PLC Questions

[Esper]

I am looking into the PLC Pilot Garauntee as my ideal path to becoming a Marine Officer. Particularly, I am hoping to get a billet on a Fixed Wing.

My first question was, are officers who reach OCS through the PLC program at any advantage or disadvantage to those who come from other paths (ROTC, Academy) in their choice of billet?

My second question, how common is Tuition Assistance through the PLC program? My recruiter said that 9 out of 10 will recieve this, but I am dubious. Anyone know what kind of GPA would be needed to be competitive for this, or what other factors come into play? Without significant tuition assistance (7k a year is the max? I am currently attending a college out of state, that would only cover a portion of my costs), PLC is an unprudent choice compared to the scholarship offering NROTC Marine option.

What should I do to be competitive for a fixed-wing billet (or will that only come into play come OCS?).

If these questions were answered before previously, my apologies.

 

[klostman]

First off, and anyone correct me if I'm wrong, but coming out of PLC is not at a disadvantage as opposed to ROTC, academy. I believe a good chunk of commissioned officers come from PLC 6week and combined. Academy and ROTC I believe get first priority towards TBS. But as far a getting the flight contract, you are at no disadvantage towards that if you do PLC. Another advantage of PLC is that it does not conflict with school. You fulfill your obligations only in the summer time.

Second, tuition assistance is available after you complete the first of 6week PLC or complete PLC combined. Grades wise, you need to be above their requirements. I don't know about NROTC scholarship and how much they offer. I know tuition assistance add more years toward a ground contract but not a flight contract for PLC.

As far a being competitive for a fixed wing billet, that comes after OCS,TBS, and API training. They guarantee the flight contract, not the aircraft you pilot.

Anyone correct me or add to this if I wrong or leaving something out.

Good luck with all of this.

 

[EA-6B1]

Just want to know what the working definition of Billet might be? I've seen it used in different contexts. Thanks.

Semper FI

 

[Rainman]

billet:

3 main definitions in military context (first two nouns, third verb). (1) job; position; appointment During my last week of TBS I got the Platoon Commander billet. (2) Lodging or a specific bunk/berth to a member of a ship's crew. My billet was third deck, starboard side, inboard. (3) To direct by verbal or written order, where to lodge. They billeted me in an officer's stateroom

Man do I feel like a dork. Anyone know of other uses?

 

[Adrenaline Rush]

dont feel like a dork, sounds like your a dedicated marine, and whats better than that? certainly not a dedicated sailor!

sorry that was a cheap shot,, were on the same team

I'd Rather Be A Lion For One Day, Than Be A Sheep For A Thousand Years

It Is Our Duty To Protect The Best Nation In The World

 

[farkle84]

cheap shots work with me. sounds good

 

[Roman]

My original plans were to apply to the Naval Academy and NROTC, but I recently heard of PLC, and I am interested. I can't find a whole lot of info on it on the web, mostly just general facts. I'm not completely sure how it works. I understand that I would go through the two summers at OCS, but when do I apply? As a freshman in college or can I do it going in as a freshman (preferred)? I'm currently a junior in high school, and I known I'm suppose to apply for the Naval Academy and NROTC this spring. If I apply and get accepted to PLC, how many years of college do they pay that $5K/year for? All four or just the three after the first summer at OCS? Your help would be appreciated

 

[Slammer2]

Roman,

You can (and I would reccommend to) apply for PLC as early as you want. If you are applying at the beginning of your college, then you will do the two 6 week sessions. I didnt apply until after my junior year so I did the one 10 week summer of PLC (thats refered to as PLC combined. The two six week sessions are called PLC juniors and PLC seniors respectively). I am not really able to talk about the whole pay starting freshmen year since I didnt do it that way. But I figured I'd jump on the "when can I apply" part. Good luck.

 

[Raptor2216]

I will give you some basic info but I suggest you use the search button and look thorough previous threads. In fact, I remember answer a question about PLC very recently.

Unless things have changed, you can apply as early as your freshman year. I applied as a sophomore. You will probably end up going to PLC Jr's during your summer after sophomore year. I would actually recommend trying to go before your 2nd year because as soon as you complete Jr's, your PEB date starts and that will decide your pay when you actually get commissioned. All those years in college count so when you graduate as get commissioned, you will be an O1 with however many years you were in the program. This adds up to a great sum of money when compared to your peers who join after graduation.

Now, the only problem I see with that is that you want college money. That is all great but if you take the college money, you will not be able to benefit from the time in college as I explained above. I recommend paying your way though college if you can manage and only taking the FAP money, which adds something like 10months to your contract but all your time in college will count towards pay. If you choose to take the college money, you will have to apply for MCTAP...which covers tuition and such. Just remember, if you change your mind about the Corps, I believe you will have to pay that money back. The FAP money does not have to be paid back.

My info is a few years old but I believe it is still accurate but if I am wrong, someone please feel free to correct me.

My original plans were to apply to the Naval Academy and NROTC, but I recently heard of PLC, and I am interested. I can't find a whole lot of info on it on the web, mostly just general facts. I'm not completely sure how it works. I understand that I would go through the two summers at OCS, but when do I apply? As a freshman in college or can I do it going in as a freshman (preferred)? I'm currently a junior in high school, and I known I'm suppose to apply for the Naval Academy and NROTC this spring. If I apply and get accepted to PLC, how many years of college do they pay that $5K/year for? All four or just the three after the first summer at OCS? Your help would be appreciated

 

[invertedflyer]

I applied my freshman year and was selected right off the bat. You basically have two options for PLC. You can go the summer of your Freshman year, have a summer off, then go the summer of your Junior year. This is the preferred method if you are looking for funding and an earlier PEBD. Due to timing I ended up going two consecutive summers, after my sophomore and junior year. The main advantage to this is that you stay in shape and the OCS info is fresh. I would recommend option 1. good luck, hope this helps.

 

[willywonk]

Hey guys I'm looking to get commissioned as an aviator through the PLC program for the Marine Core. I had my first talk with the recruiter and he told me a couple of things I am unsure of. If you could help answer some of these questions it would be greatly appreciated.

1. My application has to go through a review board? I thought my recruiter could just issue me a flight slot

2. The recruiter told me that if commissioned through the PLC program the Marine Core would repay up to $30,000 in student loans, is this true?

3. The recruiter told me to get my flight physical after I complete the 10 week PLC summer session in the summer. He should I should complete this course so I will have a better shot at getting okay'd by MEPS. I am afraid he just wants me to get my flight physical after the summer because If I am not medically qualified I would have an interest in ground. What do you guys think? Did you get your flight physical before or after you had completed PLC in the summer?

Thanks again for everyone contributing to the board. You guys are an immenous help.

 

[Ave8tor]

1. My application has to go through a review board? I thought my recruiter could just issue me a flight slot

First, it's Marine Corps. Secondly, the recruiter really has no say in who is going to get commissioned. Everyone, from pilots, to lawyers, to ground contracts, has to go to a board for acceptance. If you want to get accepted for an air slot, you might have to go to two boards, at least that's what I did (see below for more explanation). As for a flight slot, it is a bit more competitive that the ground slot because there is more detail on the medical side (namely eyes), and you have to have the aptitude for it, as determined by the ASTB.

2. The recruiter told me that if commissioned through the PLC program the Marine Core would repay up to $30,000 in student loans, is this true?

Don't know to much about this. I know things have changed quite a bit since I went through the application process. There are certain types of tuition assistance (TAP, MCFAP) that may offset some of your costs, but you should definitely get more detailed info on this before you actually base your decision on the financial aspect.

3. The recruiter told me to get my flight physical after I complete the 10 week PLC summer session in the summer. He should I should complete this course so I will have a better shot at getting okay'd by MEPS. I am afraid he just wants me to get my flight physical after the summer because If I am not medically qualified I would have an interest in ground. What do you guys think? Did you get your flight physical before or after you had completed PLC in the summer?

This can happen in several ways. First, you can (I believe) apply for an air slot off the bat, although it requires more items to take care of, namely a more in-depth medical screening process in addition to the ASTB. Most people (myself included) get accepted to the program with a ground contract, and then put in the extra work to get the air contract. I went to OCS twice (Juniors and Seniors) before getting my aviation contract. Him wanting to send you as a ground contract first might be in case you aren't qualified for a pilot, you can still go to OCS, and still be an officer. I would say get it done if you can before you go, since it takes a load off your back. I had it looming over my head that I might not get accepted for about 5 years. I'm sure other people are going to chime in with their recommendations, and I would listen to each one and take all that information and go back into the OSO with a little bit more knowledge on the process, just so you don't get the short end of the stick.

Semper Fi!

 

[theblakeness]

Usually through PLC, you get your flight physical after you complete OCS. Its part of the commissioning process. I have heard of some that did PLC combined (10 weeks) that did their physical before they shipped, but for the most part they did it afterwards.

This is how I did it. Every piece of orders or contract I ever recieved said pilot, yet Im only just now going to Florida for my flight physical after completing OCS. That not to say that I didnt have to do some additional medical things for my application (read: cyclo and Anthro).

In regards to the student loans..thats true. Its a new thing that was just oked for new contracts. The jury still seems to be out on whether this can also apply to those who contracted before but are getting commissioned within the alotted fiscal year.

As to your first question (yeah im answering these backwards). Yes, your application goes to a review board. An OSO usually has a pretty good idea of whether one will get selected or not, but he isnt the authority.

Good luck, and try not to be so skeptical of your OSO. In my experience, they dont try and knowingly pass false knowledge.

 

[HeyJoe]

2. The recruiter told me that if commissioned through the PLC program the Marine Core would repay up to $30,000 in student loans, is this true?

1. AW has a search function that can yield a plethora of info. Chances are you don't have an original question that hasn't been asked or answered before. Case in point: there is a whole thread on USMC Student Loan repayment

2, The service you aspire to join has a proud and storied past. Don't EVER refer to it as the "Core" again. Learn the correct spelling NOW if you are serious about joining the Devil Dogs.

 

[MattWSU]

The two programs you're eligible to apply for after completing OCC or PLC Jrs are the Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Program (MCTAP) and the Financial Assistance Program (FAP).

MCTAP provides up to $5200 per school year for up to three years (I believe).
FAP provides $350 / school-month which roughly equates to two checks for $1575; one disbursed in the Fall and the other in the Spring.

A stipulation with MCTAP is that your service time is reset to the date you report to The Basic School (Post-College). By taking MCTAP, you could be losing out on a pretty big chunk of money each year once you get commissioned. In my opinion, it's more affordable to just take the FAP but everyone's situation is unique.

Talk to an OSO and please don't ever refer to the Marine Corps as the Marine Core again.

Matt