How to Become a Marine Corps Pilot
The U.S. Marine Corps offers a variety of opportunities. Possible careers include technical support, combat service support, infantry, Judge Advocates, as well as Marine pilots and Naval flight officers. If you wish to become a Marine Corps pilot, you will first need to meet the basic requirements. For example, you must meet educational requirements and be a U.S. citizen. All Marine Corps pilots are also Marine Corps officers. This means that, in addition to your basic training, you must successfully complete officer training before you can train to become a pilot.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Preparation
-
1
Earn your high school diploma and a four-year baccalaureate degree. According to A Parent's Guide to the Marine Corps, you must earn your degree before you can become an officer. However, you may meet with a recruiter while you are in college to discuss your options and prepare for your career. In some cases, you may even begin training during college.
-
2
Meet with a recruiter for the Marine Corps. To find a recruiter near you, go to the Marine Corps' website and click on “Contact a Recruiter.” Tell your recruiter that you wish to become an officer and a pilot. Your recruiter will connect you with an Officer Selection Officer (OSO).
-
-
3
Meet with your OSO. Your OSO will help you determine if this career path is suited to you. He will tell you what to expect during training and answer any questions you may have. He will also help prepare you for the physical and mental demands of joining the Marine Corps and becoming an officer.
Basic Training
-
4
Select a commissioning program with the assistance of your OSO. Your commissioning program is the first step in training. If you wish to begin while you are in college, you may join the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). If you prefer a summer course, you may select the Officer Candidate Course or the Platoon Leaders Class. Or, you may apply to the U.S. Naval Academy after high school, which also offers a degree program.
-
5
Complete the Officer Candidates School (OCS) after you have successfully completed your commissioning program. The OCS, located in Virginia, combines physical training with academics and leadership skills. If you succeed at the OCS, you will earn your commission and rank as a second lieutenant.
-
6
Attend the Basic School, also located in Virginia. This is a six-month program that combines classroom instruction and field experience to teach you how to give commands based on tactical knowledge.
Specialized Training
-
7
Select your Military Occupational Specialty. Upon your successful completion of the Basic School, you may attend a flight school for specialized training to become a Marine Corps pilot.
-
8
Complete six weeks of pre-flight training. This course lays the groundwork for your flight training. You will learn about the basics of turbine engines, aerodynamics and flight rules. Close to the end of this course, you will be assigned to a specific kind of aircraft. For example, you may specialize in helicopters or jets.
-
9
Go to your assigned Advanced Training Naval Air Station after pre-flight training. During this training, you will work with the flight simulator as well as log hours in the actual aircraft. If you have successfully completed this training, you are now a Marine Corps pilot.
-
1
References
Resources
- Photo Credit pilot image by Tijara Images from Fotolia.com
