Mindset?

[Ryoukai]

Ok, so somebody in another thread brought up the concept of different communities (jets, helos and the like) yet offered no real substance to refer to. What would those who actually know something (if you're going to start by saying, "I don't know, but I've been told..." you're not going to be helpful) about what the different mindset of each group is and shed some light on this concept. I'm well are that gross generalizations are usually frowned upon so I don't want anybody saying things like, "That's not true ALL the time". The answer to this question would have to be a generalization.

 

[bch]

This is my take on it. I have been on cruise with both a Hornet squadron and a HC sqadron.
Both had pros and cons...
The most noticeable differences were in the atmosphere.

The helo sqd was much more relaxed and morale was a great deal higher. When they deployed, it was in a det so CO/XO never went. They were a lot less formal.

The hornet sqd was more uptight (you have to be though when taking on the missions that they do compared to PAX/Mail/cargo) and did not seem to mesh as well with eachother.

Both were great flying, but I went from wanting to fly jets to wanting to fly helos after seeing the 2 communities. Just my opinion though, it was more suited to my personality.

 

[Ryoukai]

Well, that might explain a few things. I've always wondered about why somebody would pick flying a helo over flying a jet...I guess that response shed some light as to the thought process the guys that pick helos go through.

 

[bunk22]

I've done two cruises and as an LSO, spent many hours with the jet types, as well as my prop cohorts. The majority of the pointy nose guys are a great bunch. The mindset is a bit different and a bit more aggressive but because of their mission, I think it needs to be. The squadron's seem to be very competitive (between the pilots) and they take things like the greenie board very seriously. Those with thin skin sometimes don't make it in that community. My old squadron had a former Hornet pilot who just couldn't stand the ready room mentality. Of course after he spent some time in our squadron I think he just wanted more free time to surf instead of studying tactics. There is also a former jet guy in my squadron right now who just couldn't stand what he calls the "jet mentality" and asked to be transfered to E-2's. I think it has more to do with him being too nice of guy and not up with intense competition. Just my opinion.

To be honest, I still believe the front office has a lot to do with the atmosphere of the ready room. There are a few VAW skippers with the short man complex who make squadron life unbearable or at least miserable. On my first cruise, the Marine Hornet squadron was without a doubt the most laid back bunch of guys with a great RR. While there was a Hornet squadron with a tyrant of a CO that passed that mentality down the chain. Of course us COD guys were the most laid back, sexiest, coolest, and best goddamn ball flyers on the boat, well........at least according to us

 

[doubledown]

I am going Marine aviation, hopefully to fly jets. I am not a very aggressive person and I tolerate a lot. I am however, competitive. I am not one to get all psyched up about little things that have no bearing.

My question is when you go to OCS, TBS, then flight school, does it change you into this super arrogant and competitive person who most people see to be an ass?

 

[HueyHornet75]

doubledown,

i think as marines, we are already somewhat competitive and even a bit arrogant, or confident...it depends. ocs, tbs and flight school will only bring some of that out if you are already that way. it won't change you into a super arrogant jerk...i'm competitive, but not hyper-competitive, if you know what i mean...there are lot's of type A personalities and they manifest themselves in many different ways. some guys are just tools, others are cool as hell and will do anything to help you out. i originally wanted jets, and thought i was competitive/gifted enough to be a jet pilot. i soon learned that i wasn't and that was ok with me. no sense in being upset, because we weren't all born to throw 98 mph fastballs either. so helicopters was a great fit, and i'm loving advanced.
don't worry about getting a lobotomy during the process. you'll be fine.
semper

 

[46Driver]

One of the differences is that in the Navy, traditionally, the fixed wing guys knew that they were the show because they were tip of the spear.

In the Marines, whether it be helos or jets, both are on the tip of the spear - and both know that they are SUPPORTING that LCPL rifleman in the mud.

However, as the role of the Navy's helicopters continues to expand, I would expect the Navy helicopter community to have more of the same mindset as the Marine Corps helo pilots (and if the Navy gets the DAP package for their 60's - 2 30mm cannons, miniguns, Hellfires, etc they are really gonna have some fun.)