Need some desperate help! Please!

[lagrand]

Hello Marines,

Long story short. I WAS supposed to be leaving for MCRD PI on the 14th of July. Because of processing issues, I am no longer doing so. My recruiter has told me it may be October until I ship. My long term goal was to become a pilot. I was joining the Marine Reserves and going to go to school to get my bachelor's then go to OCS/PLC. It has come to my attention that the Army offers Warrant Officer Candidate School and a program called "High School to Flight School" where WOs can go to flight training and become pilots. Any suggestions as to what I should do? If they had this sort of program in the Marine Corps, my decision would be a whole lot easier, but they don't. I know everyone on this site is upfront and straight and that's exactly what I am looking for. I wouldn't be "wussing out", just following my dream. And I also understand my recruiter for the Marine Corps has put in a lot of hard work for me. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you and God bless.

[jrhd97]

If you go the Army route you will only fly whirrley birds. The Marines will not only make you a man, not all you think you can be, and possibly .... if you're good enough .... fly fast movers.

[lagrand]

My goal and dream is to be a pilot, whether I fly choppers or birds. Do you blame me for wanting to achieve my dream by going to the Army? And that's an honest question.

[jrhd97]

No I don't blame you for chasing your dream. Is there a reason you can't chase your dream as a Marine? It will just take longer from the sounds of it.
Look, you go Army you will second guess and wonder "what if .... ?" YOU will be one of those guys who tells Marines " I almost joined the Marines " Don't be that guy.

[ecfree]

Hello Marines,

Long story short. I WAS supposed to be leaving for MCRD PI on the 14th of July. Because of processing issues, I am no longer doing so. My recruiter has told me it may be October until I ship. My long term goal was to become a pilot. I was joining the Marine Reserves and going to go to school to get my bachelor's then go to OCS/PLC. It has come to my attention that the Army offers Warrant Officer Candidate School and a program called "High School to Flight School" where WOs can go to flight training and become pilots. Any suggestions as to what I should do? If they had this sort of program in the Marine Corps, my decision would be a whole lot easier, but they don't. I know everyone on this site is upfront and straight and that's exactly what I am looking for. I wouldn't be "wussing out", just following my dream. And I also understand my recruiter for the Marine Corps has put in a lot of hard work for me. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you and God bless.
Hey kid,what's your dream ?
Marine Corps Air Wing or army wo.
Eather stick with your original objective,or simply,get the hell out.It's not that big of a decision,but it's your's and yours alone......:evilgrin:

[lagrand]

No, Corporal, there is no specific reason why I can't chase my dream as a Marine. But, after debating it in my head I'm thinking "I can be a pilot now in the Army/Guard, and then Commission as an officer in the Marine Corps".

[Big Jim]

No, Corporal, there is no specific reason why I can't chase my dream as a Marine. But, after debating it in my head I'm thinking "I can be a pilot now in the Army/Guard, and then Commission as an officer in the Marine Corps".


IF YOU HAVE TO QUESTION US WHETHER YOU SHOULD GO TO THE ARMY INSTEAD OF MY BELOVED CORPS...YOU DON'T WANT HELP...YOU WANT SOMEONE TO GIVE A YOU A REASON WHY YOU SHOULD STAY WITH THE CORPS...HERE'S WHAT I SAY...

GO ARMY!!

[lagrand]

Private First Class ecfree, My dream is to be a pilot. There is no doubt about that. BUT, I was going to be a Marine Tank Crewmember. Why be a tank crewmember in the reserves when I can be an Apache pilot in the reserves?

[lagrand]

Sergeant, I understand. But like I asked Corporal jrhd97, do you blame me for chasing my dream? Of course I haven't made up a decision but I appreciate the input from all of you. God bless.

[lagrand]

And one more thing to PFC ecfree, I would still like to be an Air winger in the Corps. That's what I would like to end up doing. But until that time arrives and I have a bachelor's, I am trying to make a decision on what to do.

[Big Jim]

Sergeant, I understand. But like I asked Corporal jrhd97, do you blame me for chasing my dream? Of course I haven't made up a decision but I appreciate the input from all of you. God bless.

ITS NOT THAT I BLAME YOU FOR YOU MAKING A DECISION...ITS THAT I BLAME FOR NOT MAKING A DECISION...AND ASKING MARINES WHETHER OR NOT YOU SHOULD GO ARMY...THE MARINE CORPS ISN'T FOR EVERYBODY, THATS FOR SURE...BUT DON'T ASK ME WHAT I THINK YOU SHOULD DO BECAUSE YOU'LL GET "STAY MARINE" FROM ME ALL FRIKKIN DAY...!!!

[ecfree]

Private First Class ecfree, My dream is to be a pilot. There is no doubt about that. BUT, I was going to be a Marine Tank Crewmember. Why be a tank crewmember in the reserves when I can be an Apache pilot in the reserves?


Son I think you need to clear up that mental malfunction that's occuring top side.
My tow cents......Go "CORPS" and drop army,Be a Marine, be a Man....:evilgrin:

[lagrand]

Thank you Sergeant and thank you Private First Class ecfree. Feedback much appreciated. God bless you both.

[JDHERNANDEZ]

well holy sh*t retarted question on the loose heres your answer Army= $ right and =dream? right? am i right? ok ok here we go Marines = the same ...... whats your asvab score you know get a good enough one you can get in the wong i had a friend do that its alot of hard work but guess what waht isnt dang might as well go to the best instead of the rest devil pup only a few months down the road gives you more time to prepare physically damn if i had that asvab score i would do alot more in the Marine Corps than what i am now but i love my job helping convoys every Marine here is going to tell you......... GO MARINES but s**t if your going to act like a *ussy then dont join my beloved Corps go ARMY strong thats what i think wether you like it or not

[lagrand]

ASVAB = 90. What is wong?

[lagrand]

And Private First Class Hernandez, It's has nothing to do with being a p****. It is about achieving a dream. My apologies if it seemed as though I was P****ing out.

[JDHERNANDEZ]

* wing

[Phantom Blooper]

What is wong?


Sounds Chinese to me......I tink you made mistakey!:evilgrin:

[lagrand]

Oh ok gotcha.

[Phantom Blooper]

lagrand,coming into a Marine Corps site and asking what to do about going into the Marines or going into the Army is a no brainier. It's your dilema...and ultimately your decision.....but all the Marines will tell you to go Marine.

What is the guarantee that you will not wash out of the Army flight program and be a ground pounder? Not to say that you will....but sometimes grass is greener over the septic tank and as the saying goes...."Good things happen to those who wait!"

Explain a little bit more of the processing issues.:evilgrin:

[darkgreen0311]

I guess the Army is a good branch but i wouldn't know, but i do know this...... they're not us. It's just something about hearing someone call you a Marine.



:marine: Semper Fi 4 Life
Yours is not to question why but to do or die!!!

[lagrand]

Staff Sergeant, I came here because even though I am not part of your brotherhood, I feel as though I am surrounded by brothers who would do anything to help me or any other person.

And you're right. Who's to say I won't wash out? But who's to say I won't die in a car accident tomorrow afternoon? I have two dreams. I can do both, but which one should I do first? Marines then Pilot or Pilot then Marines. Part of me wants to be a pilot first so that I get that experience and then if I realize it's not my thing then I didn't waste my commission on being a pilot. Once I actually get a commission through the Marine Corps, I can make an ultimate decision. Once again, I appreciate you guys' help.

[JJA1990]

I would say unless you are 100% committed to joining the USMC, don't join.

Thats my humble opinion.

[lagrand]

Understood.

[sec9]

Lagrand,

I know far less than what the Marines on here know, however I will offer my two cents on the side. From what I have read it seems you are torn between becoming a Marine and or a pilot, but your dream is to be a pilot. Well, its simple. Is your dream to be a Pilot, or is it to be a Marine? The way I see it becoming a Marine should come first, and if deep down you know that it really comes second to becoming a pilot then go Army. However, if becoming a Marine means a lot to you then focus on that goal, because if it does mean something to you and yet you decide not to do it then your gonna regret it for a long time. Guess it comes down to what you want more, the job, or the title United States Marine. If you want both then go for the title first.

[lagrand]

Much appreciated sec9.

[NicholasITALY]

Hello Marines,

Long story short. I WAS supposed to be leaving for MCRD PI on the 14th of July. Because of processing issues, I am no longer doing so. My recruiter has told me it may be October until I ship. My long term goal was to become a pilot. I was joining the Marine Reserves and going to go to school to get my bachelor's then go to OCS/PLC. It has come to my attention that the Army offers Warrant Officer Candidate School and a program called "High School to Flight School" where WOs can go to flight training and become pilots. Any suggestions as to what I should do? If they had this sort of program in the Marine Corps, my decision would be a whole lot easier, but they don't. I know everyone on this site is upfront and straight and that's exactly what I am looking for. I wouldn't be "wussing out", just following my dream. And I also understand my recruiter for the Marine Corps has put in a lot of hard work for me. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you and God bless.

If you have this friking question, ARMY OR MARINES, just like Big Jim said GO ARMY.
If you want to join the Marines you must be motivated, committed 200%, If you don't know what you want to do, DO NOT JOIN THE MARINES. The Marine Corps need highly motivated people.

Your dream is to become a pilot. Not a US Marine.

[jrhd97]

Lagrand,
Before deciding if you are going to go the Army route, then try to move to the Marines you need to talk with the appropriate recruiters to see how difficult it is to move, what are the requirements, what training is required, what rank do you keep, what schools will you have to attend, etc.... .
My advice is go the Marine route first, it may take longer, but it will enter you into an elite brotherhood you will not find in the Army. It is an accomplishment like no other. Sometimes the best, most rewarding things in ones life are those they are willing to wait for. Don't be impatient, have patience and wait it out. It seems being a pilot and a Marine are BOTH your dreams. Pursue both .
Good Luck

[SlaveToTheCorps]

I’m going to throw in my 2 cents & please keep in mind I’m not a Marine…but I do have an opinion on the subject & how I see it…

Look, man…being a Marine is so much more than wearing a uniform or doing whatever MOS you choose…It’s about a pride you have in yourself, the pride in the men and women who stand beside you, and those you paved the way to give you the freedoms you have. The Marines aren’t about the money, the enlistment bonuses or even just the MOS…it’s about snapping to attention & being able to handle anything that comes your way. The things you learn from the Marine Corps is much deeper than, in your case, how to fly…it’s about working your way & earning the right to fly. You earn everything you get & if you’re not willing to work from the bottom-up, than maybe the Marines isn’t what you should go for. I know for myself, my dream is to be a Marine & I haven’t stopped yet…it’s something you feel inside you, it’s a feeling you are ‘destined’ to do…I would say if you don’t have that undying love for it, maybe another branch would be better to get where you want to be. You said your dream is to be a pilot, until you know your dream is to be a Marine I personally think you should consider any other options. When I was in high school & the recruiters would be around the school, there wasn’t another branch I would even consider, because they were all sub par in comparison to the USMC. So, I think you need to consider whether you’re joining strictly for the MOS or for the title of Marine, because both reasons are very different & keep in mind NO MOS IS GUARENTEED…

Again, I’m not a Marine…but I just wanted to put my opinion out there…

[sscjoe]

Well said Vanessa

[Old Marine]

WHAT PROCESSING ISSUES. Explain this and maybe the Marines on this thread can answer your request. Aparently these issues apply to you so you should answer them and take responsibility for the issues.

[yellowwing]

WHAT PROCESSING ISSUES. Excellent question, Legrand!

[RedSox0989]

I was lookin into this program also...went all the way through most of it. I took my asvab and physical with the army, my flight physical and the AFAST. Passed everything and submitted my WO packet. I had everything I needed. I had 22 credit hours, a 94 on the ASVAB and I already have a civilian private helo license. But, after thinking about it and taking to an airforce and Navy pilot (not exactly friends of usmc) told me the same thing. Army, you will only be a pilot. Thats it, you'll never progress to anything much higher. Sure, there are a few execptions, WO in the pentagon and stuff, but the average WO army pilot will never be more than that. The Marine Corps makes you an officer first (the basic school) and you can go as high as you want. You could end up a Lt. Col. one day, but not if you go Army first. You think your commanders are going to respect your choice to do Army first because it was a short cut? You will definately fly quicker in the Army, but you'll be a beeter pilot if you go the mustang route. I have a helo license, I ship out July 28th for mcrd pi and I'm going 60/61/62 series, aviation mech. The question to ask yourself is do you want to be a pilot quicker but get shotty training and not have a firm knowledge base? Or do you want to full understand the mechanical side of the machine your flying, so, god forbid, you might actually have to help a crew chief do a field repair someday. Plus, your crew in the Army will not have a "do or die" attitude when it comes to fixing and maintaining your bird. Don't look for short cuts and don't sell yourself short.

[RedSox0989]

ps- anyone can make you a pilot, type "flight school" into Google and you get 7,770,000 hits. There are many ways of becoming a pilot, through military or through college (University of North Dakota, Embry-Riddle or Utah Valley State both offer professional pilot as a bachelor degree) or a civilian light school, which would be faster than anything. I went to Aquilia Aviation and got my private license in 3 months. There are many roads to becomming a pilot, only one way to become a Marine. And if you are worried about "wasting your commission", take a flight intro at a flight school. $105 and you take a mini ground session and a mini flight lesson. Gives you a taste of what your in for should you choose to fly.

[Big Jim]

I’m going to throw in my 2 cents & please keep in mind I’m not a Marine…but I do have an opinion on the subject & how I see it…

Look, man…being a Marine is so much more than wearing a uniform or doing whatever MOS you choose…It’s about a pride you have in yourself, the pride in the men and women who stand beside you, and those you paved the way to give you the freedoms you have. The Marines aren’t about the money, the enlistment bonuses or even just the MOS…it’s about snapping to attention & being able to handle anything that comes your way. The things you learn from the Marine Corps is much deeper than, in your case, how to fly…it’s about working your way & earning the right to fly. You earn everything you get & if you’re not willing to work from the bottom-up, than maybe the Marines isn’t what you should go for. I know for myself, my dream is to be a Marine & I haven’t stopped yet…it’s something you feel inside you, it’s a feeling you are ‘destined’ to do…I would say if you don’t have that undying love for it, maybe another branch would be better to get where you want to be. You said your dream is to be a pilot, until you know your dream is to be a Marine I personally think you should consider any other options. When I was in high school & the recruiters would be around the school, there wasn’t another branch I would even consider, because they were all sub par in comparison to the USMC. So, I think you need to consider whether you’re joining strictly for the MOS or for the title of Marine, because both reasons are very different & keep in mind NO MOS IS GUARENTEED…

Again, I’m not a Marine…but I just wanted to put my opinion out there…

VERY WELL PUT VANESSA, MY GIRL...YOU SEE, LAGRAND...?!?! THIS WAS FROM A GIRL WHO KNOWS WHAT IT MEANS AND WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A MARINE...THIS GIRL WAS INJURED, PERMANENTLY, DURING BOOTCAMP AND IS STILL FIGHTING TO BECOME A MARINE AND NOT TAKING NO FOR AN ANSWER TO ACHIEVE HER LIFELONG DREAM AND YOU COULD REALLY TAKE A LESSON FROM HER...SHE'S GOT MORE HEART AND FORTITUDE THAN I THINK ANY OF US REALLY KNOW...AND THATS WHAT YOU NEED LAGRAND...BAD...

[Backblast]

Hmm...I am suspicious of processing issues. A processing issue could be "I got arrested," or "I failed my pee test." Those are some common processing issues. Tell us what happened in "Potato Head" language so we can advise you.

[jetdoc]

Lag, your dream is to be an aviator, correct? WO's in the Army are a dime a dozen, they are redheaded step-children...not a real officer, nor enlisted. Its not a bad gig at all, and nothing to be ashamed of....we'll except is the Army, lol.

I"d personally do your USMC Reserve deal, go PLC, and fulfill all of your dreams, an Aviator, fixed winged, and most importantly, a U.S Marine Aviator.

We have a good amount of folks here doing the OCS/PLC and even USNA, do a search.

[Old Marine]

I was lookin into this program also...went all the way through most of it. I took my asvab and physical with the army, my flight physical and the AFAST. Passed everything and submitted my WO packet. I had everything I needed. I had 22 credit hours, a 94 on the ASVAB and I already have a civilian private helo license. But, after thinking about it and taking to an airforce and Navy pilot (not exactly friends of usmc) told me the same thing. Army, you will only be a pilot. Thats it, you'll never progress to anything much higher. Sure, there are a few execptions, WO in the pentagon and stuff, but the average WO army pilot will never be more than that. The Marine Corps makes you an officer first (the basic school) and you can go as high as you want. You could end up a Lt. Col. one day, but not if you go Army first. You think your commanders are going to respect your choice to do Army first because it was a short cut? You will definately fly quicker in the Army, but you'll be a beeter pilot if you go the mustang route. I have a helo license, I ship out July 28th for mcrd pi and I'm going 60/61/62 series, aviation mech. The question to ask yourself is do you want to be a pilot quicker but get shotty training and not have a firm knowledge base? Or do you want to full understand the mechanical side of the machine your flying, so, god forbid, you might actually have to help a crew chief do a field repair someday. Plus, your crew in the Army will not have a "do or die" attitude when it comes to fixing and maintaining your bird. Don't look for short cuts and don't sell yourself short.

You forgot one thing. The Marine Corps is always at the bottom of the pecking pole when it comes to budget money. Who's on top of the pecking pole? The Army..... Marines who repair our aircraft have to use a lot of bailing wire.Take your pick, Bailing wire or actual repair parts.

[Tom88]

I'm also not a Marine, just another poolee throwing in a few words. However, I had somewhat of a similar experience. To be honest, I was talking to Army recruiters before anyone else, mostly because my dad was an officer in the Army (good thing he, and my grandmother, reminded me my grandfather was a Marine and proud of it 'til the day he died). Unfortunately, I don't think what they (army side) offer you can even begin to compare. The intangibles that make the Marines a cut above the rest are absolutely priceless in my opinion and would benefit anybody a great deal more than being able to say "oh, well, at least I got to be a pilot in a few months instead of a year.." or whatever the case may be. It's really just that, you have to be able to look past the immediate sense of gratification and understand that you'll just be a better and probably harder working person, overall, for earning the title of United States Marine.

And maybe I misinterpreted your original statements, but it sounded like you were considering being a pilot in the army and then joining the Marines? From what I've heard, the Marines are the only branch of the military where their recruit training crosses over to any other branch. If you go army and then try to become a Marine you'll have to go to boot camp all over again just to prove yourself. Wouldn't that suck? Even if that isn't the rule, I'd still rather be trained as a Marine in boot camp than go BCT or anything else. I mean... you'll probably go to war at some point, right? I'd much rather be out there knowing everyone around me has been trained and pushed far beyond the standards of all the other branches.

And even if the army's offering you a better career opportunity from the get go, like I said before the intangibles you would gain from joining the Corps. would definitely benefit any long term goals you might have in a much greater capacity. I've talked to dozens of soldiers and recruiters and none of them have the confidence or tenacity that Marines do.

I don't know. Just think about what would really help you. What's really gonna fulfill your life and enrich everything else you take on in the future.

[Old Marine]

Legrand:

Since you have not answered the question concerning the "Processing Issues", I will assume that you are now Army.

[Gary Hall]

Hello Marines,

Long story short. I WAS supposed to be leaving for MCRD PI on the 14th of July. Because of processing issues, I am no longer doing so. My recruiter has told me it may be October until I ship. My long term goal was to become a pilot. I was joining the Marine Reserves and going to go to school to get my bachelor's then go to OCS/PLC. It has come to my attention that the Army offers Warrant Officer Candidate School and a program called "High School to Flight School" where WOs can go to flight training and become pilots. Any suggestions as to what I should do? If they had this sort of program in the Marine Corps, my decision would be a whole lot easier, but they don't. I know everyone on this site is upfront and straight and that's exactly what I am looking for. I wouldn't be "wussing out", just following my dream. And I also understand my recruiter for the Marine Corps has put in a lot of hard work for me. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you and God bless.


If I may speak plainly & not intending to be insulting (although a little insulting is occasionally good for the mindset), as long as you're trying to hitch hike both sides of the road, you are going nowhere. And if you are eat up with PRIDE (piloting is better than tank driving, etc?), there's no end to it. Gary Hall, U S Hog Farmer, Oilfield Trash and 5 year PFC. (I got over PRIDE a long time ago, but don't think there's no other determining committment.)

[SGT-JOHN-ADDY]

My Self I Completely Agree With Vanessa. You Are Always Gonna Have Issues Coming Your Way In Life. Being A Marine You Will Know You Can Complete Anything That Comes You Way. Myself No Way In H*ll Would I Ever Go Army. I Had A Army Recruitor Ask Me About Going Reserve And I Told Him H*ll No If I Went Back In I Would Stay With My Brothers An Sisters That I Was With Before.

I Have Been Out For 2 Years 5 Months An Almost 3 Weeks...but Who Is Counting......lol....and I Miss It So Bad, But What I'm Doing Now Is The Only Thing That Is Stopping Me From Going Back In. What I'm Doing Now If I Wouldn't Of Been In The Marine Corps. I Don't Think I Could Do It. The Marine Corps Gave Me The Pride An The Courage To Take On Anything. Alot Of Marines In Here Knows That I Have Been Thru And I Owe It To The Marine Corps And My Brothers An Sisters On Here For Helping Me Get Thru What I Have Been Thru.

If U Want To Know What I'm Doing I'll Tell You......i'm A Single Father Of 2 Little Girls Age 4 An 6......that Right There Is A Full Time Job By Itself. I Work For Time ( Which I Have To Be Up At 5 Have My Kids Up At 530 And Have Them At Daycare By 6 Am An Then Drive Over An Hour To Work, Get Off At 430 Drive Over An Hour An Half Home To Get Them By 6 Pm Go Home Fix Dinner Play With My Girls Bath Time An Then Off To Bed ) After All That Is Done I Have Home Work Myself For College.........

Now I Don't Think I Could Do All That If The Marine Corps Wouldn't Of Gave Me The Courage To Take On Anything.

Just My Thought

[jrhd97]

I'm with Sgt. Addy. The old lady walked on me and the kids. Raising a 9 and 6 year old by your self and working a full time job requires a high degree of discipline and intestinal fortitude that I know I didn't have before being a Marine. It's been 11 years since my discharge and what those 3 not so loving :bunny: Drill Instructors hammered these and many other values into my mush filled brain.

[Nate catlett]

A dream is a dream no matter where you achieve it, but if your like me and becoming a Marine is also a dream theres only one place to achieve that dream and thats the Marine Corps. If you have already set your mind on joining the Marine Corps what is a few more months going to hurt. Study up, train hard and get ready for october.