So I met with my OSO for the second time today to continue my application process and begin setting up a time to take a Physical at MEPS.

While I was there he asked me if I was interested in ground or Aviation and made it seem like the Corps had a lot of ground Officer applications and that they needed more aviation officers.

Now I don't know if he just needs to fill some kind of recruiting quota or something...but I had honestly never thought about aviation in the Marine Corps but after the OSO gave me the Aviation test booklet and I have started to read through the I have to say the Naval Flight Officer Position seems very interesting, I wouldn't mind being a helicopter pilot either, I wear contacts so I don't think I can be a Jet pilot.

I am just wondering...can I be guaranteed an aviation position before going to TBS or do I have to compete for an Aviation MOS like every other MOS. I know ground Officer positions are handed out based on TBS Class standing and the needs of the Corps. But I am wondering if the Aviation stuff is just kind of the luck of the draw too. I mean could I go in thinking I am going to be an NFO and end up an Infantry Officer?

Also if I have to compete for the MOS at TBS...what's the point of the test?

The flight officer and legal programs allow a candidate to join and train specifically for those programs. If you fail flight training you will be reassigned to train where needed.


Discuss this with your OSO.

You can also do a search here for more information.

So if I am reading your reply correctly.
So as long as I can test well enough on the ASTB and make it through OCS I wouldn't be in for any big surprises at TBS.

My only real chance of getting a surprise would be if I F-Up at Flight School.

It's not that I am opposed to a Ground MOS (in fact that was my original intention) it would just be kind of a kick in the teeth to pass all the testing and then find out I don't even have a chance of being an NFO because someone else got it before me at TBS or something.


Anyway (assuming I understand you correctly) thanks for your reply jimnsc.

There is no guarantee that you would complete flight school...however, there are other aviation positions for officers that do not involve being a pilot...keep looking...

I realize that there is no guarantee that I would complete flight school and I am more interested in an NFO position...but am I guaranteed a spot in flight school or do I need to earn a spot in flight school at TBS?

Ok, so from another Marine Corps Forum I got the Idea that Aviation Officers draw their MOSs from a different pool than the Ground Guys. So If I went in as an Aviation Officer Candidate I might not end up as a Pilot or a NFO but I wouldn't end up as infantry.

Anyway I have a couple of new questions now.

1. My OSO made it sound like they were hurting for Aviation Officer Candidates and that there would be less competition if I went and Aviation Root. Aviation wasn't my first choice, I'm not a big fan of heights (but I can deal with it if I have to) and I was more interested in a Finance or Logistics or Intelligence Position. But if the Corps needs Pilots or aviation guys...that's what I'll do.
I want to become an Officer to serve my country and help me work for the FBI or CIA someday.
Anyway...the question is Corps in need of Aviation guys above Ground Guys right now?

2. How does being an Aviation guy in the Corps differ than being a Ground Guy?

Each OSO has a certain number of ground spots to fill and the same goes for air. It seems your OSO has filled their ground spots. You better get PRK if you want to be a pilot. Bad vision is a no go. I got accepted as a ground contract and am going to try and get PRK at TBS so I can compete for air. More than likely I will get stuck ground though.

Pilots obviously fly their aircraft, but they also have billets on the ground leading Marines.

I'd rather go in ground?
If my OSO has filled his ground spots does that mean it's impossible for me to go ground?
I'm not hoping to go to OCS until January.

You know, I'll do just about whatever the Corps needs me to do....I mean if they want me to walk around wearing a dress and a big Target Sign in Iraq...I might have problems with that but I am fairly open to whatever.

Ideally I would like to work a ground MOS in Intelligence or Finance or Logistics though.

Also...
I haven't had my meps Physical or anything yet....I don't think I have even officially Applied yet (I filled out a Rough Application Packet).

I took the ASTB Study guide and told my OSO I was interested in Aviation...but the more I think about it..the More I just want to go Ground.

There is still time or a chance for me to apply for ground right? I mean until I sign a contract I'm not committed to Ground or Aviation right?

I hope my OSO didn't take my interest as a commitment to go Air and star filing my application as an Aviation Program.

You fill out the application so I'm sure no official paper work has been started yet. The OSO that I am currently working for has no spots left for the Oct class so most OSS's are probably the same. January is your best shot. If you want it though you better get going on the application. We already have several applications in. Also...the board in going nation wide instead of district wide so it is going to be even more competitive. Let me know if you have any more questions. Good luck

FYI: If your OSO is in the 4th district then he should be at a conference for the rest of the week

I submitted my rough application. I was planning on going to the January class...I won't be in shape by October.

I just need to get some documents in so I can get my physical.