I WANT TO BE A NAVAL AVIATOR
E-MAIL RECEIVED:
Hello ,
My name is Jason. I am interested in becoming a marine and a pilot.
Would it be possible for me to be a pilot in the marines? What are my chances
of becoming a pilot in the marines? Were you? I would appreciate it
if you could answer my questions.
Thank you,
Jason
RESPONSE:
Jason,
Glad you wrote. Becoming a Marine Aviator is a huge commitment, and a difficult
path to navigate successfully. At the same time, there is no more exciting and rewarding
aviation career anywhere in the military. Yes, I am a pilot. If you think you want to be a
pilot, start planning now. First, how old are you? 18 or younger, now's the time.
19 and older, you'll need to work fast.
Wanting to be a United States Marine should be your first commitment.
Wanting to be a leader / officer should be your second.
Wanting to be an aviator should be your third.
Wanting to be a fighter pilot should be your fourth.
Step 1 - Get enrolled in a college (4 year accedited)
- No specific degree needed
Step 2 - Enroll in NROTC or preferrably Platoon Leaders Class (PLC)
- This will allow you to go to OCS
- Contact your local recruiter to find the nearest OSO (Officer Selection Office)
(Do this as soon as you enroll in college, take AQTFAR aviation test and get an Air "slot".)
Step 3 - Get in great shape and get good grades in school
Step 4 - Graduate college, Complete OCS, and Get your commission as a Second Lt.
Step 5 - Attend TBS (The Basic School) 6 months at Quantico, VA.
Step 6 - Report to flight school, Pensacola, FL.
- Pass Aviation Preflight Indoctrination and the flight Physical testing
- Spend 6 months to 1 year learning to fly the T-34 or its replacement aircraft
- Select Jets (This could be tough)
(If you dont select Jets you could be flying Helocopters, or C-130's)
Step 7 - Go to Meridian, Mississippi or Kingsville, TX and spend 1 year to 2 and 1/2
years learning to fly jets T-45. (You will land on an Aircraft Carrier here)
- Get your Wings of Gold (Naval Aviator Wings)
Step 8 - Report to your Replacement Air Group (RAG) to learn how to fly an F/A-18,
Harrier, or Prowler. (Hornet RAG's, Miramar CA, Lemoore CA,
Jacksonville FL)
- Take your Jet to the Aircraft Carrier again.
Step 9 - Report to a "Gun" Squadron in the FMF (Fleet Marine Force).
- START ROCKIN AND ROLLIN!
Thats it in a nutshell. Questions: ask 'em.
Semper Fi, Semper Lancer,
"Grace"
F/A-18C Hornet Pilot
HIGH FLIGHT
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the windswept heights with easy grace
Were never lark, or even eagles flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie Magee Jr.
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