KevlarSac
Member
I have been privileged with the opportunity to become a Marine Corps Aviator through PLC Aviation Program. I am set to leave for OCS in a couple weeks. As I near closer to my ship date, I have been asking myself what do I want my personal brand to be as a Marine Corps Officer and specifically as an aviator. When I was enlisted I could see my NCO’s preform and I was able develop my own brand based off their performance. I learned a lot about myself coming through the ranks. Some of it was hard to swallow, especially when it comes directly from your peers. I improved slowly but gradually and when it was my time to lead and everybody was cold, wet, tired, and hungry; the section succeeded in our shared misery. When I reached my EAS our mortar section was recognized as the best in the battalion and I passed as much knowledge on to hopefully carry on that success.
A few years later I am coming back to a familiar Marine Corps, but to a new community. I have only had a few brief interactions with aviators. I was the FAC’s radio operator on one field op, talking on the radio to the pilots once or twice (which was very easy because of their calm demeanor), hip pocket classes on the boat, and they bought our whole company pizza when we were doing raids in 29 (which is when I realized they are the coolest officers around)
Now that I am embarking on a new challenge I am curious as to what is the brand of a successfully Naval Aviator? I understand it is a broad question because success is defined differently by everyone, but any insight is appreciated.
A few years later I am coming back to a familiar Marine Corps, but to a new community. I have only had a few brief interactions with aviators. I was the FAC’s radio operator on one field op, talking on the radio to the pilots once or twice (which was very easy because of their calm demeanor), hip pocket classes on the boat, and they bought our whole company pizza when we were doing raids in 29 (which is when I realized they are the coolest officers around)
Now that I am embarking on a new challenge I am curious as to what is the brand of a successfully Naval Aviator? I understand it is a broad question because success is defined differently by everyone, but any insight is appreciated.