Can anyone give me any info on this field? My son signed up for Search Fire and Rescue, but it was switched when he reached MCT in NC.

Thanks,
M

micamil,

The information that I am giving you now is roughly 40 years old. I served with VMA-311 in 68/69 in Vietnam, as a Ordnanceman. Our responsiblities consisted of loading the different bombs, napalm, rockets and maintaining the 20 mm guns of the A-4 Skyhawk. We also worked on the Mark-4 Gun Pods. Also maintained the bombs racks and any other maintenance required of us.

This was during a busy time and we were on the most part, short manned as many were. You stay busy, sure, there is some down time, but it was interesting. The Ordnance MOS has changed some, as I have talked with a Ordnanceman in the Air Nationl Guard and he explained to me some of the new bombs and rockets.

We set a record on the dates of May 5-8/ 68 for a single engine Squadron with the number of Sorties flown and bombs dropped. I think that record still stands. It was hot on the flight line and the equipment that we used to load the bombs would break down. So we loaded the bombs by hand many a day.

We would also trouble shoot the electrical systems of the ordnance part of the aircraft. Basic electrical knowledge is required and was taught in the Ordnance School.

We took our job VERY seriously, as the Pilots would get called on Hot Pad Launch for Close Air Support and we wanted everything to work as needed. Our Marine Brothers on the ground counted on bombs delivered and on Target.

You can do a search on line for MOS 6511, 6521/31/41 and find more current information. I hope this answers some of your questions. There are several other ORDIES out here on this site. They may update my info soon as I'm sure I haven't mentioned everything.

Fuseman

micamil,

A couple of things, I could write a figgin novel on this one, but I will try to maintain.

Ordnance is a tight nit community unlike any other in the wing. One thing you will find is that a lot of Marines signed up for Crash Fire Rescue like you and got Ordnance instead. I havent found one yet who would change it if they could.

I spent 4 years active, and an additional year actived out of the IRR with HMLA-773. I worked on Cobra Attack Helicopters and Hueys. To sum up the job in a nut shell, you are alot like a NASCAR pit crew. Especially in the Rotar wing. There will be times your aircraft will need a "hot reload" (you will reload thier weapons while the aircraft is turning) It is a blast, sometimes you will have to do it under black out conditions. Along with reloads, you may have to fix a weapon system right there, which will take some serious know-how and composure.

Ok, I just described, briefly, what you might do in a combat or training situation. When you arent a NASCAR pit crew, you will be making sure aircraft are configured and loaded for missions, equipment related to Ordnance is inspected and maintained, and fix problems such as gun, rocket, missle, and countermeasure gripes (when pilots have problems with thier systems the gripe about it...i.e. Gripe)

Thats enough for now, I didnt even scratch the surface. Congrats on your MOS, and Welcome to the Ordnance commuity brother! I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.

p.s. "A" School, the PT is NO JOKE! Love it!

just caught on that you were asking for your son. Haha, sorry, PASS IT ON! He's going to love it, I promise.

Fuseman..

this might bring back a memory or two...




and the last bomb by VMA 311 in RVN...

Thanks everyone for the info. It really helps.

Bob,

Thanks for the pictures of the Tomcats, Whiskey Lema. Loaded many a Snake and Nape during my tour. Your right, brought back memories.

I was able to make it to the recent reunion at the outskirts of Philly. Got to meet some of the original " Hells Bells " members. The first VMA-311 Squadron members and their wives. Truely an Honor to shake their hands. "Hell's Bell's" later changed to " Tomcats " around 1957. Got to chat with some of the Marines I was with 40 some years ago also.

Thanks again Bob

Fuseman

I just want to give a sound off to all us ordnancemen IYOYAS!!