Good morning all. I have been a longtime peruser of this forum since my first airshow in middle school. Not long after I decided I wanted to fly Herks as I have family members who evacuated on one, had a father who was a Marine, and joined the MC because of this. When I got to high school, I signed up on this forum and began asking questions and researching regarding USMC maritime, and did everything I could to get it. Im a pretty obsessive planner, and mapped my career out on serving 20 years, unfortunately revolving around the Herc.
Fast forward to primary, I made my desires known, I did the best I could, always been average/above average, but was simply beat out by several points for the C130 slot. I took a gamble hoping I'd get the chance. Luck wasn't in my favor and I selected my last choice of Ospreys. Truth be told, I never really had desire flying it and didn't expect to select my last choice, so its a bit tough to get excited for the platform. Of the Osprey pilots I conversed, more than most seem to be disgruntled and heavily burnt out - more so than other communities. Some have said they requested an IA to try and get away from the squadron, and they admitted that they loved flying. I've met very few that want to stay in, and some even contemplated turning in their wings. One that worries me most, is I have met 3 who have said if they knew what they knew now, they wouldn't have joined. This is a little worrisome and definitely raised some red flags for me. It is a little daunting to walk into a community knowing that, and knowing it is for the next 8 years for something my heart wasn't in.
I think some IPs saw my face when I selected, pulled me aside, and said I can transition in the future. Naturally I went home and did extensive research, but for the past MARADMINs of the last several years, Osprey pilots 7532s have never been eligible, presumably due to manpower. After more research, opportunities for Osprey pilots to transition to the herc or another community are slim to none.
I hope I can solicit some advice regarding whether or not to continue in aviation. I can't imagine what its like doing a ground job, but continuing for the next decade on something my heart isn't fully in is also tough but don't want any regrets, as I have always wanted to fly Marines. Flying the herk was more of personal and intrinsic reasons for me; I never had or have airline aspirations. I initially planned to pick up my biochem degree and enter the medical field after. It's been said everyone ends up loving their platform but I suspect this isnt fully true. I don't mean to sound ungrateful - I am more than grateful for the opportunities afforded me, please don't think otherwise. Hope I am not coming off like I am complaining or disrespectful. I am standing by to get blasted but sincerely hope for some advice so I can make an informed decision for my career.
Fast forward to primary, I made my desires known, I did the best I could, always been average/above average, but was simply beat out by several points for the C130 slot. I took a gamble hoping I'd get the chance. Luck wasn't in my favor and I selected my last choice of Ospreys. Truth be told, I never really had desire flying it and didn't expect to select my last choice, so its a bit tough to get excited for the platform. Of the Osprey pilots I conversed, more than most seem to be disgruntled and heavily burnt out - more so than other communities. Some have said they requested an IA to try and get away from the squadron, and they admitted that they loved flying. I've met very few that want to stay in, and some even contemplated turning in their wings. One that worries me most, is I have met 3 who have said if they knew what they knew now, they wouldn't have joined. This is a little worrisome and definitely raised some red flags for me. It is a little daunting to walk into a community knowing that, and knowing it is for the next 8 years for something my heart wasn't in.
I think some IPs saw my face when I selected, pulled me aside, and said I can transition in the future. Naturally I went home and did extensive research, but for the past MARADMINs of the last several years, Osprey pilots 7532s have never been eligible, presumably due to manpower. After more research, opportunities for Osprey pilots to transition to the herc or another community are slim to none.
I hope I can solicit some advice regarding whether or not to continue in aviation. I can't imagine what its like doing a ground job, but continuing for the next decade on something my heart isn't fully in is also tough but don't want any regrets, as I have always wanted to fly Marines. Flying the herk was more of personal and intrinsic reasons for me; I never had or have airline aspirations. I initially planned to pick up my biochem degree and enter the medical field after. It's been said everyone ends up loving their platform but I suspect this isnt fully true. I don't mean to sound ungrateful - I am more than grateful for the opportunities afforded me, please don't think otherwise. Hope I am not coming off like I am complaining or disrespectful. I am standing by to get blasted but sincerely hope for some advice so I can make an informed decision for my career.