Current Marine OCS candidate here. When you sign your contract before sending your application to the Officer Selection Board, that is when you choose a pilot slot. If you’re commissioning as a college graduate, like myself, that’s the best way to go if you want to fly in the Marines.

USMC pilot with 18 years of service here. Your first (and last) point is EXACTLY what people need to hear. I can't tell you how many pilots I've served with who joined the Marine Corps because of the guaranteed pilot slot, NOT because they wanted to be a Marine. It just doesn't work. For the most part those guys were the least successful in the MOS and in the unit, and hated their lives. Its very easy to tell who joined to be a pilot and who joined to be a Marine, and I don't say that as a knock on anyone. Some of the people I'm talking about are close friends, and I know from those friendships that those same folks were miserable in the USMC, and in many cases their lack of a foundational desire to be a Marine Office resulted in poor performance, which resulted in stunted progress in the aircraft, which resulted in a lack of upgrades and qualifications, which ultimately resulted in getting out with such limited hours that it wasn't even a good stepping stone to a civilian aviation career. You will be less successful, less of an asset to your unit, and frankly, more personally miserable if you don't come in with a basic desire to be a United States Marine Corps Officer, first and foremost. And I'm emphasizing the Officer part for the prospective pilots out there, and because its my experience. But the same can be said for enlisted aircrew. If you don't have a basic desire to be a United States Marine, then you may join with an aircrew contract but you will probably hate your time in, and then get out at the end of your enlistment telling everyone how much the Marine Corps sucks. I've seen plenty of Marines who were in that boat too. I don't know why anyone would want to spend 4-5 years of their twenties miserable, so I highly recommend not doing that. On the other hand, if you DO have a basic desire to be a United States Marine, (and all that title entails), then being a pilot or aircrew is among the best possible ways to do your time in the USMC.

Thanks for sharing. My 20 year old son just went in. He wanted no other branch but the Marine Corp. He is now in MOS at Camp Lejune. He told me the other day that it can get frustrating at times but it has been the best life decision he has made so far joining the Marines. I am so PROUD of him.

Thanks for sharing. Wish you the best on your pursuit. I was in MAG-29 04-06. Looking at some of those patches in the background we might have been at New River the same time frame. Completely agree with you analysis about wanting to be a Marine first. Also fully understand your desire to be close to the ground side. I had a very fortunate career where I got to serve with all elements of a MAGTF. The Air Wing covered my last years. So glad it was. Gave me complete respect and appreciation to what aviation brings to the Corps. Thanks again. S/F

Amazingly helpful and inspiring. I’m trying to decide the best route to get into the Marines and I keep struggling with all the unknowns. “Move forward blindly” really hit hard and I’ll take that advice to heart.

I found your channel by accident and am overwhelmed by all of the positive comments and replies!

Got my medical stuff over to Ft Rucker Aeromed and had my first interview for recommendation today. Went well, got my next one on the 21st and still trying to find a CW to do my one for the Army side. I'm currently active so all I need is a AFS waiver. Ready to get my package done and in for the September board.

I graduate TBS in a few months. Our training company has 100/280 air contracts…..only 1 competitive air slot. Company infront of me has 20/250 air guys. Love your stuff/info, thanks man

Great video! I recently became a OCS candidate. From my experience, my office provides candidates an option of what contract they want after being medically qualified. To secure an air contract is much more competitive and requires more work. I had to pass the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ATSB) within 3 tries and have a very competitive PFT score. If you don't pass the ASTB you are still able to earn a ground contract. For all candidates the board wants to see progress and commitment to the program. I known candidates who been in the program from months to years. It all depends on how much you are willing to put down. I am not sure if already graduating or still being a student is a huge factor when being selected, I still have a lot to learn.

I grew up in a small town in the California desert near NAF, El Centro. My favorite teacher growing up was a retired Marine officer. He fought in the Battle of Chosin during the Korean war. He was a great, great American. At 22, with excellent grades and 100 hours of flight time, I applied for an AOCS slot in the Navy. I was, and still am, a very proud, patriotic American. I love my county. The AOCS process fell apart shortly thereafter when a psycho I knew decided to not take her birth control (immorality was one area I struggled with as a young man.) Thinking I had to "do the right thing," we got married and the Navy told me to "kick rocks." After a brief marriage and two small children, I decided to enlist in the Marines and sign a contract as a C-130 navigator. By then I was 25 years old and working as a middle school math teacher. At the last minute, I finally walked away from my dream of serving my country and did not go into the Marines. My "mission," then, was to be the best father I could ever hope to be. I'm now 60 years old, and all these years later, I can honestly say that I loved being a dad. Fatherhood, I discovered, was the only thing more important than serving my country. In closing, I'm reminded of a Winston Churchill quote from many years ago: "Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never. Except, of course, to convictions of honor and good sense." To this day I still wish I could have served my country, but nothing would have been worth abandoning my two daughters in the process. Thanks for reading, and for your service.

Thank you, sir. Truly.

Old retired Marine pilot 4 years active 27 reserves, no combat. One month out of flight school and I deployed to sea for the Cuban Missle Crisis in a UH-34D squadron. In my day in Pensacola we had primary in T-34s, Intermeadiate in T'28s thru formation, radio instruments, gunnery and carrier quals. I went, as I requested, thru the helo pipeline which actually included instrument training in a twin engine Beechcraft. The thing that was different for me is that I went straight from college to Pensacola. I had two 2 summers of OCS, a program called Platoon Leaders Class (PLA-AVN). To tell the truth I suffered professionally from never going to TBS. But I retired as a colonel from the reserves, 4 years active, 27 in the reserves. Stopped flying half way thru my reserve time. I should tell you a story about one daughter. Went to college as a mass communications major, enlisted Marine OCS, went to TBS, befriended a former WM supply sergeant in TBS. After TBS they sent the former supply sergeant to Public Affairs School and my daughter to Supply School. Daughter later married a Marine OV-10 pilot. Don't give up on the Corps, although Army Huey pilots are the best there are.

In the midst of TBS rn. Heading to Pensacola next. Appreciate the words of encouragement and best of luck on your journey.

KILL! I'm 28 years old going in with age and Lasik waivers. Shitty GPA. The USMC has given me the most attention and help with PT out of any branch I've talked to (Navy and USAF). But if I don't get selected or they don't want me, I will still be able to sleep at night. I like all their aircraft and would be honored to be part of the community. I'm glad I still have time to consider other branches in case plans fall through. Thanks a lot for posting this video brother!

Fair Winds and Following Seas. Hope things go right for you from one of the Skid kids. The World's Finest US Marine Aviation. Semper Fi

Good morning Marine. Adding a bit of perspective from age/experience here. Flunked out of engineering school in 1956 and lost my student deferment. Korean War fraternity brother, USMC, put his arm around me and told me I was going to enlist in the Corps. I did - Senior DI called me a draft dodger, and he was correct - 2 yr Active MC Reserve at that time. Ended up w/ 2nd MAW Cherry Point as radio repairman after switching from 2 yr reserve, to 3 yr regular MC. Marine Corps treated me well my entire 3 years, even though my enlistment originated primarily from a desire to get my draft obligation out of the way, not because I wanted to become a Marine. I served conscientiously wherever the Corps sent me - Atsugi Japan, Formosa in '58, Quantico. Served with a lot of good Marines, and was glad I had chosen the Corps. After I left active duty, went to work in the Defense industry and eventually got my engineering degree. At 89 I've seen a lot of changes - Not only in society, but the military. I fully agree with your assessment about the Corps. Marines have to be versatile, adaptive - I wish you every success in aviation - There is a need for a lot of good pilots today - Not just in the military, but the commercial sector as well.

I did two MEUs as an avionics tech on the CH-53D; one in the Med another in the Persian Gulf. I thought about the WOFT route, but Kuwait was invaded, so I reenlisted. Having been a Marine, I would have never felt comfortable in an Army uniform. Semper FI, Marine!

I’ll agree that if you just want to fly any service other than the USMC is the way to go. Marines are unique and demand a much bigger commitment to something bigger. And I admire the hell out of that. Speaking as a 27 yr retired former enlisted turned tailhooker for the Navy, you have to want to be a Marine first. Had the pleasure of flying with Marine aviators in the training command at Corpus. Their Esprit de Corps is something that all should witness. I had the “pleasure” of old school AOCS with USMC drill instructors in the mid 80’s. I got but just a taste of USMC discipline and attention to detail. It served me well in my time in the fleet as well as my current civilian flying career. I was approached by the Marines to fly for them while in college but I declined as I knew what the commitment was. I was prior Navy and I stayed Navy. But looking back I have a twinge of regret of not joining them. But you have to know yourself if you want to tackle this endeavor. Marine first. Then an Aviator. Every Marine is a rifleman, same concept. Good luck in your decisions. No better flying than for Uncle Sam, you are only young once!!!! Go out there and live life in the cockpit to the fullest!!!!!

I’m 19 about to join as an MP scored a 75 on my retest, and this had always been my goal to fly fighters. Going to be taking classes throughout my contract to get my bachelors by the time I’m done hopefully so I can go into the officer program. Then eventually flight school. Looking forward to being a marine but anything you can tell me. To adjust my plans ? Dope vid

I’m a Marine in flight school, you can get an aviation contract at the OSO. I did OCC and knew I had an air contract all through OCS and TBS.

Wow you guys didn't get much flight time. I was a 46 Crewdog for 4 of my 6 years in the Corps. Racked up just short of 2500 hrs. I was a private pilot before joining. I got some front seat time in Phrogs along the way and that just wet my appetite for more time up front. As I ended my 6 year enlistment, the Corps wanted to make me an officer but a maintenance officer. Not a pilot. Needs of the Marine Corps. My age played a part in that too. They were up front on that and made it pretty clear to me. I appreciated that honesty even though it wasn't the answer I wanted. I just couldn't see myself not flying. So, as much as I loved the Corps, I got out. I also thought about going Army and went so far as testing but never pursued it any further. I just couldn't see myself as anything but a Marine. I know that is corny as hell, but I loved the Marine Corps and the Marine aviation culture and didn't want to leave it, but I felt stagnated. You are making great content and good luck as you pursue this new career. I will continue to follow your story and wish you the best of luck. I had a acquaintance I flew with who went this path from Marine helicopter crewchief to Army Apache pilot. You are not the first on that path. Good Luck Brother!

Spot on Moto!

Nice 200 MPH super bird patch, I got the same. Shitter Mafia baby!

I'm 27 turning 28. I wanted to join the Marines out of high school bc i didn't know what i wanted to do as a career. But i got a scholarship and my father, who was an accountant, was really big into education and rold i would figure it out while i was studying. I did not figure it out and my father died during my sopmore year of college. I dropped to get a job as an EMT and support my mom while my little bro finished high school and went to college. Now my brother has graduated and i have not made any progress except that i am sure i no longer want to work in healthcare anymore. I was always fascinated with flying but never thought about becoming a pilot. I feel its something i can accomplish if not for the military thaen as a civilian at least. But i still want to serve and still feel pulled toward the Marines. Started working out and losing weight while i do more research and decide if I'm gonna enlist in the Marines or finish my degree to commission in the Navy. I might end up doing both.

Great video and dead on. We're you west coast skids?

Putting together an application for a pilots slot as a civilian at the age of 29..I’m super in shape so they told me my age isn’t an issue. I have my private pilots license and good astb scores.

Yo I’m in a similar boat former marine (3531) was out for about 4 years and now I’m in the army (15P) putting up a flight packet. I just came across your videos while scrolling KZfaq and have two things I’m curious about, 1. Do you find it easier to find help and support with the army compared to the marines, and 2 what advice could you give. I just got eye surgery done to correct my vision so I can’t do another flt physical for another 3 months. But Im continuing to work on my packet and have a few CW4s lined up that said they would give me LORs they just want to see that I pass a flt physical first.

Dammit Mikey you stud.

How old are you? I turned 31 this year, got my two year degree, and landed a Jr. Level tech job last year but it’s not quite what I expected. I went through MEPS for Marine Corps back in 2010 for 0311, however I was disqualified due to making up two high school classes via online for summer school (the irony to modern day learning). I like to think I’m less naive now and know more of what I want in life: having and understanding a purpose in my day to day, to do something exciting, to experience the world, to be able to support myself and family, to be proud of what I do, having the ability and training to assist others that are in need

Hey, so I just graduated college with an aviation degree (pro pilot). I have commercial multi license and am a cfi. At first my plan was airlines but always had a passion for military aviation. I paid for all of my training from student loans so I know this isn’t the typical route to military, but essentially I want to only fly in the military, I don’t really want to get stuck doing something else because I already went through all this training when I could’ve just went to the airlines. Do you think this is a good idea? I know the marines have a pilot contract you can get before ocs.

Went through TBS in 2009. Not sure if anything has changed, but no one gets Aviation out of TBS. Those guys had aviation contracts when they left the OSO or graduated the Naval Academy with an aviation seat.

In 2004, there was an opportunity to enter the Corps with an aviation contract as an officer. I dont know about 2022😂😂

@Merrittorius I'm prior enlisted, 29 (need age waiver) just graduated college with a good GPA in an aviation degree, high scores on ASVAB and ASTB and Marines wont even apply me to a selection board because I'm 29. Said they have too many fully qualified un-waivered applicants (I get it). I talked to two national guard recruiters and they both told me I have to enlist first before I can go on a board for pilot. I'm not enlisting again or falling for that trap. My question is, how did you get selected for pilot? Were you still actively enlisted when you applied?

Is it possible to lat move to aircrew? I plan on doing so since I don’t like being in aviation admin at all plus they’re getting rid of my mos in a couple years.

Im working with a recruiter for joining to become a pilot. He told me I only need the ASVAB, but doing research I found the ASTB is necessary? Can someone give me more information?

Swing with the wing!!😉

Greg Pappy Boyington, Ted Williams and Frank Petersen etc is Why I Wish I became a Fighter Pilot in USMC. Maybe Next Life Time. Semper-Fi, Guys.

35yo here Air Force OTS Candidate, recruiter told me if I do make it and I don’t get the call sign “Waiver” then someone in trouble 😂 This was a year ago, how’s everything been??

I turned down a navy OCS pilot slot last December. Now in the process of applying to marines as a pilot, recruiter thinks I have a great chance. Now I’m starting to get the uncertainty feeling again. A lot of people online give me that usually line of “if you turned it down get out because someone else would give both nuts for your slot”. I think it’s a load of crap. I’m a little worried about the marine first thing. I love trying hard and enduring shitty situations (distance runner, surfer, backpacker etc…) am I getting in my head? I really want to fly jets but I’m so scared to sign up for a 10 year commitment and take a pay/freedom (of daily activities, leave, living location, etc…) cut. Any advice? I am a pretty indecisive person in general, but I also try hard and apply myself fully to once I’m committed to it. My big question is should I try to join again ( I am certain I will get accepted) so I’m more worried about just commuting to it. A little more background: I’m a GS engineer for a branch of the DoD, have a pretty cool job. Lots of time off, good travel for work (around the world), good working group, make $115k and live in a nice area. I’ve wanted to fly jets my whole life. But I’m terrified to commit to it .

I am a HUGE fan of the CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter can you tell me what it was like flying a Giant Helicopter?

What is the age limit for prior service members that want to go for National Guard warrant officer helicopter pilot program? I'm 40, could I get a waiver?

First and foremost, every Marine is a rifleman. I signed up for Officer PLC program in 1978 and was an "Air Guarantee" candidate (MOS 9998 If I remember) I wanted to fly the AV/8B Harrier. I had 2 flight physicals prior to OCS, one at NAS Willow Grove PA and at Norfolk VA. Passed with 20/15 vision. I get through OCS and at TBS initial physical come up with 20/25 in my right eye. No Harrier for me, then they say you can be a GIB (Guy in the Back) Weapons Officer. Additional note on physical says I have a heart murmur. So I don't get to fly. Half of my TBS class of 235 was '"Air Guarantee". Only 2 Dr's have picked up the murmur my entire life. On my "dream sheet" I list first preference, Infantry. (Yeah, I'm Trans, get over it) I served at the illustrious 1/9 A Co "Walking Dead" then 1st and 4th Recon Bn's. Instead of flying them I was jumping out of them. As long as it's the Marine Breed, you're ok!

hey man, im 20 years old with no former military experience. my dream has always been to fly and its awesome that the army has made it possible for civis. but my question is, how can a young guy like me set up competitive packet vs guys who have been in, guys with outstanding letters of recommendation, etc. how do i compete?

currently trying to comission to be a usmc pilot. officer recuiters say that I can get an aviation contract before even going to ocs. if I can that'd be nice, if they are full of it then that's fine too because i'd still be a marine. have had many people, ex military included, tell me if I want to be a pilot I should go navy or air force, and I do want to be a pilot but i'd rather be a marine on the ground than a pilot if I could only choose one

Can is it possible for someone in one branch to transition to another branch after they complete their contract (for example navy>marines)

I was in the air wing in the marine corps hated every second of it now im transfering to the army and going rangers or SF

Hey so I’m deployed right now with an osprey unit, when I get back I’ll be coming up in my two year mark, I’ve always wanted to be aircrew and I was wondering what lat moving into this field is like or if it’s even a good idea? Thank you great video

If you want fly, fly, and fly, then become a Warrant Officer in the Army.

Sir, are you make it to WOCS yet?

“needs of the Marine Corps” lol, aint that the truth. I enlisted open contract Nov 2002 hoping and even assuming I would get infantry, ended up AV8B avionics. Coolest fuckin job, got to see and do cool shit, work on flight decks which is a thrill I have yet to experience outside the Marine Corps, be right under a Harrier in a hover out at Bogue, got to see ordnance drop and what that feels like in your chest out at Yuma, AND that MOS is a 5 year contract (long ass schools), I got it with a 4 yr contract. Needs of the Marine Corps aint always bad for you, great video, Semper Fi

Heyyyyy I see a VMM-365 patch. Das me ☺️

Will it make a difference if I have prior flying experience and licenses?

My dad, VMFA-212 out of Kaneohe and Okinawa told me as a kid, "a Marine is a Marine first, then they let me fly F-4s". I hope this hasn't ended. (Also, he said seeing the C-130 successor to the Spooky left him awe. "I'd rather drop bombs or shoot that M

Get an air contract before going to OCS. Don’t compete for one at TBS.

So if you wanna fly the marines should be your last option.

Oh, the places you go……..29 Stumps………..🤣

I remember what Top told me just before a deployment when my wife was pregnant. "Son, you a Marine First and a daddy second...go pack your trash."

I just started Rucker. You there?

Is helicopter crew officer or enlisted?

Hello sir. Can you help me how to make a complaint in one of your comrade in US Marines if he is one. I can't find any help overseas. Scamming me to send him money. Hope you can read my message even if this is out of topic in your video. Have a blessed day

I flew with Marine CH-46 pilots as a contractor in Afghanistan. The State Department procured about 10 CH-46's and we needed pilots, keep in mind that these are former Marine aviators. Those guys were the absolute worst, whinny, back stabbing, complaining, morons for the most part. I haven't seen so much drama outside of the TV show, Housewives. Me and all the other former Army pilots hated dealing with those clowns. Now all of the crew dogs were outstanding, but the pilots made Biden look like a genius.

Ok fight indoctrination IS NOT GRUELING. You better pay attention and apply yourself, but grueling? Naw All other points, spot on.

Rah f-18 pilot

Some folk have dillusions of grandure. Becoming a pilot is not easy. If you struggled with AP Math and the Science, you will really struggle with ground school.

I just got my new Barrett .50 cal sniper rifle and can't wait to take down something good tonight..I don't think that one of them C-130's can dodge a .50 BMG now can it..especially if you like lead the target..I'm sorry I just kidding guys I kind of have a sick sense of humor..

What about attaching JATO rockets to a single engined Cessna or one of those twin engined drug dealing planes to get maximum altitude quick.