Anyone doing this?
08-12-2008, 03:58 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Posts: 30
Anyone doing this?
Hey Everyone, here is an honest question for the military guys. Right now, I am a former USMC ocs officer candidate from OCC-193. I left because I broke my leg on the O course about 4 weeks in. Since that was my plan A, I went to plan B after I recouped at home and flight instructed all over, and finally made the jump to a regional in February. I am "that guy" who never wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer, but a member of the armed forces--specifically a Marine! I kind of do not want to lose all the forward progress I've made in the airline industry, so I am considering the Marine reserves, and enlisting. Ive talked to a lot of ppl about this and a lot of people are telling me I'm selling short because of so much I have done post high school. I am just looking to hear what you guys have to say, since I respect a lot of the military guys' opinions since this is one thing I am super interested in. By the way, I would want either an aviation MOS(Mechanic, or firefighting) or infantry. I'm kinda gung ho about it, and I want to do my part. Your responses are appreciated.
08-12-2008, 08:10 AM
#2
Moderate Moderator
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Curator at Static Display
Posts: 5,681
Why not be a Reservist Pilot?
Why not keep your seniority and become a Reservist pilot? Get a combat-rated pilot slot, and you have everything you desire.
I don't think the Marines direct-hire guys as officers into the Reserves (ie, have to be already a rated Marine Pilot), but the Air Force and Army do.
Food for thought.
I don't think the Marines direct-hire guys as officers into the Reserves (ie, have to be already a rated Marine Pilot), but the Air Force and Army do.
Food for thought.
08-12-2008, 09:21 AM
#3
New Hire
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: New Hire apparently
Posts: 9
You refer to getting commissioned as "plan A" so is that not still the case? It can still be your primary goal even if you had to adjust the timing a little. I know the thought of going back to OCS sucks it hard. I broke a couple of bones and got to spend a second summer in Quantico, but in the end it was worth it.
As far as being a reservist, don't be fooled, you can still be deployed or sent on an IA. So if doing the "traditional" reserve thing is what you're after, you might be surprised. The upside to enlisting as a reservist is that you know exactly which MOS and duty station you'll get once you finish training...which for some aviation MOSs could be 1-2 years after you leave for boot camp. Any reserve centers close to you?
As far as being a reservist, don't be fooled, you can still be deployed or sent on an IA. So if doing the "traditional" reserve thing is what you're after, you might be surprised. The upside to enlisting as a reservist is that you know exactly which MOS and duty station you'll get once you finish training...which for some aviation MOSs could be 1-2 years after you leave for boot camp. Any reserve centers close to you?
08-12-2008, 09:29 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: FAA 'Flight Check'
Posts: 13,839
choxy -
What you have heard so far is right on target. If you still have the time, you can reattempt OCC. I was in a different scenario than you - but the jist of the lesson learned is the same - I was rejected 7 times before I finally made it.
As far as the Reserve thing - UAL had it right - you won't be getting on with one of the Marine Reserve Hornet squadrons without first having been a Marine pilot. They don't operate like the AF Guard or Reserve.
As the Commandant said - there are 2 types of Marines right now - Marines that have been to the fight and Marines that are getting ready to go to the fight - including the reseves. So as Crowbar said too - expect a deployment if you join (it is certainly the safer bet)
Good luck in making the choice that best fits what you want to do with your life.
USMCFLYR
What you have heard so far is right on target. If you still have the time, you can reattempt OCC. I was in a different scenario than you - but the jist of the lesson learned is the same - I was rejected 7 times before I finally made it.
As far as the Reserve thing - UAL had it right - you won't be getting on with one of the Marine Reserve Hornet squadrons without first having been a Marine pilot. They don't operate like the AF Guard or Reserve.
As the Commandant said - there are 2 types of Marines right now - Marines that have been to the fight and Marines that are getting ready to go to the fight - including the reseves. So as Crowbar said too - expect a deployment if you join (it is certainly the safer bet)
Good luck in making the choice that best fits what you want to do with your life.
USMCFLYR
08-12-2008, 10:10 AM
#5
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 40,044
First off, you should be able to keep your airline seniority regardless of which military path you choose...even regular active duty.
What is your primary goal for military service...
Gung-ho hooya duty?
Complementing and enhancing your fixed-wing flying career?
You can maybe do both with a ANG/USAFR flying slot...go for A-10's or fighters.
If a pilot slot is not in the cards, consider enlisted aircrew on helos or C-130's.
You would not be the first college-educated professional to enlist in the reserves to have some fun and serve your country...but leverage your proven value to get a gratifying job. Do you homework, figure out exactly what you want and qualify for, and don't settle for anything less. Recruiters will ALWAYS reserve their prized assignments for a tough-sell recruit who has a lot of potential. If you take whatever they offer up first, you will get sold short.
The marine corps is a great organization, but I probably wouldn't take a marginal job in the corps if you can get a better one in another service.
And you DID say you were gung-ho...
Are you in great physical shape? Look into special operations...there is nothing else quite like that line of work for those who are motivated. You may be able to get SF training and assignmement in the NG/Army reserves.
Last I heard you could still do USMC force recon as a reservist (3rd/4th FORECON) but I think MARSOC may have done away with that.
Navy SO all requires active duty to join, except you can get into EOD as an EOD Assistant. You get basic dive training and EOD training tailored to the reserve schedule... "EOD Light" so to speak.
USAF also has special ops...PJ's and tactical airfield controllers. Not sure if active duty is required, but I would assume so.
What is your primary goal for military service...
Gung-ho hooya duty?
Complementing and enhancing your fixed-wing flying career?
You can maybe do both with a ANG/USAFR flying slot...go for A-10's or fighters.
If a pilot slot is not in the cards, consider enlisted aircrew on helos or C-130's.
You would not be the first college-educated professional to enlist in the reserves to have some fun and serve your country...but leverage your proven value to get a gratifying job. Do you homework, figure out exactly what you want and qualify for, and don't settle for anything less. Recruiters will ALWAYS reserve their prized assignments for a tough-sell recruit who has a lot of potential. If you take whatever they offer up first, you will get sold short.
The marine corps is a great organization, but I probably wouldn't take a marginal job in the corps if you can get a better one in another service.
And you DID say you were gung-ho...
Are you in great physical shape? Look into special operations...there is nothing else quite like that line of work for those who are motivated. You may be able to get SF training and assignmement in the NG/Army reserves.
Last I heard you could still do USMC force recon as a reservist (3rd/4th FORECON) but I think MARSOC may have done away with that.
Navy SO all requires active duty to join, except you can get into EOD as an EOD Assistant. You get basic dive training and EOD training tailored to the reserve schedule... "EOD Light" so to speak.
USAF also has special ops...PJ's and tactical airfield controllers. Not sure if active duty is required, but I would assume so.
08-12-2008, 10:22 AM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2005
Position: Leftof longitudinal
Posts: 1,899
... I kind of do not want to lose all the forward progress I've made in the airline industry, so I am considering the Marine reserves, and enlisting.... By the way, I would want either an aviation MOS(Mechanic, or firefighting) or infantry. I'm kinda gung ho about it, and I want to do my part...
Yes, enlisting in the USMCR is possible and getting to do what you want. Enlistment is for 8 years. Admire your willingness to serve as enlisted. They are the salt of the earth. Can't speak highly enough of these dedicated citizens.
Things for you to consider:
1. Enlisting is generally our 18-19 year olds and single. If you are married, engaged, anticipate being married in the next 8 years, you will need to realize
a) You will deploy and only make what you earn as a Marine. This will likely be an extreme hardship because of the huge drop in pay. This causes much to consider if married, children, etc.
b) Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)will protect your airline career, but if you become disabled due to injury then you will ultimately lose your job if you cannot return medically to the cockpit (Class I)
2. You will not blend in so readily. You are the reverse of what most Marines would be doing. Obviously have college time, older, they are probably looking fwd to going. Your age difference will make you a curiosity, but the Marines will quickly accept you if you are worthy of the respect <g>
Good luck!
08-12-2008, 11:27 AM
#8
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Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2007
Posts: 30
Thanks for the responses,
It has definately been something I have been looking at doing for a while. I have always had it in my bones to be a Marine, Period. So I am all for going when I am called to do so, so good call on the quote by the commandant. Since I had about a year and a half to think about it, I was thinking of keeping my progress as a civilian pilot, and learning a new trade, mx, or kicking in doors, or fighting fires that I could do in addition to flying. I wouldn't go so far as say that I get bored with the airline life, but I would want to know that my "other job" makes a difference.
I have definately heard from a lot of informed ppl on the topics, because I have a friend that was both enlisted and now a Capt. in the Army,and he isn't a big fan of my line of reasoning. Also, Do any of you guys have any ideas on what billets are open in various units around the country? The unit sites online aren't too much help, and I want to make sure I have a good case when I start to speak to the actual units.
It has definately been something I have been looking at doing for a while. I have always had it in my bones to be a Marine, Period. So I am all for going when I am called to do so, so good call on the quote by the commandant. Since I had about a year and a half to think about it, I was thinking of keeping my progress as a civilian pilot, and learning a new trade, mx, or kicking in doors, or fighting fires that I could do in addition to flying. I wouldn't go so far as say that I get bored with the airline life, but I would want to know that my "other job" makes a difference.
I have definately heard from a lot of informed ppl on the topics, because I have a friend that was both enlisted and now a Capt. in the Army,and he isn't a big fan of my line of reasoning. Also, Do any of you guys have any ideas on what billets are open in various units around the country? The unit sites online aren't too much help, and I want to make sure I have a good case when I start to speak to the actual units.
08-12-2008, 11:29 AM
#9
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
Having started as an enlisted reservist I have to say that it’s a lot of fun that I wouldn’t trade for the world, but I was 18, single, no kids.
What everyone said above is on target. My advice would be to go back to PLC/OCC. As long as you didn’t get a bad write-up when you left, they’ll take you back.
They have a short program in flight school for certified pilots and with your experience you could probably do well enough to pick anything you want to fly. (Of course everyone knows the top of the class always picks CH-53Es... ain’t that right USMCFLYR)
What everyone said above is on target. My advice would be to go back to PLC/OCC. As long as you didn’t get a bad write-up when you left, they’ll take you back.
They have a short program in flight school for certified pilots and with your experience you could probably do well enough to pick anything you want to fly. (Of course everyone knows the top of the class always picks CH-53Es... ain’t that right USMCFLYR)
