Advice from Pilots
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Fairhope, AL
Advice from Pilots
I need some advice from some pilots out there or anyone who knows more than I do about becoming one.
I'm currently working with my father here in Alabama. We have two business that are doing very well. About a year ago I left school in Mississippi to come home and run both businesses after my dad took a pastoring job at a local Church. Well, a year has gone by and I am getting ready to go back to school. The only thing is, I'm not sure if that is what I really want to do.
When I was in Mississippi, I was a biology major on the pre-med track. After my freshman year, I knew it wasn't for me. However, I stuck it out for another semester and got through. That's when I came home. I took night classes the first semester and worked full time as well. I have changed my major to business but know that I have no desire to continue what I'm doing.
Sorry, on to my question. For quite sometime now I have considered joining the Marines. One of my best friends attends West Point and the other completed the first half of OCS-Marines program this past summer. I would absolutely love to join the Marines and become a Pilot. My question is, what's the best way to go about doing so? Should I finish shcool and do the OCS program next summer? Or, should I enlist and simply work my way up the ladder?
Thanks for all the advice in advance!
I'm currently working with my father here in Alabama. We have two business that are doing very well. About a year ago I left school in Mississippi to come home and run both businesses after my dad took a pastoring job at a local Church. Well, a year has gone by and I am getting ready to go back to school. The only thing is, I'm not sure if that is what I really want to do.
When I was in Mississippi, I was a biology major on the pre-med track. After my freshman year, I knew it wasn't for me. However, I stuck it out for another semester and got through. That's when I came home. I took night classes the first semester and worked full time as well. I have changed my major to business but know that I have no desire to continue what I'm doing.
Sorry, on to my question. For quite sometime now I have considered joining the Marines. One of my best friends attends West Point and the other completed the first half of OCS-Marines program this past summer. I would absolutely love to join the Marines and become a Pilot. My question is, what's the best way to go about doing so? Should I finish shcool and do the OCS program next summer? Or, should I enlist and simply work my way up the ladder?
Thanks for all the advice in advance!
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Linn County, Oregon
Is it that important that you join the Marines and not the Army or Air Force? Aviation is a competetive field, and the other branches may offer more opportunities.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University works very closely with the military, and they offer flight training. All three branches have ROTC programs there, too, although I'm not sure if you can get any guarantee of an Aviation commission that way.
You could also go through Army ROTC and flight school at the same time at the University of North Dakota, and get commissioned as an Aviation officer. I believe once you're accepted into that program, you're guaranteed an Aviation commission if you graduate.
Another option is to enlist as a Warrant Officer in the Army. I believe you can enlist specifically to become a pilot. You'd go to basic training, and then to Warrant Officer Candidate School, and then start your flight training. Only the Army allows Warrant Officers to fly, and if you want to make a career of flying in the military (not necessarily leadership) then being a WO is the way to go. Commissioned officers end up spending more and more time behind a desk as they earn more rank.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University works very closely with the military, and they offer flight training. All three branches have ROTC programs there, too, although I'm not sure if you can get any guarantee of an Aviation commission that way.
You could also go through Army ROTC and flight school at the same time at the University of North Dakota, and get commissioned as an Aviation officer. I believe once you're accepted into that program, you're guaranteed an Aviation commission if you graduate.
Another option is to enlist as a Warrant Officer in the Army. I believe you can enlist specifically to become a pilot. You'd go to basic training, and then to Warrant Officer Candidate School, and then start your flight training. Only the Army allows Warrant Officers to fly, and if you want to make a career of flying in the military (not necessarily leadership) then being a WO is the way to go. Commissioned officers end up spending more and more time behind a desk as they earn more rank.
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Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Eastern, NC
Originally Posted by MikeSmith
Is it that important that you join the Marines and not the Army or Air Force? Aviation is a competetive field, and the other branches may offer more opportunities.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University works very closely with the military, and they offer flight training. All three branches have ROTC programs there, too, although I'm not sure if you can get any guarantee of an Aviation commission that way.
You could also go through Army ROTC and flight school at the same time at the University of North Dakota, and get commissioned as an Aviation officer. I believe once you're accepted into that program, you're guaranteed an Aviation commission if you graduate.
Another option is to enlist as a Warrant Officer in the Army. I believe you can enlist specifically to become a pilot. You'd go to basic training, and then to Warrant Officer Candidate School, and then start your flight training. Only the Army allows Warrant Officers to fly, and if you want to make a career of flying in the military (not necessarily leadership) then being a WO is the way to go. Commissioned officers end up spending more and more time behind a desk as they earn more rank.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University works very closely with the military, and they offer flight training. All three branches have ROTC programs there, too, although I'm not sure if you can get any guarantee of an Aviation commission that way.
You could also go through Army ROTC and flight school at the same time at the University of North Dakota, and get commissioned as an Aviation officer. I believe once you're accepted into that program, you're guaranteed an Aviation commission if you graduate.
Another option is to enlist as a Warrant Officer in the Army. I believe you can enlist specifically to become a pilot. You'd go to basic training, and then to Warrant Officer Candidate School, and then start your flight training. Only the Army allows Warrant Officers to fly, and if you want to make a career of flying in the military (not necessarily leadership) then being a WO is the way to go. Commissioned officers end up spending more and more time behind a desk as they earn more rank.
Remember that the pilots in the Marine Corps, work very closely with the ground troops.
You should talk with the local recruiter and see what the different options are. OCS or the MECEP program, talk with your friend that is in the marines. Also you may want to look for some military message boards that could help with your decision.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Fairhope, AL
Wow, I sure did expact a few more posts that what I've received.
I did speak with a recruiter this evening. To be honest, he would have done real well at the used car dealership down the road as well. Just kidding. All jokes aside, he did have some very good points. I am positive that I do want to join the Marines but am unsure whether to enlist now or go through OCS and enlist after college. My buddy has done the first half of the OCS program and has told me not to enlist. However, I do see some perks for enlisting.
Any personal experience and advice that can be given would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you guys that have already posted.
I did speak with a recruiter this evening. To be honest, he would have done real well at the used car dealership down the road as well. Just kidding. All jokes aside, he did have some very good points. I am positive that I do want to join the Marines but am unsure whether to enlist now or go through OCS and enlist after college. My buddy has done the first half of the OCS program and has told me not to enlist. However, I do see some perks for enlisting.
Any personal experience and advice that can be given would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you guys that have already posted.
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