Infantry & Pilot

[csteven413]

At the moment now I'm in the process of getting my paper work processed maybe by Jan I could ship. I want to do infantry but I want something more out of that and was thinking of applying for Scout Sniper.

I also want the opportunity to become a pilot in the marine corp Marine Corps. I have done research about it and I know that I have to become an officer first. I also found out I can go to a college First then do it. But I figure Join the Corp Corps go infantry (while I'm doing my duty) get the proper college necessity to become a officer and once my infantry duty is over go to the process of officer and being a pilot.

Question is can this be done if I decided to do infantry and try to be a SS?

I also turn 21 next month if that means anything.

little off topic but.. when you go to college, can you acquire a bachelors degree from a accredited institution?

Thanks for the help.

[csteven413]

*when you go to college in the Marine Corps is what i meant ask.

[josephd]

yes becoming a sniper from infantry is a possibility, you better be a PT stud and be a stellar Marine.

yes, a college degree you get while in the Marine Corps is accredited. You pick where you go whether it be online, something offered on base, or at a local school.

Let me say this, you will NOT have the time to complete a degree while serving in the Corps. Especially being infantry. You may get lucky and complete a semester or two, you'll have to finish school somewhere after you get out.

Don't overwhelm yourself with what you want out of the Corps. How about you enlist, get through boot camp, and spend a year in the fleet before you make plans of being the next Commandant.

[Tennessee Top]

You're jumping the gun big time here and may want to take it one step at a time. You're not even a poolee yet and don't have an infantry contract; they're nearly impossible to come by these days (as evidenced by the many wannabes who come on here saying they can't get one or are waiting for one and keeping their fingers crossed).

You haven't even started college yet and won't be able to start till after you hit the fleet well after your 21st birthday. At 22, you are not going to complete a bachelor's degree going to school part time (IF that often depending on your deployment status), get commissioned, graduate OCS and TBS, and still be young enough to make it to flight school as a naval aviator (IF you even qualify). I would also like to know if any USMC aviators are former grunts (doubt their bodies could take the punishment and still pass a flight physical; most grunts have back/knee problems from the loads they constanly hump).


I applaud your self confidence and lofty goals but you need a healthy dose of reality. Like josephd said; earn the title FIRST, make it through MCT/SOI, spend some time in the fleet, THEN you'll have a more realistic basis to realign your military goals. Does it even enter into your mind you may discover the USMC is not what you expected and decide to get out (most Marines don't reenlist you know)?

And...learn how to spell Marine Corps. If you aspire to join an outfit, the least you can do is know how to spell it correctly. Geez...

[csteven413]

You're jumping the gun big time here and may want to take it one step at a time. You're not even a poolee yet and don't have an infantry contract; they're nearly impossible to come by these days (as evidenced by the many wannabes who come on here saying they can't get one or are waiting for one and keeping their fingers crossed).

You haven't even started college yet and won't be able to start till after you hit the fleet well after your 21st birthday. At 22, you are not going to complete a bachelor's degree going to school part time (IF that often depending on your deployment status), get commissioned, graduate OCS and TBS, and still be young enough to make it to flight school as a naval aviator (IF you even qualify). I would also like to know if any USMC aviators are former grunts (doubt their bodies could take the punishment and still pass a flight physical; most grunts have back/knee problems from the loads they constanly hump).


I applaud your self confidence and lofty goals but you need a healthy dose of reality. Like josephd said; earn the title FIRST, make it through MCT/SOI, spend some time in the fleet, THEN you'll have a more realistic basis to realign your military goals. Does it even enter into your mind you may discover the USMC is not what you expected and decide to get out (most Marines don't reenlist you know)?

And...learn how to spell Marine Corps. If you aspire to join an outfit, the least you can do is know how to spell it correctly. Geez...

I do see your point. And really do appreciate the info your dropping. Making me see things a little clearer and that's the reason why I wanted to come here and ask for advice. It seems I have 2 Routes I can choose but can't take both. Which brings me to another question. If I did want to just take the route to become a pilot and not infantry, which MOS would be beneficial to become a pilot while I gather the things I need to become an officer? And going to college 'now' getting a degree then joining isn't going to happen.



Oh and my mistake on spelling Marine Corps wrong, I did write this on my phone during work while trying not to get caught. But i will keep a note of that.

[Lisa 23]

If you plan on becoming an Officer in the Marine Corps, try doing some research first......


The process of becoming a Marine pilot is arduous and competitive. Here are some of the hurdles prospective pilots have to clear:

Becoming a Marine Corps Pilot
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/marinejoin/ss/usmcpilot.htm


This thread is 2 years old, but has some good info posted.....
Becoming a pilot for the Marine Corps?
http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?103577-Becoming-a-pilot-for-the-Marine-Corp

[Tennessee Top]

Give up on the pilot route. You will not be qualified for flight school by the time you turn 27. There is simply not enough time to finish college (only going part time) and graduate OCS then TBS all before flight school. I finished both my AA and BS degrees going to school whenever I could on active duty and it took me nearly 8 years (nights and weekends). Plus, you're looking at getting selected for an enlisted commissioning program which is nearly impossible in itself. Let us know what your AFQT score is (you need a 74 or higher to be a flight candidate).

What does your recruiter say about getting an infantry contract?

[csteven413]

Give up on the pilot route. You will not be qualified for flight school by the time you turn 27. There is simply not enough time to finish college (only going part time) and graduate OCS then TBS all before flight school. I finished both my AA and BS degrees going to school whenever I could on active duty and it took me nearly 8 years (nights and weekends). Plus, you're looking at getting selected for an enlisted commissioning program which is nearly impossible in itself. Let us know what your AFQT score is (you need a 74 or higher to be a flight candidate).

What does your recruiter say about getting an infantry contract?

Yeah you are absolutely right. I've decided that being a pilot isn't just going to happen. With the schooling and the fact that I got to be a officer FIRST then try to apply for pilot, yeah just isn't happening just gonna face facts.


My recruiter said I have a good chance of having a infantry contract although they are cutting back but he's really working with me and says he'll save me a spot when the time comes.

Now I don't know if i should make another thread but now I want to try and go 100% to become a Scout Sniper. I know the "requirements" to become a SS, I did google it. I just want to know, what can I learn now to help me become one? I understand "math" is involved but what kind of math and if theres a certain book that i could get that would be great. Just looking for more info that'll help me at least become a SS. Thanks!

[josephd]

Now I don't know if i should make another thread but now I want to try and go 100% to become a Scout Sniper. I know the "requirements" to become a SS, I did google it. I just want to know, what can I learn now to help me become one? I understand "math" is involved but what kind of math and if theres a certain book that i could get that would be great. Just looking for more info that'll help me at least become a SS. Thanks!

nothing...you need to be a PT stud more than anything. Everything you will need to know about being a SS will be taught to you and it is actually better that you don't do anything on your own so that you don't learn or start bad habits.

how about you worry about being a good infantryman/rifleman first, if your not this you'll have no shot at going to SS school

[Tennessee Top]

First thing you have to do is take the ASVAB and get a GT score of at least 100. Next, you have to get that infantry contract (not an easy thing to do regardless of what your recruiter tells you).

Have you taken an IST yet? You have to have a 1st class PFT score to qualify for SS school. You also have to be an expert rifle shooter.

How is your swimming? You must be an excellent swimmer and be able to tread water holding a weight above your head (besides swimming long distances).

You must be a LCpl to volunteer for SS school. This means you'll have to spend a couple years in the fleet as a grunt and will put you around 24-25 depending on how fast you can pick up rank. The other LCpl's you'll be competing against for a seat at SS school will be 19-20 year-olds.

The math involved has to do with land navigation, plotting distances for rifle shots, calling in supporting fires, etc. Since you're solving for a problem, I would say algebra is highly important.

Go take your ASVAB test at MEPS. If you don't get a GT score of at least 100, none of the other stuff matters. Let us know how you do. Good luck.

[Tennessee Top]

Don't know why that duplicate showed up...sorry. Rocky or Lisa if you can delete it I would appreciate it.

[csteven413]

First thing you have to do is take the ASVAB and get a GT score of at least 100. Next, you have to get that infantry contract (not an easy thing to do regardless of what your recruiter tells you).

Have you taken an IST yet? You have to have a 1st class PFT score to qualify for SS school. You also have to be an expert rifle shooter.

How is your swimming? You must be an excellent swimmer and be able to tread water holding a weight above your head (besides swimming long distances).

You must be a LCpl to volunteer for SS school. This means you'll have to spend a couple years in the fleet as a grunt and will put you around 24-25 depending on how fast you can pick up rank. The other LCpl's you'll be competing against for a seat at SS school will be 19-20 year-olds.

The math involved has to do with land navigation, plotting distances for rifle shots, calling in supporting fires, etc. Since you're solving for a problem, I would say algebra is highly important.

Go take your ASVAB test at MEPS. If you don't get a GT score of at least 100, none of the other stuff matters. Let us know how you do. Good luck.

I took the ASVAB before and i believe i scored a 95 or 98, something in the 90s i know it wasn't 100 though. I am however study almost every single night with 2 different ASVAB books to better knowledge myself. I just hope i get it, i really don't know what else ill do if i dont get it.

My IST is great. I am currently doing 18+ *deadhang pullups. I finish the 1.5mile in 9:30? something like that. and 100+ crunches. Im 20 of age (turn21 next month) 5'9 and weigh 145

Hows my swimming? I really can't tell you on a scale except the fact that i can swim(if that makes any sense). I never did any competition but i can hold myself up. I do have a swimming pool in my yard guess ill just swim laps in circle.

I am good at math and the knowledge im getting from the ASVAB books are good for refreshing. But do appreciate the heads up on this. But another question comes to mind...

My vision is quite terrible and need do require to wear contacts or glasses. Now, i might not leave until maybe april if not (hopefully) earlier but if i can scrap up the money for Laser-Eye Surgery before I dep in or when i do dep in and waiting for ship do you think it might cause a stir of problems for me to get in or do you think it can actually be beneficial for me if i do get it? Also, is it possible to get Lcpl in 1-2years, instead of 3-4?

[josephd]

Also, is it possible to get Lcpl in 1-2years, instead of 3-4?

You will pick up LCpl within a year but you will still be considered a "boot" until after you've done a deployment of some sort. At or after that point is when you'll be considered a "Senior Lance Corporal" and will rate to start looking into specialty schools/MOSs like that. The Marine Corps isnt going to invest the time and money in you when you haven't fulfilled any of your contract yet when your fresh to the fleet.

Again, why don't you worry about getting an infantry contract, get to and graduate boot camp, getting through SOI/ITB, and get to your unit. From there you'll learn the ropes of being a Marine infantryman. One step at a time there motivator

[csteven413]

You will pick up LCpl within a year but you will still be considered a "boot" until after you've done a deployment of some sort. At or after that point is when you'll be considered a "Senior Lance Corporal" and will rate to start looking into specialty schools/MOSs like that. The Marine Corps isnt going to invest the time and money in you when you haven't fulfilled any of your contract yet when your fresh to the fleet.

Again, why don't you worry about getting an infantry contract, get to and graduate boot camp, getting through SOI/ITB, and get to your unit. From there you'll learn the ropes of being a Marine infantryman. One step at a time there motivator

Oh ok, so gotta prove yourself while you are a LCpl to be considered for something higher within the position, gotcha.

Also, joesphd i do understand what your tring to imply. I need to become a MARINE first. I understand but i am the type of person who likes to think things through first. I am a very organized person and like to keep things in order and have a CLEAR understanding on what im getting my self into. Think about as if im in a situation where if i woulda done something 1 year ago my chances for THIS would be a lot greater if i only knew what i was doing. It's all for a reason but i will try and focus more on becoming then seeing it as i already became.

[josephd]

Also, joesphd i do understand what your tring to imply. I need to become a MARINE first. I understand but i am the type of person who likes to think things through first. I am a very organized person and like to keep things in order and have a CLEAR understanding on what im getting my self into. Think about as if im in a situation where if i woulda done something 1 year ago my chances for THIS would be a lot greater if i only knew what i was doing. It's all for a reason but i will try and focus more on becoming then seeing it as i already became.

trust me brotha, I was the same way as a wannabe and as PFC/LCpl. I joined a little late at the age of 23 so I was ready to take on everything the Corps had to offer. Going on a deployment and seeing the big picture really opened my eyes to taking things on one step at a time. And now that I am an NCO(Cpl soon to be Sgt) the responsibilities start to pile on real quick and can be overwhelming at times.

This is why I say and others will also tell you to take your time with ambitions. It's a snowball effect especially once you pick up a little rank, the more responsibility you take on the more will get piled on you to test to see what your capable of. As a new PFC/LCpl. this is NOT something you will want, you will screw it up and find yourself further behind than you should be because of it.

[djj34]

A little late to the party here, but if you decide going for pilot may still be something you want to do, you'll have to skip the enlistment route entirely and go for it from the start. Don't think that enlisting is a means to that end. I know a lot of people who think enlisting to get experience or enlisting to get respect as an officer are great ideas (and I wouldn't know) that end up getting stuck as enlisted, either because 1) they fall in love with their original MOS 2) they decide that they don't want it anymore 3) it is too competitive to get into MECEP, ECP, etc. Decide which path you want to take and stick to it!

Something else to think about: time from initial paperwork to starting flying took me 3 years and 9 months. My active duty commitment is 8 years at the end of flight school and I have anywhere from 1-2 years left before that commitment starts. It's a huge time commitment, and you really need to want it.

[csteven413]

A little late to the party here, but if you decide going for pilot may still be something you want to do, you'll have to skip the enlistment route entirely and go for it from the start. Don't think that enlisting is a means to that end. I know a lot of people who think enlisting to get experience or enlisting to get respect as an officer are great ideas (and I wouldn't know) that end up getting stuck as enlisted, either because 1) they fall in love with their original MOS 2) they decide that they don't want it anymore 3) it is too competitive to get into MECEP, ECP, etc. Decide which path you want to take and stick to it!

Something else to think about: time from initial paperwork to starting flying took me 3 years and 9 months. My active duty commitment is 8 years at the end of flight school and I have anywhere from 1-2 years left before that commitment starts. It's a huge time commitment, and you really need to want it.

Thanks for the info djj34. I have decided to skip out on going pilot and go infantry. Main reason is because of the requirements you need to become one. It's not that I'm to scared or not fit to meet them its just what i want to do in the future way down the line becoming a pilot is going to take some time. I didn't realize it could take a 3years and 9month thing to start flying. And the enlistment term is probably another few years as well.

I was wondering if theres things i can prepare for before i go infantry and try to become a SS besides working out?

Also, what do you think be better, go infantry hopefully deploy and then get volunteered from my battalion to join SS or go infantry and right out of SOI volunteer for recon?

[Tennessee Top]

You're not eligible for SS school (GT too low). This score is not waiverable. It's possible to retake the ASVAB but Recruiters frown on that because sometimes the score comes back lower than the first one. You can retake the ASVAB once you hit the fleet.

Aren't you a Poolee yet (should be)? If so, send a PM to RockyC and request a status change ASAP. If not; why not?

[csteven413]

You're not eligible for SS school (GT too low). This score is not waiverable. It's possible to retake the ASVAB but Recruiters frown on that because sometimes the score comes back lower than the first one. You can retake the ASVAB once you hit the fleet.

Aren't you a Poolee yet (should be)? If so, send a PM to RockyC and request a status change ASAP. If not; why not?



The last time I took the ASVAB was about 2 years ago. I believe my recruiter told me that anything after 2 years you have to retake and anything before 2 years you keep whatever score you have. I have been studying my ass off for this.

I am not a poolee yet, I haven't gone to meps. I'm still waiting on my medical records as well as 1 more character reference. Once I grabed all those documents then the recruiter is going to send my files to the boss.

[Tennessee Top]

For someone as ambitious as you appear to be, you sure are dragging this process out. Are you willing to wait months more for an infantry contract if that's what it takes?

[csteven413]

For someone as ambitious as you appear to be, you sure are dragging this process out. Are you willing to wait months more for an infantry contract if that's what it takes?

I mean by the looks of it with medical records being wavered and character references being checked out I won't be going to boot camp maybe till january-ish. So from now until then gives me time to study, workout, and gather as much needed information before I go. Just so you know even if i just do the 4 year term. All I ever wanted to do in the last few years is become a Marine. So you can say I am pretty ambitious and motivated to join!

[Tennessee Top]

You have a medical waiver pending? Character references shouldn't take 2+ years (they either say you're a good guy or they don't). Something's not adding up.

[csteven413]

You have a medical waiver pending? Character references shouldn't take 2+ years (they either say you're a good guy or they don't). Something's not adding up.

There is a story behind this but if i mention it, then it is going to bring a whole new issue when i am tring to stay on one topic.

[Tennessee Top]

Bingo! THAT'S the part that's not adding up. No problem - your prerogative to address that issue or not (and none of our business).