wondering...

[Rdy2gopoolie]

Is it possible to go from enlisted E-2 to being a pilot in a career's time?

[awb5711]

Absolutely!!! I know plenty of pilots who are Mustangs. You have to get a Bachelors Degree though before you can even apply. Look at MECEP (Marine Enlisted Commissioning Program) when you get to the fleet.

[Rdy2gopoolie]

Excellent. Are there other programs for that? Whats the differences? What rank must you be to be a pilot and how long(short and long) would you think it would take to get that? Are any of them on this site? Thanks.

[dscusmc]

Lt. Gen Hailston was the commanding general when I was in Okinawa. Read it. I think he's retired now, but he is a great leader. Below, I attached part of his bio from the General's Biographies at www.usmc.mil.

General Hailston enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1967. Following graduation from boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division for duty as an infantry rifleman. He received his commission in 1968 through the Enlisted Commissioning Program.

Upon completing The Basic School, he was assigned to the Fifth Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California, where he served as a rifle platoon commander with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines. In July 1969, he was transferred to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam.

In January 1971, he reported to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing where he served as the aide-de-camp to the Assistant Wing Commander. In January 1972, he reported to Pensacola, Florida, for flight training.

Captain Hailston received his wings in June 1973 and returned to Cherry Point for training in the F-4. He then reported to VMFA-312, MAG-14 as the squadron S-1. The squadron relocated to MAG-31, Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, South Carolina, in July 1974.

General Hailston's personal decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal (DDSM), the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with Combat "V", the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

[Rdy2gopoolie]

That makes me happy. My recruiter was like "meh yea it is possible" but sounded like it was impossible to do. I cant wait!!

[chrisnica]

I might be late writting this but, you'll have to be at least a 2nd Lt. and there are at least 4 programs that you can do to get your commission. I'm looking to get commissioned also, but not right away. I want MSG first, and they take no one above gunny.

[Rdy2gopoolie]

Ok. Your not late :)

[dscusmc]

At OCS, we had at least 6 or 7 prior enlisted Marines that were either Reservists or Cpl's and Sgt's that left active duty to finish their degree. At college, they applied for the Platoon Leader's Course (PLC). They were all accepted for air contracts. I think every single one of them wanted to fly F/A-18's, except for one Sgt that wanted Cobras. Like awb said, MECEP is a good program too.

I'm not sure how your Recruiter made it sound almost impossible. All the recruiters I've ever met are straight shooters, so I'm sure he was being realistic. It is definately a challenge. Good luck!

[G G Y]

Anybody remember the " Flying Sergents"?:qmark::qmark:

[AmyG]

There's also a program called BOOST which is a prep program for college. Then there's MECEP which you've already been told about. Also, if you do BOOST, and are still young enough, you can apply to Marine Option ROTC and/or the Naval Academy. I'm thinking of becoming an officer as well, and these are the routes I plan to apply to.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

All this being said, I don't want to overlook the fact that you cannot just be promoted up the ranks to Lt. You have to be accepted to OCS, and then you can become an officer.

[Rdy2gopoolie]

It def. will be a challenge. I wouldve loved to go to the Naval Acadamy or ROTC but my grades in highschool are not so good. My recruiter made it seem like there wouldnt be enough time in the span of a career to go from E-1 to pilot. Thanks for the info i really appreciate it and will look into it more.

[AmyG]

Grades are a big deal. Try taking some classes or correspondence stuff, and bring your grades up. Pilots geerally have really good grades, i believe

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

my grades in highschool are not so good.

I hope you understand that this will be a problem for you even after you enlist in the Marine Corps. You will have to be accepted into a commissioning program, and grades play a part in that decision. Then you will have to apply yourself in college because they aren't going to allow you to become an officer with poor grades, especially one that is going to fly something. Then there is the matter of OCS, TBS, and flight training. These won't be the easiest things in the world either, especially learning to fly. You are dealing with advanced mathmatics, physics, and other difficult concepts.

I would suggest beginning to apply yourself now, and taking any college courses you can before you enlist. You will have to have several college hours with good grades before you will be accepted into one of the commissioning programs when you have a shaky educational background.

[Rdy2gopoolie]

I understand. I always found myself concentrating on other stuff that interested me so i would never do homework. Ive been on the honor roll like twice so i know i CAN do it. I just havent. But when i enlisted in december i got my act together and am pulling honor roll with eight classes a day. I know i CAN do it. and im GOING to do it. I was just worried that it was not possible to do.