Funny Thing Just Happened...

[Mr. Blonde]

Ok, so most of you know I originally spent 5-6 years applying for an SNA slot with the Marines but was repeatedly turned down due to my wrist tattoo:

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137630

I then applied recently with the Navy and was selected for NFO (2nd choice) on the November boards. Currently I have not final selected.

I just got a phone call from the new OSA at the Marine recruiting office here (I haven't spoken with them in almost a year) saying he got a phone call from the Major at district who originally approved my waiver before it was shot down higher up, who told him to track me down and ask if I was still interested because it was no longer an issue (?!). Keep in mind this is a year later they track me down out of the blue and the OSA made it sound that it was all but a formality that I would be selected for pilot. I told him about the Navy selection, but since I won't final select for a month or so he's going to send in my package ASAP. I'm meeting with him Friday morning to go over everything.

Are the Marines really hurting for bodies right now, because it's strange for them to call me like that? If this is true I might still have a shot at a pilot slot and becoming a Marine. Holy crap, wtf is going on?!

 

[FLYTPAY]

Until you have signed on the dotted line, you are free to pursue other oppurtunities. I say get everything in writing.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

I know I'm not yet officially contracted with the Navy. I told the OSA this would have to be somewhat immediate and he responded no problem. I'm going to pursue it based on the possibility of getting a pilot slot. After everything I've been through just to get selected for OCS period, if nothing comes of it before I have to sign with the Navy I'm not giving up my guaranteed slot as an NFO with the Navy just for the 'possibility' of a pilot slot with the Marines. I just thought that was extremely odd for them to actively persue me a year later, unless word came down from above to turn in qualified applicants because there are slots to be filled.

 

[FLYTPAY]

I know I'm not yet officially contracted with the Navy. I told the OSA this would have to be somewhat immediate and he responded no problem. I'm going to pursue it based on the possibility of getting a pilot slot. After everything I've been through just to get selected for OCS period, if it nothing comes of it before I have to sign with the Navy I'm not giving up my guaranteed slot as an NFO with the Navy just for the 'possibility' of a pilot slot with the Marines. I just thought that was extremely odd for them to actively persue me a year later, unless word came down from above to turn in qualified applicants because there are slots to be filled.

Now is the time to be aggressive on the phone.....you need to keep the press on EVERY day to make sure you do not lose a day of progress...Good luck....I bet you feel like you are at the craps table right about now.

 

[redbeard1682]

Hey good luck man! Looks like a window opened for ya - get your butt through it ASAP!

 

[badger16]

Good luck dude! I hope it works out for you.

 

[Son of a Grunt]

Good Luck! God bless.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

Thanks for the encouragement, I'm so excited because either way I'm going to be going to OCS to fly. It's a funny feeling to be rejected over and over for so long to feeling like everyone suddenly wants you. It's almost like when I got lean over the summer before high school and all the girls started liking me .

Seriously though, this just goes to show all the newbies out there who get a taste of rejection off the bat that PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!!!

 

[Herc_Dude]

I'm not giving up my guaranteed slot as an NFO with the Navy just for the 'possibility' of a pilot slot with the Marines.

If you do sign a pilot air contract, it will be 'guaranteed' as long as you successfully complete OCS, TBS and flight school. Same story on the Navy side, minus TBS. I'm sure the OSO office has X amount of pilot slots to fill and they may need another guy (or one that is more qualified). Should be an honor that they called you up. Best of luck whichever way you go.

BTW, got a pic of this tat?

 

[Mr. Blonde]

I know, i just meant if the time comes when I have a deadline to sign my NFO contract or lose my slot and the Marine thing is undecided still, I'm not gonna give up my sure thing for the chance I 'might' get selected.

Here's a pic of my tat, it was the symbol for the red hot chili peppers (too much beer one night and they're one of my top 3 favorite bands) but it's faded from the treatments. You can see my watchband covers it and it's not a big deal.

 

[UMichfly]

That's barely noticeable. Just let the man-fur coat grow out a little bit and tell anyone who asks that that's where your conjoined twin's face used to be but you killed him so NAMI would let you be a pilot.

 

[MasterBates]

I thought you had varicose veins when I saw it....

 

[Uncle Fester]

The Marines gave you a hard time over that? Over a damn Chili Peppers tat? I mean, I could see if it was Aryan Brotherhood jailhouse ink or something, but come on. I think probably what happened is that there was a changeout of personnel somewhere up the chain, and New Guy was digging through the "Qualified, But..." file and found your paper.

The Gods smiled on you, my man. The first and probably last time in your Navy/Marine career that someone will seek you out with a good deal, so savor the flavor. And keep the press on with both recruiters, which sounds like you're already doing.

Personally, I'd say don't think of the chocie as "pilot/NFO" but rather "Navy/Marines". You'll only be in the cockpit for some of your career, but all of it will be as a Sailor or Marine.

 

[Mr. Blonde]

Thanks for the advice Fester, I always felt like I belonged with the Navy AND Marines based on my personality with a slight edge going to the Marines for the Esprit de Corps and warrior mentality they have, it kind of reminded me like I felt when I played football in high school. I really would be happy in either branch of service. All intraservice rivalry and kidding aside, i would rather trust my life to you guys than anyone else. That's why it really is a pilot/nfo thing because I believe the sea services are the best group anyone could hope to be a part of. Anyways, I'm not typing anymore, took a slap shot on the forearm earlier where there's no padding and the whiskey and painkillers are kicking in so I'm out. Thanks for the support and I'll talk to ya'll tomorow.

 

[Ken_gone_flying]

Thats awesome, they are fighting over you. Good luck, let us know how it turns out.