Questions about Ground Vs Air

[dbd47]

I am interested in becoming a Marine Officer. But I am unsure whether to go ground or air, and I have a few questions. I am hoping for some feedback to chew over.


What is the sense of comraderie like as a pilot? Do you really develop a bond with your fellow aviators or is it "you and your aircraft?"
What opportunities are there to lead Marines as an aviator?
How much a part of the "Marine Team" do you feel as an aviator, especially in Hornets where you are not deploying with the MEU's and where there seems to be a tighter integration with the Navy?

I read in other posts on this site about officers attempting to convert thier air contracts to ground contracts at TBS. Is this common? Is it possible?

What happens to your service obligation if you get hit with a "NAMI Whammy?"

What if an aviator's eyes start to go and he needs glasses. Is he grounded/de-winged or does he fly with glasses?



Thanks for taking the time to read this and for helping to create such a great site.

 

[46Driver]

Good Question. Life in a squadron is great - you spend years together and even after you are out, you still think of them as your peers and stay in touch.
There are several places where you are the OIC in a squadron (as a company grade officer) - almost all of them when you work what is known as "downstairs", i.e., maintenance. There you are given a shop to lead. I had everything from Phase Crew and Flight Equipment (just a few Marines) to a bigger shop such as Airframes (about 25 Marines) to the entire Maintenance Department (in that case, 82 Marines). I can honestly tell you that being an OIC (Officer in Charge) was more rewarding than flying.
I can't speak for the jet community (ask Frumby) but the helo community is very tight with the grunts for the reason that you mentioned - we work and float with them on the MEU's - and are co-located at LeJeune and Pendleton.
Yes, you can give up your air contract to go ground - I do not recommend it. However, I have friends that left active duty as pilots and chose an infantry unit in the reserves. Also, if you want to do a ground tour, then do a tour as a FAC (Forward Air Controller) and be an intergral part of the battalion. Basically, if you go air, you can always get over to the ground side but if you go ground you will have an extremely difficult time ever seeing the wing.
Not quite sure about the NAMI Whammy but with the lessening of eye standards you don't have to be 20/20 anymore. Once you are in, you can get glasses - and yes, many Marines fly with glasses.
Good Luck.

 

[jwnole]

Ground is full. If you are not SURE you want to fly, I suggest you dont try. Apply now for ground and post a high PFT. There will be a wait till ground opens up. Good Luck.

jw

 

[phrogdriver]

I'll keep this brief. For the most part, my observations are limited to the RW side.

Camraderie. Probably more of it in aviation than in any other MOS. You're in a unit with 25 or so other officers who you see on a daily basis. Aviators are, for the most part, a lot more fun-oriented as individuals than any other MOS.

Leading Marines. That part varies a lot. In helos, you will, about a year after arriving in the fleet, be in charge of an aircrew of up to five, typically four. Depending on the shop you're assigned as a collateral duty, you may or may not get a chance to supervise Marines. As a first lieutenant, I got a shop of 27. Most ground MOSs don't lead that many Marines. Even infantry platoons are often about that short. Also, remember that leading Marines is an everyday thing, not just a matter of who is assigned under you.

Marine team. I can't speak for everyone, but all R/W platforms, plus Harriers, go on the MEU. The Air Combat Element IS the mobility and firepower of the MEU. You are in the middle of EVERYTHING that goes on.

My SPC (an 03) kept telling me to drop my contract and go grunt. It's definitely possible. Remember, it's easy to have an air contract and drop it to be a grunt. It's very hard to go to TBS w/out a contract and then go air.

If you go med unk you get reassigned to whatever's available and revert to a regular contract, usually 4 years. If your eyes go bad before starting training, you'll likely be out on your ass. If you have started training, they should let you continue.

Phrogs phorever

 

[AllenAzali]

Not quite sure about the NAMI Whammy but with the lessening of eye standards you don't have to be 20/20 anymore.

Does this mean the Marines have recently reduced their vision standards of 20/20, to apply for an SNA spot? I last spoke to my OSO in Nov 2002 and I was under the impression that pilots need 20/20.

Signed, Matt

 

[Rainman]

YES 20/40 required for SNAs as of may 2001. No Waiver needed.

Once you pass initial API physical with 20/40 you can be 20/100. .woo hoo

 

[BeanFighter]

Even though we "swing with the wing" a bit more than our hard charging Helo bro's, we jet pilots still pride ourselves as Marines Officers first and foremost, except we can't spell commrodory.
Bean

 

[46Driver]

Its spelled B E E R......