I am a Marine and I recently selected Hornets. I've heard a lot of rumors about getting assigned an IA billet immediately after finishing the FRS, before reporting to a squadron. Does anyone know details about this situation?
From a recent meeting… CAT 1 production is taking 101 ~60 weeks. (not good)
As for IA’s for CAT 1’s … it depends on the MAG & squadrons philosophy. IA’s for first tour guys are retarded, IMO, but it is what it is. I believe the current thought process is that it’s “better” to send the new guy just out of the FRS on the IA. IA’s are supposedly winding down, but a recent conversation about how many MAG-31 IA’s that are out there was shocking.
Another thing to throw out… a lot of dudes are seeing their department head tours during their second tour and because of the gluttony of O-4’s who need that ticket punched, once you get your DH you get booted to the MAG or Wing to make room for other O-4’s.
Tough times…make the most of it! Don’t suck... do a good job with your multiple ground jobs and get your quals… “the rich get richer” if you have your quals…
S/F