Qualifying on the rifle and PFT question

[Broadsword2004]

I know guns aren't really aviation, but my question is since all Marines, regardless of MOS, must qualify on the rifle and the pistol, as an aviator, do you qualify only once and then that's it or do you have to show up every once in awhile to "re-qualify" in case the Corps needs you on the ground for whatever reason?

And also, does the same thing happen with PFTs for aviators? Do aviators take a PFT every once in awhile to make sure they are still fit? Or do you just take physicals to make sure your heart is still healthy and you can see okay and the like?

 

[KBayDog]

Here's how it breaks down:

Rifle/pistol qualifications are, in theory, "annual training" that must be accomplished by every Marine, regardless of MOS. However, you won't go to the range if you are at a formal school (besides TBS), you won't go to the range if there aren't enough range "quotas" for your unit, and you won't go to the range if your training schedule doesn't allow. So, while they are annual requirements, sometimes it just doesn't happen. (Case-in-point: My last qualification in the Fleet was in 2000, but due to school - MECEP - I did not qualify again until just a few months ago.)

Rifle scores count towards your junior Marines' promotion scores (composite scores), so it is imperative that they get to the range annually. In other words, ensure that they get priority for your range quotas.


PFTs are semi-annual events, and yes, you will run two a year. MINIMUM. Why "minimum?" Because every time you check into a new unit or school, you will run one. Basically, you need to be ready to run a PFT at any time.

 

[Broadsword2004]

I C, well that is cool then.

 

[samadma]

PFT: Even as an aviator you will run one every 6 months regardless of where you are.

Rifle Range: As an officer don't count on it. Other than TBS and maybe when you first hit the fleet you might never see it again. Usually because those PVT to CPL need them for their cutting scores for promotion. It really doesn't effect Officer promotion that much. Also, usually there aren't enough for officers to jump in and get any trigger time over that PVT that needs a couple more points for promotion. For instance, I haven't seen the rifle range since 2001 and counting, but I haven't gotten hit for it yet.

 

[skyhigh81]

PFT: Even as an aviator you will run one every 6 months regardless of where you are.

Rifle Range: As an officer don't count on it. Other than TBS and maybe when you first hit the fleet you might never see it again. Usually because those PVT to CPL need them for their cutting scores for promotion. It really doesn't effect Officer promotion that much. Also, usually there aren't enough for officers to jump in and get any trigger time over that PVT that needs a couple more points for promotion. For instance, I haven't seen the rifle range since 2001 and counting, but I haven't gotten hit for it yet.

Sir, since you are an OSO and would most likely know more about this than me, what is the breakdown of the air slots between ECP, OCS(civilians), etc? I applied for ECP 188 Air Contract and I didn't get selected. Everyone selected was Ground. Is there a certain percentage break down?

I believe my package was at the top considering I completed a BS Computer Science in less then two year, while on active duty (from 0-120 credits). I have over 40 hours of flight time (checkride for private this Sunday), a 288 PFT (bad day), and a 3.73 GPA. I didn't do so hot on the ASTB, I was short by one point in one section, but I never got a chance to retake it between deployment training. My recommendations were from a Fat Albert Pilot (Blue Angel) and two LtCols that I worked for. I am heading to Iraq in less than a month and I am going to apply for ECP 189, but if I don't get selected for that class I might have to get out and see an OSO to come back in. What are my chances going either through with ECP or get out and try to come back in, sir? Thank you for reading this long post, sir.

 

[Broadsword2004]

You must've been damn-skilled to complete a B.S. in Computer Science in 2 years; at my college, the program is 5 years.

It is all about quotas though I know.

My dad was a recuiter and he told me sometimes they reject guys and then a week later accept guys for the very same reason they rejected the first ones. There's just lots of variables.

 

[Shadow9660]

Agreed, and also, you said you were "a point short" on your flight ap. test. If that point was a "minimum qualifying point" needed, then no matter how strong your application was, you wouldn't have gotten selected due to minimums set for Aviation.

 

[skyhigh81]

Agreed, and also, you said you were "a point short" on your flight ap. test. If that point was a "minimum qualifying point" needed, then no matter how strong your application was, you wouldn't have gotten selected due to minimums set for Aviation.

I agree, but remember one thing. I am active duty Marine Corps and our life style is not the same as what you might experience in the civilian life (I know the difference; I dropped out of college after one semester because of money). Things here go fast and furious, especially prior to a major deployment in a combat zone. But you make a great point though, that deficiency might make a huge difference. Unfortunately, I cannot control it at this point (I don't think I will be able to take the ASTB in Iraq).

 

[samadma]

What are my chances going either through with ECP or get out and try to come back in, sir? Thank you for reading this long post, sir.

You're chances of getting out and doing it are probably better than doing MCP/ECP or any of those other programs because there's less of a chain of command to deal with. You have to get letter's of recommendation and everything, but you'd be competing with civilians vs other Marines. This is not to say that you will get selected by getting out first, but I haven't seen too many prior service Marines not get selected for anything once they've made it to the board against civilians with no time in. However, this is based off of what I've seen. I hope that answers your question.

 

[skyhigh81]

Yes sir, you answered my question. If I don't get selected for ECP 189 I will contact an OSO prior to leaving the Marine Corps. Even though I'd hate to leave and come back. Thank you sir.