I was wondering if someone on this site could provide me with some useful information. I am currently looking to go to OCS (January class 2010) and want to apply for an NFO slot. However, I have been reviewing the threads on this website and it seems as if the NFO position, as a whole, maybe phased out of the USMC in the upcoming years. But at the same time, some of the threads were over 4 years old so I am not sure if things have changed between then and now. That being said, does anyone have any useful information regarding the future of the NFO position in the USMC?
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NFO future in the Marine Corps?
- Thread starter ADNIC16
- Start date
According to the current Aviation Plan, the NFO MOS's won't exist in 2019.... that's for both F-18D and EA-6B. I'll try to find the link to the document.
Found it:
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/AVN/FY2009%20AVPLAN.pdf
Check out page 3-6 under Naval Flight Officer Sundown Plan.
http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/AVN/FY2009%20AVPLAN.pdf
Check out page 3-6 under Naval Flight Officer Sundown Plan.
On the other hand, you could join the Navy, where NFOs have a bright future.
Brett
Case in point, command of USS Nimitz going from Naval Aviator to Naval Flgiht Officer a few days ago vv
090824-N-3038W-143 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 22, 2009) Capt. Paul O. Monger relieves Capt. Michael C. Manazir as commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship in Yokosuka, Japan. Nimitz and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are on a deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner Jr./Released)
Great link, jful. So going through math here, if FY19 is 10 years away, and theoretically speaking, say you can get your wings within the next 2 to 3 years, you can still fulfill your 6 yr NFO commitment inside of that span. It's cutting it kind of close, but it still possible. But how many of the current NFO's commitments are coming due, and how many does the MC anticipate needing in the near future?
However, I'd like to ask about what the Marines are planning on doing about their EW mission? Do they think that an EW-variant of F-35 (obviously no ECMO) will be as effective as the Growler, or even the Prowler? Are they even thinking about getting Growlers?? Doesn't seem like it from that file. I understand technology may continue to advance a great deal in 10 years, but I have a hard-time believing there will be absolutely no need for ECMOs by then...but, then again, who knows what's going to happen with this whole UAV thing...
However, I'd like to ask about what the Marines are planning on doing about their EW mission? Do they think that an EW-variant of F-35 (obviously no ECMO) will be as effective as the Growler, or even the Prowler? Are they even thinking about getting Growlers?? Doesn't seem like it from that file. I understand technology may continue to advance a great deal in 10 years, but I have a hard-time believing there will be absolutely no need for ECMOs by then...but, then again, who knows what's going to happen with this whole UAV thing...
They are seriously looking at an EA option for the JSF, but whether or not that gets funded is another matter. One can argue (as I and many others have in the past) that there is no value added for the USMC to "own" a platform that is a national asset, because they don't really have a say in how it is employed. They're better off leaving that mission to those with the EA platform already.
Brett
Brett -- very good point, sir, on the EA missions. But what about the -18Ds and the role of airborne FAC? I imagine that's still going to be a relevant role in the MAGTF in the future as well? Or are most FACs ground-based nowadays? I honestly don't know? I'm totally ignorant on the fact, to be honest...
On a side note, would it be possible for a Marine NFO to get an intraservice transfer to Navy? What else can the MC do with the NFOs-to-be who won't be able to serve out their entire commitments? Would think that going Marines to Navy would be more feasible than vice versa since there would be no need to go through TBS on the Marine's part...?
On a side note, would it be possible for a Marine NFO to get an intraservice transfer to Navy? What else can the MC do with the NFOs-to-be who won't be able to serve out their entire commitments? Would think that going Marines to Navy would be more feasible than vice versa since there would be no need to go through TBS on the Marine's part...?
Over past decades, there have been times when Marines migrated to Navy and vice versa according to need vs abundance (like osmosis/diffusion through a membrane where NFO and/or NAs move from a service of high concentration above needs of service to service with low concentration below need). Just like Huggy being on the prowl for Navy and Marine aviators to recruit for his U-2 empire as well as the growing USAF UAS squadrons that now have many former Naval Aviators in command positions that came over as JOs.
Introduction of F/A-18A/C to replace the F-4 Phantom put many Marine NFOs out of a job. Marines would very accomodating to get them into another MOS or aviation related career track. I know one who went JAG, another who went to TPS-59 world, etc.
Say what? Marine NFOs have already been through TBS. Want to reword that to make more sense?
There seems to be lots of plans for the NFO as far as Marines go. Like everything else think it will be "needs of the Marine Corps" and whether or not they line up with your plan at the end of your commitment.
I have also had to sit through multiple briefs on the future of Marine Air, and the answer is always different, so if somebody does know the future its lost in all the noise of everyone else opinion.
In the end if you want to go NFO, and there is a slot take it. I have had a blast so far.
I have also had to sit through multiple briefs on the future of Marine Air, and the answer is always different, so if somebody does know the future its lost in all the noise of everyone else opinion.
In the end if you want to go NFO, and there is a slot take it. I have had a blast so far.
What precisely are you worried about - that if you're a Marine FO when the last of the D's and Prowlers go away, the Commandant rips off your rank, breaks your sword and sends you home? If you've been worth a damn, they'll find another place for you.
Plus, you're talking about something that's not even scheduled to happen for another ten years. A lot can change in ten years. I refer you to the world of 1999 if you don't believe me.
Plus, you're talking about something that's not even scheduled to happen for another ten years. A lot can change in ten years. I refer you to the world of 1999 if you don't believe me.
MasterBates
Well-Known Member
Was that the world when you still had hair Fester? :icon_smil
