USMC Rotary Communities

[NJ Devil Dog]

Hi All,

I’ve heard that each platform and squadron within that platform has its own culture. For better or for worse, what are some of the unique aspects of the HMLA and HMH squadrons that you’ve experienced firsthand?

Thanks!

 

[croakerfish]

Hi All,

I’ve heard that each platform and squadron within that platform has its own culture. For better or for worse, what are some of the unique aspects of the HMLA and HMH squadrons that you’ve experienced firsthand?

Thanks!

I’m not a Marine but I worked with many HMLA and HMH guys deployed with the 31st MEU and as an HT instructor. From an outsider’s perspective they’re both pretty good communities.

HMLA had a reputation as a really over-the-top eat the young kind of place but with the transition to new airframes it doesn’t seem that way anymore. Getting a new aircraft seems to hit the reset button somehow. It’s where all the cool kid USMC SNA’s want to go.

HMH seemed like the old Navy HC in some ways. They fly an old, abused and neglected aircraft in a support role and take perverse pride in the fact that they are viewed as the help. I’ve heard jet people call them “herbivores” which is stupid but on-brand for those preening nancies. They’ll be getting a new aircraft as well so they stand to benefit and gain new capabilities in the near future.

 

[DocT]

It’s where all the cool kid USMC SNA’s want to go.

There’s cool kid Marine SNAs?

 

[croakerfish]

There’s cool kid Marine SNAs?

Sure. You know, the guys walking around Seville with their dog tags hanging out of their shirt. Cool as fuck.

 

[nittany03]

Sure. You know, the guys walking around Seville with their dog tags hanging out of their shirt. Cool as fuck.

And “proper civilian attire.”

 

[Swanee]

And “proper civilian attire.”

"Remember that time at TBS? Yeah, I almost dropped my air contract for Infantry. I'd totally go to IOS if they asked me to. Hey what's your number?"

 

[Odominable]

I’ve always gotten the impression that there’s a lot of mutual respect between skids and Big Iron, despite the common ribbing of young/leaf eating, as appropriate. Fundamentally it’s two communities who put tremendous value on doing a small handful of missions (heavy lift and CAS) really, really well (yes I know the Cobra has like 14 METs), and who doctrinally do those missions integrated with each other.

 

[Swanee]

I’ve always gotten the impression that there’s a lot of mutual respect between skids and Big Iron, despite the common ribbing of young/leaf eating, as appropriate. Fundamentally it’s two communities who put tremendous value on doing a small handful of missions (heavy lift and CAS) really, really well (yes I know the Cobra has like 14 METs), and who doctrinally do those missions integrated with each other.

There is something to be said about an Assault Support community who takes a ton of pride in being the best Assault Support community in the business.