gryffindor said:
I am graduating from the University of Florida next year and am applying to the Marine Corps aviation program right now. My OSO has informed me that the advantage that I have with the Marine Corps is that I am guaranteed a flight contract if I am accepted. This is very appealing to me as I have no previous flight experience. He says that being accpeted to the Navy doesn't mean you will be accepted to flight school. Any seasoned Marine Corps or Naval aviators willing to affirm or contest this?
If this is true, does anyone know the typical credentials needed to be accepted to flight school in the Navy?
Moreover, I feel that I have an unmatched desire to become a fighter pilot. I'm ready to work harder than I ever have and do whatever it takes to accomplish this goal. I'm in great physical shape. I have a strong mentality and I'm a quick learner. Honestly, what are the odds of getting to fly the F-18 in the Marine Corps or the F-14 and F-18 in the Navy?
Just want to be well informed before I make any life altering decisions!
Thanks,
Gryffindor
Just a couple of quick things:
People in the know can correct me if I am wrong, but I am 99% sure that you will not be able to select the F-14. I read on this site that they are no longer taking new students to learn to fly it.
Also, wanting a strike fighter platform is great - lots of people want that. Just be sure that you would be OK with something else before you sign a contract. Because odds are that you could easily end up with something else.
As far as the Marines guaranteeing a flight school seat - I have heard that before and really don't understand it. While I am sure that they do in fact offer this guarantee,
SO DO OTHER SERVICES. I am in what is called the BDCP program that the Navy offers. I get a paycheck each month (about $2000) to stay in school and stay in shape. After I graduate from college I will attend Navy OCS. After that, I am GUARANTEED to go to flight school. I am already designated as a Student Naval Aviator, as in right now, today. This is a great program and I am thrilled to have been selected for it. The only way that the flight school spot could be taken away is if I were somehow medically disqualified or if I quit OCS.
In addition, I rarely promote the Air Force, but you can also get into their OTS with a pilot spot if you want (I THINK). I also believe you can go into some sort of program with the Army and become a helicopter pilot, guaranteed.
I am not trying to discourage you from pursuing a career with the Marine Corps. Just don't do it for the wrong reasons. If you want a guaranteed spot in a fighter jet, apply for a seat in an Air National Guard squadron that flies the F-16. You would have to be accepted and pass flight school, but you would be guaranteed a position piloting an F-16.
So, to reiterate, you CAN get into the Navy with a guaranteed spot in flight school. I am willing to bet that your Marine OSO knows this, but I obviously could not say that for certain. I looked into the AF, Navy, and Marine Corps, but I chose to go Navy. Do the research and make the decision that is right for you. There is a ton of great information all over this site, as well as some great people who will do whatever they can to help you out. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask. In the meantime, look around the forums and see what kind of information you can find about BDCP and OCS. There is a forum dedicated just to that program, available here:
http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=42
Again, feel free to ask all the questions you want. We're only here to help.
Good luck,
Ben