The Selection Process

[Ave8tor]

I am new to this website and haven't had a chance to read all of the posts, so if I am asking an old topic, bear with me and or redirect me. I have been in the Marines for over 6 years and have talked to my fair share of pilots, however I can't really get a straight answer.

1. How long is it from the check in day to Pensacola until the airframe selection day? I am trying to plan when to go to TBS so that I can have the greatest chance at getting jets. Also, does FMF set new airframe quotas at the beginning of the fiscal year or calendar year?

2. How does the selection process work? I've heard info about different tiers but I am still unsure how it works.

3. For those Marine pilots, what are the cycles for TBS. I know it's 6 months long, but I am sure that it only picks up every so often. Is it every quarter or is it different?

Thanx for any help you can provide.

 

[rare21]

1. you will never know. the pool when you get to API, primary may be large or may be small. There is NO way to time when to get jets. People have tried to play that game and lost, at this time its impossible to do that. Just take what it gives.

2. NSS and needs of the Navy/Marine Corps. NSS helps but if the Navy or Marines needs a certain type of pilot thats where you're gonna go no matter how you do. Takes me back to the P-3 Orion draft a few months ago..folks that put First choice Helos, Second Choice Helos and Third Choice Helos got P-3s. Again you will never be able to time it.

If you believe in God, leave it up to Him.

 

[gaijin6423]

There are seven TBS classes a year (Companies A,B,C,D,E,F,I), but one of those (I Co.) is for nothing but newly-minted Warrant Officers. Alpha Co. picks up in Nov-Dec; Bravo in Dec-Jan; Charlie in March-ish; Delta in June; Echo in July; and Fox (err, KILL) in the beginning of Sept. As to what company someone winds up in... Well, you really have little to no choice, but there are certain guidelines the Marine Corps uses. Delta and Echo slots are pretty much reserved for ROTC and USNA Marines, and usually the older prior-enlisted guys seem to wind up in Fox for various reasons. There are no restrictions that I know of as to how many aviators can be in a TBS company, but you might find yourself chopped out of one right at the beginning because there are just too many people who showed up. In that case, you would remain in Mike Co. (holding company) until a spot opened up for you, which can be painful indeed, trust me. But you'll probably get pretty good at prepping 105mm rounds for the arty guys. If you are IFS complete and have no other random issues (like your car getting whacked by a civilian--it happened to me), then you'll be off to Pensacola as soon as you graduate from TBS.