on here from experienced pilots but most seemed to be Navy pilots.

2) Wikipedia says MAWTS-1 is like the USMC version of TOPGUN school...is that accurate and if so, how do you get invited? And do Marine pilots get selected for Red Flag as well?

Thanks in advance for the answers.

Haven't you seen Independence Day?

Perks? Dating strippers.
Location? Sunny California
Cool missions? How about dogfighting an alien in the Grand Canyon?
Impromptu trips to the pacific islands? Try impromptu trips into space.

In all seriousness, there are similarities and differences between the two. Hopefully there are a few Marines who can better answer your question.

 

[phrogdriver]

MAWTS-1 is for all platforms in Marine aviation, plus UAVs, aviation command and control, even a limited number of grunts. It is centered on the tactics, planning, and execution of aviation missions. Every platform has its specific curriculum, but a major part is learning to combine all the assets in Marine aviation into a combined package.

As far as pilot "life," there are cultural differences, but it's not as if Marine pilots go PT in the morning, shoot rifles before noon, then go fly after lunch. Marine aviation centers around supporting the infantry, whether that's by carrying them around and resupplying them, or providing fire support for them. The mission differences are many, and vary by platform.

There are a million small ways they are different, but in most of the big ways, they are very similar. Ask a more specific question, and maybe people can give better answers.

 

[Treetop Flyer]

Haven't you seen Independence Day?

Perks? Dating strippers.
Location? Sunny California
Cool missions? How about dogfighting an alien in the Grand Canyon?
Impromptu trips to the pacific islands? Try impromptu trips into space.

In all seriousness, there are similarities and differences between the two. Hopefully there are a few Marines who can better answer your question.

Dont listen to this guy, unless you like ribs.

 

[CowboyK]

MAWTS-1 is for all platforms in Marine aviation, plus UAVs, aviation command and control, even a limited number of grunts. It is centered on the tactics, planning, and execution of aviation missions. Every platform has its specific curriculum, but a major part is learning to combine all the assets in Marine aviation into a combined package.

How do they choose who gets to participate?

 

[phrogdriver]

A combination of who's not a complete imbecile, needs of the command, and timing. Sometimes that actually does mean "the best of the best of the best, SIR!!! (Men in Black reference)," sometimes that means a slightly above average guy who happens to be at the right time in the right place when there's a slot. There are two classes a year. Commands get to pick who they send.

 

[jarhead]

2) Wikipedia says MAWTS-1 is like the USMC version of TOPGUN school...is that accurate and if so, how do you get invited? And do Marine pilots get selected for Red Flag as well?

MAWTS-1 is comparable to the Navy’s NSAWC.

MAWTS-1 has two WTI’s (Weapon & Tactics Instructor) courses a year.

MAWTS-1 WTI course is not a Marine Corps version of NSAWC's TOPGUN.

Marine Corps Hornet & Harrier squadrons have participated in Red Flag in the past.