CD Contents. Section 1: Why the Marine Corps?...Page 14. Section 2: Programs...Page 36. Section 3: Officer Training...Page 44

Transcription

1 CD Contents Introduction:...Page 02 Section 1: Why the Marine Corps?...Page 14 Section 2: Programs...Page 36 Section 3: Officer Training...Page 44 Section 4: Areas of Specialization...Page 52 Section 4a: Aviation...Page 56 Section 4b: Combat Arms...Page 96 Section 4c: Service Support...Page 112 Section 4d: Law...Page 134 Section 5: Post-Graduate Educational Programs...Page 140 Section 6: Second Tour Opportunities...Page 154 Section 7: Life as a Marine Corps Officer...Page 164 Section 8: Who to contact...page 172

2 MARINE OFFICER The Change is Forever

3

4 UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS... Joining the Marine Corps means facing tough, real-life challenges every day. The Marine Corps will develop your courage, poise, and selfconfidence so you can be one of the few, the proud, the Marines.

5 ...the Best of the Best To lead Marines requires real leadership. The Marines are the best, most elite military force in the world. To lead Marines requires a brand of leadership, a way of responding to challenging circumstances, that can be taught only in the Marine Corps officer programs. Your reward as a Marine Officer is knowing that you re among the best of the best.

6 WHAT IS THE MARINE CORPS? The Few The Proud The Marines On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that two battalions of Marines be raised to serve during the war between Great Britain and the Colonies. They further resolved that this force be acquainted with maritime operations in order to serve aboard naval vessels. Thus, the United States Marine Corps has always been an expeditionary naval force ready to defend the nation s interests overseas. Our expeditionary naval capabilities are critical in a world where 70% of the world s countries are located within 200 miles of the coast. When crises erupt anywhere in the world, the Nation calls upon the Marine Corps to rapidly carry out foreign policy objectives. Throughout our history, the Marine Corps has been the force most ready when the nation is least ready. 1

7 What is the Marine Corps? A FORCE IN READINESS We, as Marines, are a highly trained force able to respond in a number of ways. The Marine Corps maintains units in the United States that constantly train for deployment to trouble spots. They are ready and able to sail on naval ships or fly on military aircraft to join Maritime Pre-positioned Ships (MPS) pre-loaded with equipment and munitions. These ships can be unloaded with Marines ready to go in approximately one week. Other Marine Corps units are on standby, ready to fly with their equipment to wherever a crisis erupts, for an even faster response. In addition to having units in the United States, the Marine Corps maintains forward deployed units near potential trouble spots around the world. Organized as Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs), often as units called Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs), Marine forces are trained to perform missions ranging from a fullscale amphibious landing, to the evacuation of U.S. embassy personnel, to the distribution of humanitarian aid. MEUs train with the Navy and operate from naval ships, which serve as mobile platforms able to deliver Marines to the coast of any country in the world. A Marine Expeditionary Unit is organized to carry out a myriad of potential missions. It is normally centered around an infantry battalion and brings its own air support in the form of a squadron of jet aircraft and helicopters. And, since the force is designed to be self-supporting and able to operate for 30 days or more without re-supply, the MEU can operate even if cut off from outside supply lines. Leadership, self-discipline, physical fitness, and mental readiness make the Marines America s elite. 2

8 What is the Marine Corps? TASK-ORGANIZED AVIATION, GROUND, AND SERVICE SUPPORT UNITS Marines officer and enlisted rise to challenges, becoming more innovative when faced with problems. Marine Corps units are task-organized as selfreliant teams composed of Ground Combat Units, Aviation Combat Units, and Combat Service Support Units. Ground Combat Units comprise approximately 30% of Marine Corps units and train for potential confrontation with U.S. adversaries. Ground Combat Units consist of infantry, armor, engineer, and artillery units. Aviation Combat Units consist of everything from fast attack jets to troop transport helicopters. They support the Ground Combat Units by delivering troops and equipment to hotspots, providing deep strike capability, and providing close air support for engaged forces. Approximately 30% of all officers are pilots. The Combat Service Support Units comprise the bulk of the Marine Corps and are critical to allow both the Ground Combat and Aviation Combat forces to do their jobs. Combat Service Support Units consist of a wide variety of specialties including communications, logistics, intelligence, finance, and supply. While only a small percentage of Marines are deployed away from home at any given time, all Marines constantly prepare for that possibility. THE KEY TO MARINE CORPS SUCCESS: PEOPLE AND TRAINING Everyone who joins the Marine Corps has chosen an extremely challenging route. Knowing the Marine Corps has the most demanding training, both entry level and operationally, individuals like you have joined the Marine Corps and met the standard. Marines officer and enlisted rise to challenges, becoming more innovative and creative when faced with problems. Each Marine is encouraged to maximize leadership potential through practice and evaluation, leading to better decisions in real-world stressful situations. 3

9 What is the Marine Corps? BUILDING A CORPS OF LEADERS The common denominator is leadership. Marine Officers are required to be leaders and are selected based on their potential leadership qualities. After selection and commissioning, the Marine Corps spends approximately one year training these individuals to become leaders prior to their taking charge of enlisted Marines. Our training is tough. It has to be; Marine Officers take on responsibility well beyond their years. We make Marines and we win battles. No compromises. As we move into the 21st century, we face a rapidly changing world with complex situations. Our focus must be on training people to make sound decisions under rapidly changing conditions. The Marine Corps must be prepared for what may be called a three-block war. On one block we may deliver humanitarian assistance to help people survive. Moments later, on the next block, we may be called upon to take a harder line as a peacekeeping force. Finally, if hostilities do erupt, we must be able to win mid-intensity battles on a third block. To effectively make the right decision for the situations we face on each block requires a sharp and agile mind, and the ability to take charge. If you are interested in being one of us developing your self-discipline, your decision-making ability, and your leadership read this book to find out more about opportunities as an Officer of Marines. Keep an open mind; the Marine Corps is unlike anything you have ever experienced. We offer no excuses, and we take none. We make Marines and we win battles. No compromises. 4

10 CONTENTS SECTION 1: WHY THE MARINE CORPS? This section provides an overview of the opportunities available for college students and graduates interested in pursuing a career in the Marine Corps. The three major areas of opportunity are described. The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer Aviation Ground Law Equal Opportunity Marine Corps Values Making Your Choice SECTION 2: PROGRAMS Undergraduate Program: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) The PLC program is for undergraduate students who are interested in joining the Marine Corps Officer program while in college. This section provides a description of PLC in terms of what you can expect and outlines the qualifications. Graduate Program: Seniors and College Graduates Officer Candidate Class (OCC) The OCC program is for college seniors and graduates who are interested in joining the Marine Corps Officer program. This section provides a description of OCC in terms of what you can expect and outlines the qualifications. SECTION 3: OFFICER TRAINING Officer Candidates School (OCS) All officer candidates attend OCS. This section describes what will be expected of candidates while at OCS and other specific information about the School. The Basic School (TBS) After OCS, candidates attend The Basic School to learn the duties and responsibilities of a Marine Corps Officer. 5

11 CONTENTS SECTION 4: AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION Each Marine performs a special job. The areas of specialization available to officers are described in this section. Your Job in the Marine Corps Aviation Aviation Introduction Flight Training F/A-18 Pilot AV-8B Harrier Pilot EA-6B Prowler Pilot KC-130 Hercules Pilot AH-IW Cobra Pilot CH-53 Pilot UH-IN Huey Pilot CH-46 Pilot Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Aircraft Maintenance Officer Aviation Supply Officer Air Traffic Control Officer Aviation Intelligence Air Support Control Officer Air Defense Officer Combat Arms Infantry Officer Field Artillery Officer Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) Officer Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Officer Tank Officer Engineer Officer Service Support Logistics Officer Ground Intelligence Officer Human Source Intelligence Signals Intelligence Officer Military Police Officer Communications Information Systems Officer Public Affairs Officer Financial Management Officer Ground Supply Officer Adjutant Law Judge Advocate

12 CONTENTS SECTION 5: POST-GRADUATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS This section describes opportunities available to pursue advanced degrees or professional specialization while serving in the Marine Corps. Tuition Assistance The Special Education Program (SEP) The Advanced Degree Program (ADP) Law Degree Programs Montgomery G.I. Bill Specialties for Advanced Degrees SECTION 6: SECOND TOUR OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities to advance in your career and specialize in select areas after completing the first term are described in this section. Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion Marine Corps Recruit Depots Force Reconnaissance The Basic School Officer Candidates School Marine Security Guard Marine Officer Instructor Inspector/Instructor Marine Corps Recruiting HMX Test Pilot NASA Forward Air Controller Staff Position Advanced Education Foreign Area Officer Exchange Program SECTION 7: LIFE AS A MARINE CORPS OFFICER The benefits tangible and intangible of becoming a Marine Corps Officer are outlined in this section. Included are salary progression, medical and other benefits, travel opportunities, and recreational and professional sports. SECTION 8: WHO TO CONTACT Marine Corps Officer Selection Officers are USMC Officers whose job is to talk to college students interested in becoming Marine Corps Officers. They come from all backgrounds and represent various specialties. 7

13 NO PROMISES MAKE THE CHANGE NO SHORTCUTS When trouble comes to our country there will be Marines somewhere who, through hard work, have made and kept themselves ready to do something useful about it, and do it at once. 8

14 Marine Corps Core Values Generation after generation of American men and women have given special meaning to the title United States Marine. These same men and women live by a set of enduring Core Values which forms the bedrock of their character. The Core Values give Marines strength and regulate their behavior; they bond the Marine Corps into a total force that can meet any challenge. HONOR Honor guides Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior: never lie, cheat, or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity; and respect others. The qualities of maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions. COURAGE Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries them through the challenges of combat and aids them in overcoming fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure. COMMITMENT Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables 24-hour-a-day dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. As a future Marine, reaffirm these Core Values and ensure they guide your performance, behavior, and conduct every minute of the day.

15 Pride of Belonging KNOWLEDGE LEADERSHIP SELF-CONFIDENCE MENTAL STRENGTH SELF-DISCIPLINE DECISIVENESS RESPONSIBILITY CHALLENGE TEAM-BUILDING SKILLS RESOURCEFULNESS

16 WHY THE MARINE CORPS? As a college undergraduate or graduate student, you may be thinking about what you ll do after you complete your course of study. There are many options. If you are interested in learning how to lead, shouldering enormous amounts of responsibility while developing your analytical thinking abilities, consider becoming an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. You ll find rewards, challenges, and excitement that few other careers can match. Think about what you could do with the opportunities available to Marine Corps Officers. Since the Marine Corps does not have its own service academy, we look for college and university students who are interested in testing themselves while developing their leadership skills. Marine Corps Officer commissioning programs (the Platoon Leaders Class and the Officer Candidate Class) are designed to bring out the best in you by putting you through the toughest training and evaluation you have ever faced. The training forces you to search your own desire and commitment toward becoming a Marine Corps Officer. To succeed, it takes someone who s a self-starter, reliable someone who doesn t settle for second best, or for a job half done. The charts on pages show a typical program sequence. THE TRANSFORMATION FROM STUDENT TO MARINE Most of us joined for the challenge and prestige, and some to prepare ourselves for success in business, law, or No matter what program you enter, you will undergo initial training at Officer Candidates School. This training will be tough it has to be because Marine Officers are expected to overcome difficult challenges. There is no easy way to become a leader of men and women. More than your mental and physical abilities will be tested; we want every candidate to develop the character of a Marine. By the time you finish training you will demonstrate strength of character, mind, and will. government, but we enjoy it too much to leave. Marine Corps Officer 9

17 Why the Marine Corps? After completing Officer Candidates School and (if appropriate) returning to college to finish your degree, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. Those who already have undergraduate degrees will begin active service and attend The Basic School. The Basic School is where you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead Marines. As you near completion of your professional mentoring/studies at The Basic School, you will be assigned a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) commensurate with your personal strengths and the needs of the Marine Corps. Upon assignment to your MOS, you will then receive additional training in that specialty. MARINE CORPS OFFICERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE Marine Corps training makes young men and women into more than just Marine Corps Officers. It teaches you how to accept responsibility, lead with confidence, and effectively solve problems. During your tenure as an Officer of Marines, you will continually be pushed and expected to take on more responsible roles each with a larger impact on the Marine Corps. You will learn that you have never really tested your limits. You will know that you are capable of much more than you ever thought possible. Marine Officers are constantly put to the test and consistently deliver. You will be given various assignments in your career that may take you all over the world. Ultimately, the job puts you in charge of Marines, responsible for their training and their welfare. It also teaches you how to lead people and manage jobs. Some Officers leave the Marine Corps after their first tour to use their leadership and professional skills to succeed in other fields. Marine-trained leaders rise to the top in government, law enforcement, and business, running major businesses throughout the world, from advertising to banking; from trucking to pizza chains. It is a challenge to earn the title of Officer of Marines, placing you in an elite group with a proud heritage. If you re up to the challenge, there s excitement waiting for you. 10

18 Why the Marine Corps? Nothing can quite compare with Marine Corps training and combat service to stretch your leadership skills in bringing people together to accomplish a mission. Phillip Rooney, vice chairman of the ServiceMaster Co. PRIDE For more than 200 years, in matters of national security and defense, there has always been a need for those who set themselves apart and excel... There has always been a need for Marines... As a leader of Marines you will gain honor, courage, intelligence, and leadership ability... Nobody likes to fight, but someone has to know how... We have proven our ability time and time again... It is this type of challenge, tradition, and experience that will make you proud to be an Officer of Marines! 11

19 Why the Marine Corps? CHALLENGE As an Officer of Marines you are given more autonomy and responsibility at a young age than most people will see in a lifetime. You will lead and take care of our most precious asset: young Marines. We consider this an honor and a privilege. As an Officer you are expected to lead from the front ; that is, to never ask your Marines to do something that you are unable or unwilling to do yourself. This means that you must learn their jobs, must endure the same hardships, and must get to know your Marines strengths and weaknesses. You will develop their strengths and work on eliminating their weaknesses. You will be expected to accomplish your mission and take care of your Marines; it is not enough to do one or the other. Your training and discipline will give you the knowledge and wisdom gained from over 220 years of excellence, to help you meet the challenge. Never ask your Marines to do something that you are unable or unwilling to do yourself. 12

20 Why the Marine Corps? We make Marine Corps training as tough as possible because we want you to demonstrate your true potential. COURAGE, POISE,AND CONFIDENCE To demonstrate your true potential, we make Marine Corps training the toughest officer training in the world. Every Marine Officer lawyer, pilot, tanker, finance officer must learn to be an Infantry Platoon Commander. You will push yourself and your Marines to new levels, whatever job you do. The esprit de corps you feel with other Marines will ensure that you never leave a job half done and risk letting down your teammates. It is precisely this difficult and grueling process that develops courage, poise, and confidence. 13

21 Why the Marine Corps? PHYSICAL FITNESS The Marine Corps expects its Officers to lead from the front, not from the rear. That is why physical fitness has to be maintained at the highest standards in our Officer Corps. It all starts at Officer Candidates School (OCS), where you will experience some of the toughest physical training in the world. You will stop counting the number of pull-ups, push-ups, situps, and miles you run. As you progress in the Corps you will find that all Marine Officers keep themselves in superb shape, and find it easy to maintain this high standard by working out with friends and training Marines. You join the elite few who pride themselves on being in better physical condition than any other armed service in the world. Your Marines will expect you to set the example and lead from the front. For these reasons you will be expected to keep yourself in superb physical condition. 14

22 1 Why the Marine Corps? Among the many notable people who learned leadership in the Marine Corps are: Senator and Astronaut John Glenn Businessman Fred Smith, founder of Federal Express Tom Monaghan, founder of Dominos Pizza Zell Miller, Governor of Georgia Bernard Shaw, Cable News Network (CNN) Robert Lutz, President of Chrysler Corp. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS The Marine Corps polishes and hones an individual s leadership qualities. At Officer Candidates School, you will learn the basics of leadership, and continuing through The Basic School, the Marine Corps will train you in the art of leadership. Classes, guided discussions, and practical application lead you from small unit leadership of 4 12 people through leadership of groups of Through it all, you will practice solving problems, taking responsibility, and delegating authority to subordinates. You will learn how to identify problems and how to motivate. By the time you take over a platoon, you will have spent almost a year learning and practicing leadership and the skills needed to manage a group of people. The real challenges begin as you start to make decisions and lead your Marines. Leadership is a heritage which has passed from Marine to Marine since the founding of the Corps. General Carl E. Mundy, Jr. 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps

23 Why the Marine Corps? Education doesn t stop when you join the Corps. EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Make no mistake, the Marine Corps values advanced degrees. To encourage continued education, the Marine Corps has many unique educational opportunities. Some programs pay Officers their full salary and entire tuition costs as they attend law school or complete a Master s degree; other programs offer assistance with tuition or time to attend classes. An advanced degree is more often than not a stepping-stone to promotion to higher ranks. 16

24 Why the Marine Corps? Marines and their families enjoy a secure standard of living with many tangible benefits. FINANCIAL SECURITY, ADVANCEMENT, AND BENEFITS A Marine must be intelligent, dedicated, and in top physical condition. And, while the Marine Corps expects a lot, there are many rewards. Among the more tangible are the benefits for Marines and their families in terms of medical care, insurance, vacations, retirement benefits, and commissary and post exchange privileges. 17

25 Why the Marine Corps? Once you earn the title of United States Marine, you ll belong to an elite organization that is rich in tradition and history and older than our country. Marines assume a tremendous responsibility. You ll always be a leader. And always be respected. Once a Marine, always a Marine! 18

26 THE PATH TO BECOMING A MARINE CORPS OFFICER To be a leader you must get people to believe in you. To do that you must believe in yourself. For leaders are not born, they are made. And the best place to make them is the Marine Corps. Every journey starts with a first step. Your first step in making a decision to join the ranks of the elite starts here. By reviewing the information in this book, you ll be able to discuss options with the Officer Selection Officer and gain an understanding of not only what the Marine Corps can offer you, but what we expect of you as well. The specific training path you will follow depends on where you are in your college education, your qualifications, and your preferences. The charts on the following pages outline the two training paths: one for college freshmen, sophomores, and juniors; the other for college seniors and graduates. For information about the separate elements, the charts are keyed to sections in this book. Use the charts as a guideline for finding out more information about the Marine Corps Officer training path that s best suited to your qualifications. 19

27 The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer USMC Officer Training Sequence AVIATION apply as college Freshman or Sophomore apply as college Junior apply as college Senior or Graduate if selected if selected Platoon Leaders Class see section 2 Platoon Leaders Class see section 2 Officer Candidates Class see section 2 two 6-week sessions at Officer Candidates School see section 3 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 meet all requirements The Basic School see section 3 Flight School Pensacola, Florida see section 4 Fleet Marine Force Tour Continental United States or overseas meet all requirements In each and every person lies raw talent resources just waiting to be explored, waiting to be developed. Post-Graduate Education Opportunities see section 5 Second Tour Opportunities see section 6 20

28 The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer USMC Officer Training Sequence GROUND apply as college Freshman or Sophomore apply as college Junior apply as college Senior or Graduate if selected if selected Platoon Leaders Class see section 2 Platoon Leaders Class see section 2 Officer Candidates Class see section 2 two 6-week sessions at Officer Candidates School see section 3 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 It s what individuals do with their abilities that makes the difference. meet all requirements The Basic School see section 3 Schools for Occupational Specialties see section 4 meet all requirements Fleet Marine Force Tour Continental United States or overseas Post-Graduate Education Opportunities see section 5 Second Tour Opportunities see section 6 21

29 The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer USMC Officer Training Sequence LAW apply as college Senior Platoon Leaders Class see section 2 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 if selected meet all requirements apply as 1st-year or 2nd-year Law Student Platoon Leaders Class see section 2 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 The Basic School see section 3 Naval Justice School Newport, Rhode Island see section 4 Fleet Marine Force Tour Continental United States or overseas Post-Graduate Education Opportunities see section 5 Second Tour Opportunities see section 6 if selected meet all requirements apply as Law School Graduate Officer Candidates Class see section 2 one 10-week session at Officer Candidates School see section 3 Experts and specialists are a dime a dozen. What the world values is someone who can grasp the workings of an entire organization, understand people, and motivate them. The Marine Corps develops that someone. 22

30 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY...a model of equal opportunity for all of society to emulate... Commandant of the Marine Corps Statement on Equal Opportunity The Marine Corps stands at the threshold of great promise and opportunity. As we continue to write our own history, I envision the Marine Corps as a model of equal opportunity for all of society to emulate. The Marine Corps policy on equal opportunity is clear: The Marine Corps will provide equal opportunity for all military members without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, or national origin, consistent with the law and regulations and the requirements for physical and mental abilities. My message on this subject is equally clear. Not only is discrimination fundamentally inconsistent with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment, it also impedes our ability to perform our mission. Discrimination, in any form and at any level, is not acceptable. General Charles C. Krulak Commandant of the Marine Corps 23

31 MARINE CORPS CORE VALUES Generation after generation of American men and women have given special meaning to the title United States Marine. These same men and women live by a set of enduring Core Values that form the bedrock of their character. The Core Values give Marines strength and regulate their behavior; they bond the Marine Corps into a total force that can meet any challenge. HONOR Honor guides the Marines to exemplify the ultimate in ethical and moral behavior: never lie, cheat, or steal; abide by an uncompromising code of integrity; respect human dignity; and respect others. The qualities of maturity, dedication, trust, and dependability commit Marines to act responsibly; to be accountable for their actions; to fulfill their obligations; and to hold others accountable for their actions. COURAGE Courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines. It carries them through the challenges of combat and aids them in overcoming fear. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure. COMMITMENT Commitment is the spirit of determination and dedication found in Marines. It leads to the highest order of discipline for individuals and units. It is the ingredient that enables 24-hour-a-day dedication to Corps and country. It inspires the unrelenting determination to achieve a standard of excellence in every endeavor. Honor, courage, and commitment forge a Marine s character. As a future Marine, reaffirm these Core Values and ensure they guide your performance, behavior, and conduct every minute of the day. 24

32 MAKING YOUR CHOICE The USMC Officer Commissioning Sequence The process of becoming a Marine Officer begins with your application and your selection as an Officer Candidate. You will then be assigned to either: the Platoon Leaders Class if you are a college Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior or the Officer Candidate Class if you are a college Senior or Graduate. Both programs include training at Officer Candidates School and require completion of your degree. Very few in each generation step up to the challenge of becoming a Marine Officer. If you re one of the few, the excitement and rewards are waiting for you. Officer Candidates School lets you see what is expected of you as an Officer of Marines and lets us see if you have the potential for service as a leader of Marines. Upon successful completion of OCS (and after you have your college degree), you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and assigned to The Basic School. It is here that you will develop the fundamental knowledge and leadership skills necessary to command Marines. MARINE CORPS SPECIALITIES Based on your qualifications, you will follow one of the following paths for your Marine Corps occupational training. AVIATION Based on your qualifications and the results of an aviation aptitude test, you may be able to select an aviation specialty upon application or at any time during the program sequence. If you are unable to garner an aviation position during application, or throughout your participation in the PLC or OCC Programs, opportunities still exist to laterally move into the aviation field at The Basic School or beyond. If you qualify for aviation at application, we can guarantee flight training upon completion of The Basic School. 25

33 Making Your Choice GROUND Ground forces are the heart of the United States Marine Corps. Marine Corps training prepares you to be a leader of these forces. After The Basic School, you will take part in selecting a speciality that could include infantry, heavy artillery, electronics, supply, or any number of essential jobs needed to keep the Marine Corps at top readiness. LAW If you are a college Senior who has been accepted to a law school or are in your first or second year of law school, you may be eligible for the Platoon Leaders Class Law option. You would attend one 10-week session of Officer Candidates School during the summer, accept your commission as a Second Lieutenant, and then return to school to complete your law studies. Throughout your remaining time in law school you will be in an inactive duty status. Once you ve graduated and been accepted to a state Bar of your choice, you will begin active duty in the Marine Corps and complete your training with a specialization in law. After The Basic School, you will attend specialized training at the Naval Justice School and, ultimately, serve as a Judge Advocate in the USMC. Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they ve made a difference in this world. The Marines don t have that problem... President Ronald Reagan,

34 Making Your Choice Financial security, advancement, and benefits. USMC Officer Programs Offer You: Here s How You Benefit: 1. Leadership Develop the skills to take a leadership role among your peers as well as in future career choices. Achieve personal growth and fulfillment. 2. Values Gain a sense of personal satisfaction. Know that you re doing something to help America and ensure our freedoms. 3. Physical fitness Get in the best shape of your life and maintain it. Stay active in sports. Feel good about yourself. 4. Challenge Continually test yourself and prove that you re capable of more than you ever thought possible. Gain self-confidence based on real accomplishments. 5. Courage Gain the self-reliance and self-confidence to take the lead and make decisions that make a difference in people s lives. 6. Standards-based Equal training, responsibility, and challenge for organization all candidates men and women. 7. No obligation until During training period, see if the Marine Corps graduation is for you before making a final commitment. 8. Travel and adventure See and experience life in different parts of the United States and the world. Add to your knowledge of other people and places. 9. Financial security, Be assured a well-paid, secure career that advancement, and benefits encourages you to excel and achieve at a high level. Receive health, retirement, and other benefits that are unmatched in the private sector. 10. Post-graduate education Take advantage of the many opportunities to work toward advanced degrees in your area of specialization. 11. Specialized programs for Enables you to decide on your specialty aviation, ground, and law before making your commitment. The USMC is the only service that guarantees flight at time of selection to attend Officer Candidates School. 27

35 Making Your Choice Self-Reliance Self-Direction Self-Discipline: Knowing what s right. And doing it. 28

36 Marine Corps Leadership Principles Be technically and tactically proficient. Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Know your Marines and look out for their welfare. Keep your Marines informed. Set the example. Ensure the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished. Train your Marines as a team. Make sound and timely decisions. Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates. Employ your unit in accordance with its capabilities. Seek responsibility, and take responsibility for your actions.

37 Marines T HE C HANGE IS F OREVER

38 PROGRAMS:PLATOON LEADERS CLASS FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, AND JUNIORS The Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) undergraduate commissioning program is designed to allow undergraduates who are currently enrolled fulltime in any accredited college or university to pursue a commission in the Marine Corps without interrupting their academic career. All training is done during the summer. Students in this program attend Officer Candidates School in Quantico,Virginia, during their summer break. All travel costs, meals, textbooks, and lodging are furnished free of charge by the Marine Corps, and applicants are paid a salary for their participation. The Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) lets you pursue a commission while still in school. All training is done during the summer, much like an internship. REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM Students who are accepted to the Platoon Leaders Class can remain enrolled in the program as along as they maintain a C average. Upon graduation, students are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps. PLC candidates do not wear uniforms or attend drills during college. While at Officer Candidates School, PLC candidates receive Sergeant (E-5) pay and allowances. At most colleges, students are eligible to receive up to 6 college credits for completing summer training. Membership in the PLC program is voluntary and applicants may disenroll at their own request, after completing summer training. The PLC program is also open to Marine reservists who have the option to attend weekend drill with their Reserve unit while attending college. College students who are reservists in other services or the National Guard also may be able to participate in the PLC program, receiving credit for time served. Financial Assistance: Financial assistance to help defray the cost of books and tuition is available for students who have completed one session of summer training and wish to pursue their commission in the Marine Corps. Financial assistance is available for the nine months (September through May) of the academic year for students in good academic standing in the PLC program. Financial assistance is available for up to three years. 29

39 PROGRAMS:PLATOON LEADERS CLASS Aviation Option Nearly 30% of Marine Corps Officers are pilots. The Platoon Leaders Class Aviation option guarantees qualified students that they will attend flight training to fly for the Marine Corps upon graduation from college and The Basic School. The PLC Aviation option gives you a chance to graduate with a commission and real flying experience, well before your military flight training begins. After you have successfully completed all pre-commissioning training, you can receive all-expense-paid, FAA-approved flight instruction. This is exciting, valuable training in itself, and just a taste of what you will experience as a Marine Corps aviator. Marine Corps Flight Orientation Program (MCFOP) will introduce students who have some interest in flying to a Marine Corps Pilot and allow them to fly together in civilian aircraft. This can help you find out if you might enjoy becoming a pilot and have your questions answered by a Marine Corps Pilot. Speak with an Officer Selection Officer to see when and where the next MCFOP flight is scheduled. Marine Corps Flight Indoctrination Program (FIP) provides civilian flight instruction to fully trained members of the Platoon Leaders Class Aviation option who have agreed to accept their commission. Students who have completed their summer training and are within one year of graduation are eligible for this program. If your dream is to be a pilot, the Marine Corps can guarantee flight training as early as your Freshman year in college. 30

40 PROGRAMS: PLATOON LEADERS CLASS Law Option The Platoon Leaders Class Law option is open to college Seniors, and first- and second-year law students. You must meet the basic requirements for the PLC Ground program and score a minimum of 150 on the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT). After you complete a 10-week summer session at Officer Candidates School, you are commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and placed on inactive duty without pay or allowances while you finish your law degree. The Platoon Leaders Class Law option is open to college Seniors, and firstand second-year law students. You receive credit for time in service for promotion and pay purposes while you are in law school. PLC Law students may apply to serve on active duty and work at Marine Corps Legal Centers during summer breaks. Upon graduation from law school and admittance to the state Bar of your choice, you will attend The Basic School, followed by The Naval Justice School at Newport, Rhode Island. 31

41 PROGRAMS: PLC REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS U.S. Citizen Education Full-time college Freshman through Junior (12 or more credit hours) Minimum grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale Open to men and women Less than 30 years old when commissioned a Second Lieutenant Standardized Test Scores (any one of the following to qualify) ACT combined score of 45 or better SAT score of 1000 or better ASVAB score of 115 EL or better No Marital Restrictions Medical Pass an Armed Forces Entrance Physical Physical Men s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches, pull-ups, and 3-mile run Women s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches, flexed arm hang, and 3-mile run Average qualifying score: 225 out of 300 possible points Moral Be of solid moral character Whole Person Concept The Marine Corps does not only evaluate test scores but also considers external activities such as community activities, school activities, sports participation, and work experience, to select those candidates who will attend training PLC Aviation Option: Additional requirements No more than 27.5 years old when commissioned a Second Lieutenant Pass the Navy-Marine Corps Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) Be found medically qualified for flight PLC Law Option: Additional requirements Be a full-time college Senior (12 or more credit hours) who is accepted to an ABA-accredited law school, or a first- or second-year law student at an ABA-accredited law school with a qualifying LSAT score LSAT score of 150 or better Less than 33 years old when transitioning to active duty 32

42 PROGRAMS:OFFICER CANDIDATE CLASS FOR SENIORS AND COLLEGE GRADUATES Officer Candidate Class is pre-commissioning training for college Seniors and Graduates who are interested in becoming Marine Officers. Candidates in this program attend a 10-week course at Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia. Those who graduate are immediately commissioned and begin active duty at The Basic School. Officer Candidate Class Aviation Option: This program is designed for students who are interested in becoming pilots. Those who are qualified and chosen for this program will be guaranteed to attend flight training for designation as Marine Corps Aviators. Officer Candidate Class Law Option: This program is designed for students who have graduated from law school and are preparing for or have passed their Bar examination. Those selected will be guaranteed to become Judge Advocates (attorneys) for the Marine Corps. You will receive constructive service time for your years in law school. This means accelerated promotions to the ranks of First Lieutenant and Captain. OCC can be considered a ten-week job interview. OFFICER CANDIDATE COURSE (OCC) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS U.S. Citizen Education Graduate from accredited 4-year college or university or Full-time college Senior (12 or more credit hours) graduating prior to training Minimum grade point average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale Open to men and women Less than 30 years old when commissioned a Second Lieutenant, or less than 33 years old if designated law option Standardized Test Scores (any one of the following to qualify) ACT combined math and verbal score of 45 or better SAT score of 1000 or better ASVAB score of 115 EL or better No Marital Restrictions 33

43 PROGRAMS: OCC REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (continued) Medical Pass an Armed Forces Entrance Physical Physical Men s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches, pull-ups, and a 3-mile run Women s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches, flexed arm hang, and a 3-mile run Average qualifying score: 225 out of 300 possible points Moral Be of solid moral character Whole Person Concept The Marine Corps does not only evaluate test scores but also considers external activities such as community activities, school activities, sports participation, and work experience, to select those candidates who will attend training OCC Aviation Option: Additional requirements No more than 27.5 years old when commissioned a Second Lieutenant Pass the Navy-Marine Corps Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) Be found medically qualified for flight OCC Law Option: Additional requirements Be a law school graduate from an accredited law school LSAT score of 150 or better Must pass a state Bar exam prior to attending training Less than 33 years old when commissioned as an Officer of Marines 34

44 Marine Corps Leadership Traits Justice Judgment Dependability Initiative Decisiveness Tact Integrity Enthusiasm Bearing Unselfishness Courage Knowledge Loyalty Endurance

45 NO PROMISES MAKE THE CHANGE NO SHORTCUTS

46 OFFICER TRAINING:OFFICER CANDIDATES SCHOOL Located in Quantico,Virginia, Officer Candidates School (OCS) is designed to screen and evaluate officer candidates to determine if they have the leadership potential to serve as Officers in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Candidates School may well be the most demanding challenge you have ever faced. During OCS, officer candidates are evaluated for leadership potential, academic abilities, and physical fitness. It is not a day school to teach theoretical leadership; rather, it is a rigorous and demanding regimen with a focus on evaluating leadership potential. You have realized that you could do more and reach higher goals than you ever thought possible. You have found that you have the mettle to be a leader among a small, elite force of highly capable individuals. THE TRANSITION FROM COLLEGE STUDENT TO MARINE OFFICER The first weeks of Officer Candidates School are the most difficult. Most candidates have never had any military training and may feel overwhelmed by the demands both physically and mentally. Throughout these first few weeks, candidates are expected to take temporary leadership roles. This enables the instructors to evaluate each person s potential and desire to lead under conditions of chaos and uncertainty. The training starts with the basics: how to drill, four-person tactics, and basic land navigation. Candidates learn that nothing they do is fast enough or good enough to satisfy the Sergeant Instructors who monitor their progress. Instructors voice their disapproval often and loudly. Candidates must process these important lessons while continuing to demonstrate their potential and desire to lead. Some don t make the cut. Those who do continue their leadership training. The middle weeks of OCS require you to start to lead others. You are now asked to march groups of people, lead others through wooded areas in tactical scenarios, and fill more difficult leadership roles. Successfully completing Officer Candidates School starts you on the road to realizing your potential and puts you far ahead of your college peers. 35

47 Officer Training: Officer Candidates School The Crucible The OCS Crucible is the culminating exercise that tests candidates for leadership, teamwork, tactics, endurance, and core values by putting them through a grueling 60 hours of marches, squad attacks, logistics, and supply/infiltration courses. It s finals to the extreme. Although the OCS Crucible tests your physical, intellectual, and moral capabilities, you are well prepared for the challenge by the previous weeks of tough training. The last few weeks at Officer Candidates School are the payoff. You can meet the tough demands and are in the best shape of your life. You ve developed strong relationships and learned what it is like to be a part of, and lead, a very strong team. You have pushed yourself to your limits and beyond. All Marines pass through the crucible of training. In that demanding experience, their steel is tempered to withstand the stresses of future challenges. 36

48 OFFICER TRAINING: THE BASIC SCHOOL The Basic School is a 26-week course designed to educate newly commissioned officers in the high standards of professional knowledge, esprit de corps, and leadership required of company grade officers in the Fleet Marine Force. The Basic School places particular emphasis on the leadership, responsibilities, and war fighting skills required of an Infantry Platoon Commander. All Marine Corps Officers begin their career with this solid foundation to ensure a common understanding and background for all Officers, regardless of specialty. A common ground makes us more effective and cohesive when called on to act and builds the sense of community unique to Marine Corps Officers. When you leave The Basic School you will have mastered all of the basic skills and begun the process of becoming a leader. NO SHORTCUTS TO LEADERSHIP While a student at The Basic School you will receive in-depth training in numerous areas that include courses and field exercises in: marksmanship, navigation, communications, infantry tactics, infantry weapons, supporting arms, field engineering, Marine Corps organization and staff functions, drill, command and ceremonies, military law, logistics, personnel administration, Marine Corps history and traditions, first aid, patrolling, combat intelligence, vertical envelopment operations, tank-infantry operations, aviation and air support, and amphibious operations. Above and beyond all other skills,the Basic School focuses on developing within each student the fundamentals and essential ability to lead. 37

49 Officer Training: The Basic School PEER SUPPORT AND MENTOR GUIDANCE At The Basic School, you will be assigned to one of the student companies of approximately 250 Lieutenants. Each company contains smaller groups with Marine Corps Officers assigned to instruct and mentor the new Lieutenants. These more senior Officers help students through the demanding course by personally working with each student. This gives students a chance to develop their leadership style with advice and counsel from Officers recently returning from fleet units. Here, and in the following school, you will have practiced leadership and management for approximately nine months before taking command of enlisted Marines. You will also face a demanding swim test at The Basic School. The test includes swimming for 40 meters with full gear and weapon, jumping off a 3-meter platform in boots and utilities, and retrieving another Marine s pack from 25 meters distance. Students are encouraged to spend time mastering their basic swimming strokes prior to The Basic School. Lieutenants spend about three weeks on the rifle and pistol range to learn marksmanship and are expected to qualify with both the rifle and pistol. In addition to the formal time on the ranges, students are encouraged to practice with these weapons as well as others used by an infantry company. 38

50 Officer Training: The Basic School A six-month course in Marine leadership,the Basic School turns raw lieutenants into functioning Marine Officers. There is no MBA program or leadership school like this anywhere else in the world. Students put all of their military education to the test near the end of the course in the five-day offensive/defensive exercise and a four-day war exercise, which begins with a helicopter assault. Though the pace at The Basic School is very demanding, you will have the opportunity to experience some of the traditional Marine Corps social functions, including a Mess Night, a Commanding General s reception, and, if attending in November, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Typical days last from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with most evenings and weekends free. The practice and the training you receive provide a grounding in the physical, moral, and mental strength that form the heart and soul of a Marine Officer. 39

51 Officer Training: The Basic School Your reward as a Marine Officer is knowing that you re among the best of the best. 40

52 LEADERSHIP Self-Discipline Knowledge Self-Confidence Mental Strength The characteristic of effective leadership is only possible by possessing a combination of many characteristics

53 Principal Duties of Marine Officers Command, establish policy, plan and program the work of the unit. Concentrate on collective training which will enable the unit to accomplish the mission. Involved primarily with unit operations, training, and related activities. Concentrate on unit effectiveness and readiness. Concentrate on the standards of performance, training, and professional development of officers. Create an environment making time and other resources available so that Marines can do their jobs.

54 AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION For more than 200 years, in matters of national security and defense, there has always been a need for those who stand apart and excel... It s this kind of tradition and experience that will make you proud to be a United States Marine. Your Job in the Marine Corps Naturally, your immediate concern is the successful completion of Officer Candidate School (OCS), then completion of The Basic School (TBS). That forms the bedrock of your future in the Marine Corps. One of the important factors that will affect your next assignment, and all future assignments, is your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). 41

55 Areas of Specialization There are three program/job guarantees: air, ground, and law. Approximately halfway through The Basic School you will have the opportunity to indicate preferences for both occupational field and geographical duty assignment. We consider it important for you to know of this opportunity now so you will be able to give this matter the serious consideration it deserves. This section contains brief descriptive summaries of the occupational specialties to which you may be assigned upon completion of The Basic School. The specialties are organized into four categories: aviation, combat arms, service support, and law. Formal instruction at The Basic School will introduce you to most occupational fields. Additionally, your Company Commander will provide the opportunity for you to informally meet with experienced Officers in all major occupational fields. These Officers will provide detailed information about various fields of interest. The more than one hundred Officers who serve on The Basic School staff represent the majority of occupational fields and welcome your questions at any time. You will be first and foremost a leader of Marines; also you will be technically proficient in a specific area of specialization. 42

56 The Marine Corps has its own tactical aircraft that support its ground forces in protecting U.S. interests worldwide.

57 As a Marine Corps pilot this could be your office.

58 AVIATION The Marine Corps may not be the largest service, but it makes up in innovation what it lacks in size. Its openness to new ideas helped the Marine Corps quickly recognize the potential of the airplane. As early as World War I, Marines were involved in air-to-air combat, antisubmarine bombing, land bombing, and aerial resupply. During the 1920s, Marine pilots serving in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua began coordinating with ground units. Close air support skills were honed by serving as scouts, strafing hostile positions, and dropping bombs all in one mission. Marine Corps aviation is an important part of the Marine Corps air-ground task force. The air and ground elements work together as one unit to achieve the mission. But it was during World War II that Marine aviation came of age. Close air support was widely used on Guadalcanal in 1942 to support ground combat operations. Marine pilots initially flew from aircraft carriers and later moved ashore to Henderson Field. They often provided the only source of fire support. Amphibious warfare and close air support have been defining features of the Marine Corps ever since. The Marine Corps has its own tactical aircraft that support its ground forces in protecting U.S. interests worldwide. Marine Corps aviation is an important part of the Marine Corps air-ground task force. The air and ground elements work together as one unit to achieve the mission. In playing its part in an amphibious assault, Marine aviation is expected to do a laundry list of jobs. These include air reconnaissance, anti-air warfare, assault support, offensive air support, electronic warfare, and control of aircraft and missiles. 43

59 AVIATION Marine Aviation Capabilities OFFENSIVE AIR SUPPORT MISSIONS Provide close and deep air support for the landing force. Attack and destroy enemy installations, equipment, supplies, and personnel within the area being attacked. Assist in the destruction of ground, air, and surface targets outside the area being attacked. ANTI-AIR WARFARE MISSIONS Attack and destroy enemy aircraft and defensive weapons before they are launched, and neutralize enemy airfields, radar installations, defense weapons systems, and air support areas. Extend the task force s anti-air warfare inland in order to gain and maintain air superiority. Provide air defense for the force beachhead. Minimize the effect of enemy air. ASSAULT SUPPORT MISSIONS Provide vertical assault lift capability for the landing force. Provide fixed-wing assault lift for high-priority cargo and personnel into the assault area. Deliver critical materials to combat units using whatever aircraft are available. Evacuate units or individuals as needed. Provide in-flight refueling for either fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft. 44

60 AVIATION AIR RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS Use photographic, multi-sensor imagery, electronic, and visual reconnaissance to meet the requirements of the landing force. ELECTRONIC WARFARE MISSIONS Search for, intercept, locate, and identify radiated electromagnetic energy. Prevent or reduce the enemy s use of electromagnetic energy. Ensure friendly effective use of the electromagnetic spectrum. More than 30% of our Corps Officers are pilots. AIRCRAFT AND MISSILES CONTROL MISSIONS Provide, maintain, and operate an air control system. Conduct anti-air warfare operations, including missiles. Coordinate and control assault support operations. Control airspace over the assault area. Work with the air control systems of other amphibious or joint forces. Collect, process, evaluate, and disseminate intelligence in coordination with appropriate agencies. 45

61 FLIGHT TRAINING Pipeline for Marine Corps Pilots Aviation Pre-Indoctrination 6 weeks 196 academic hours NAS Pensacola, FL 6 weeks 196 academic hours Vance AFB T-45TS Strike/JET TS 39 weeks 156 hours T-45A 96 simulator hours 81 academic hours NAS Kingsville, TX weeks 67 hours T-34C 27 simulator hours 166 academic hours NAS Corpus Christi, TX NAS Whiting Field, FL Primary Flight Training Strike/JET weeks 100 hours T-2C 45 simulator hours 110 academic hours NAS Meridian, MS Intermediate Flight Training weeks 67 hours T-34C 27 simulator hours 166 academic hours Vance AFB Helicopter 6 weeks 26 hours T-34C 11 simulator hours 9 academic hours NAS Corpus Christi, TX NAS Whiting Field, FL Multi-Engine/C weeks 26 hours T-34C 11 simulator hours 9 academic hours NAS Corpus Christi, TX NAS Whiting Field, FL Marine pilots fly only tactical aircraft and tactical mission sorties. Advanced Flight Training weeks 92 hours TA-4J 68 simulator hours 94 academic hours NAS Meridian, MS 22 weeks 116 hours TH-57 B/C 24 simulator hours 24 academic hours NAS Whiting Field, FL 20 weeks 88 hours T simulator hours 182 academic hours NAS Corpus Christi, TX weeks 223 flight hours 123 simulator hours weeks 259 flight hours 140 simulator hours Total weeks 209 flight hours 62 simulator hours weeks 181 flight hours 58 simulator hours 46

62 FLIGHT TRAINING AVIATION PRE-INDOCTRINATION (API) Aviation Pre-Indoctrination is the initial training that Student Naval Aviators receive prior to commencing actual flight training. Aviation Pre- Indoctrination is conducted at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, and lasts six weeks. The first three weeks are devoted to studying Aerodynamics, Aviation Physiology, Engines, and Navigation. The material is presented through programmed texts supplemented with lectures and films. The fourth and fifth weeks are devoted to sea and land survival. Sea survival consists of class work and practical application in the Pensacola Bay. Instruction is given on survival equipment, release mechanisms, and survival techniques. Land survival follows with classroom and field work in techniques of food procurement, map reading, and shelter building. Upon completion of Aviation Pre-Indoctrination, Student Naval Aviators report to Naval Air Station Whiting Field to begin Primary Flight Training. PRIMARY FLIGHT TRAINING Primary Flight Training is conducted at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. Milton is located approximately 30 miles north of NAS Pensacola. While at Whiting, you will be assigned to one of the three Primary Training Squadrons. Lieutenants begin their flight training in the T-34C, a highperformance training airplane. The syllabus consists of 67 flight hours in the T-34C, supplemented with 27 hours of synthetic trainer time and 166 hours of flight support lectures and academics. The flight syllabus includes Familiarization, Instruments, Night Flying, Precision Aerobatics, and Formation training. Highlights of the flight syllabus are four solo flights, including two solo aerobatic flights. All Student Naval Aviators start in the T-34. Toward the end of Primary, you are selected for one of the three different advance pipelines (Jets, Helicopters, Turbo-Props). Selection is based on your grades, personal desires, and the needs of the Marine Corps. Once Primary Flight Training is completed and aircraft type is selected, you begin Intermediate Flight Training for Helicopters and Turbo-Props, or Basic Jet Training Squadron. 47

63 FLIGHT TRAINING INTERMEDIATE FLIGHT TRAINING If you have selected Helicopters or Turbo-Props you stay in your Primary Training Squadron for another six weeks. During this time you receive 26 more hours in the T-34, concentrating in Radio Instruments and IFR/VFR Navigation. Ground school, academic training, and simulator flights ensure that each Student Naval Aviator is well versed in Flight Rules and Regulations prior to reporting for Advanced Training. ADVANCED TURBO-PROP TRAINING Once you have satisfactorily completed Intermediate Flight Training in the T-34, you report to Naval Air Station Corpus Christi,Texas, to begin Advanced Training in multi-engine aircraft. Over a 20- week period, you will receive 88 flight hours in the T-44 Beech Queen Air. Additionally, 20 hours of flight simulators are incorporated with 182 hours of academic transitions to your Fleet aircraft. Once training is satisfactorily completed, you receive your gold wings and are designated an instrument-rated Naval Aviator. ADVANCED HELICOPTER TRAINING Once you have satisfactorily completed Intermediate Flight Training in the T-34, you report to South Whiting Field to begin flying in the TH-57B/C Bell Jet Ranger. Advanced Helicopter Flight Training consists of 116 flight hours, concentrating in your transition to the world of helicopters, then educating you in advanced navigation, formations, and tactics. Ground Training during this phase emphasizes Helicopter Aerodynamics, Power Plants, Engineering, and Advanced Instrument Navigation. Upon successful completion of Advanced Helicopter Training, you receive your gold wings and are designated an instrument-rated Naval Aviator. 48

64 FLIGHT TRAINING JET TRAINING Jet training takes place in either Naval Air Station Kingsville,Texas; or Naval Air Station Meridian, Mississippi. All jet training locations teach both Basic and Advanced Jet Courses. The basic jet training syllabus starts with ground school. This period lasts about five weeks and includes courses in Instrument and Visual Flight Rules and Regulations, Meteorology, and Aerodynamics. In addition, safety lectures, cockpit familiarization, and course rules and procedures are required prior to your first flight. Basic jet training flights are flown in the T-2C or T-45 and include instruction in Transition, Aerobatics, Radio Instruments, Formation, Gunnery, and Carrier Qualification. Carrier Qualification is usually the highlight of Basic Training. After considerable land-based practice, you fly out to a Navy Training Aircraft Carrier for arrested landings and catapult takeoffs. The advanced jet training syllabus is basically the same, except flights are flown in the TA-4 or T-45 and more time is spent on combat maneuvers, air-to-air combat, air-to-ground combat, and night flying. A total of 92 hours are flown in the TA-4 or T-45 during Advanced Training, culminating in Carrier Qualification. Once qualified in all phases, you receive your gold wings and are designated an instrument-rated Naval Aviator. 49

65 FLIGHT TRAINING FLEET REPLACEMENT SQUADRON Once flight school is completed Naval Aviators proceed to their Fleet Replacement Squadron. Here you transition to your final aircraft. Training will begin with basic familiarization and culminate with your designation of Combat Capable Marine Pilot. Each aircraft community has exciting training. Whether it is low-level navigation and ground attack in an F/A-18D or operating aboard amphibious ships utilizing Night Vision Goggles in a Cobra Gunship, Marine Aviation offers you the type of ongoing challenge found nowhere else in the world. A brief overview of the aviation occupation specialties follows. Marine pilots have perfected the art of close air support. 50

66 F/A-18 PILOT With a huge array of conventional and precision guided munitions, you will take the fight to the enemy in both close and deep air support roles. Operating in two and four flight formations, the F/A-18 is a formidable foe to enemy armor, infantry, command/ control, and logistics. In the finest traditions of Marine Air, your direct support of the ground combat element is essential. Fast and maneuverable, the F/A-18 Hornet is good to have on your side. The F/A-18 Hornet is a stateof-the-art fighter plane that gives the Marines the fighting edge. TRAINING After completing flight school you will be directed to report to one of the three Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS). The FRS syllabus will start with simulators and familiarization flights to include navigation and formation flying. You will then learn to employ the F/A-18 in the air-to-ground and air-to-air arenas. Initially air-to-ground training consists of basic dive deliveries and low-altitude ingress to pop-up deliveries. You will fly close air support sorties and have the opportunity to use the Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) for weapons employment. Air-to-air training will include basic intercept procedures utilizing the radar and one versus one basic fighter maneuvering. As you become more familiar with the aircraft and your skills increase, you will learn to employ the Hornet as part of a flight of two or four jet fighters. Your air-to-ground and airto-air skills will be tested as you employ the aircraft in a class strike against a protected target. Finally, you will return to the aircraft carrier for both day and night carrier qualification. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Once you have successfully completed the FRS, you are ready to report to your first fleet squadron as a designated F/A-18 pilot. The squadron assumes the responsibility for training you and preparing you for combat, and you assume the responsibility for learning everything you can to become combat ready. Initially you will be a wing man, flying with an experienced flight lead. As you become more experienced, you will earn the designation of section and division lead. You will have the opportunity to employ air-to-ground ordnance including general purpose bombs, laser-guided bombs, high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs), Maverick missiles,walleye glide bombs, and Rockeye cluster munitions. Some of the air-to-air ordnance you will have the chance to employ includes AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, and the 20 mm cannon. 51

67 F/A-18 Pilot Depending on the squadron you are assigned to, you may deploy to Iwakuni, Japan, or on an aircraft carrier to the Mediterranean Sea or Indian Ocean. On deployment you will participate in operations in support of national interests and have the chance to see some interesting sights in foreign countries. You will certainly have the opportunity to do limited deployments for training purposes while not deployed. Some of these include Combined Arms Exercises in Twentynine Palms, California, Cobra Gold in Thailand, Green Flag and Red Flag in Las Vegas, Scorpion Wind in Yuma,Arizona, Keen Edge in Japan, Pitch Black in Australia, and Native Fury in Kuwait. Your job will include leadership challenges other than flying your aircraft. In a single-seat fighter squadron there are 18 pilots and 4 other officers. Each of the pilots is the head of a division or department in the squadron and is responsible to the Commanding Officer for the performance of their Marines. You will have the responsibility for the career and personal development of your Marines. Just as in the Infantry or artillery, a Marine Officer in a fighter squadron is expected to be a leader. The opportunities in this field are vast; some pilots will be selected to become Air Combat Tactics Instructors and attend Navy Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun); some will go to Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course. These pilots are chosen based on maturity, skill level in the aircraft, and potential as a squadron instructor. There is no greater thrill than flying the F/A-18 Hornet. Whether dropping bombs, flying a low-level route at 500 feet and 500 knots, fighting one versus one, or being one in a twenty versus twenty fight, the challenges are only matched by the sense of knowing that you are one of the elite. If you think this is something that might interest you, see a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer and ask about the Guaranteed Flight Option to attend flight school. 52

68 AV-8B HARRIER PILOT The AV-8 Harrier is a vertical/short take-off and landing (VSTOL) aircraft that can take off and land on a variety of ships, expeditionary airfields, and forward landing sites, often no more than roads or grass strips. The mission of the AV-8B is to attack surface targets, to act as an escort to helicopters, and to provide limited air defense. As an AV-8B pilot you will train for these tasks and many others. You will provide close air support to the Infantry, take out targets that are designated as priority, and conduct air defense of the Amphibious Task Force. The flying is very demanding, and only the most motivated pilots can carry it through to successful completion. TRAINING Upon being winged as a Naval Aviator and selected to the Harrier program, you will be sent to VMAT-203, located in Cherry Point, North Carolina, to learn how to fly this unique aircraft. There are four different ways of taking off, with five ways of landing, all of which must be mastered. You will learn the basic fighting formations and practice instrument and night flying. There will be many training sorties to the bombing range to learn the delivery systems the aircraft possesses. You will learn to conduct low-level navigation, at 420 knots, 500 feet above the ground. Along with the attack mission you will learn how to fight the Harrier in the air-to-air arena. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Upon completion of the training squadron you will be sent to a front-line unit called a gun squadron. As a new pilot, your primary job will be to continue to enhance your skills through study in the aircraft. You will refine your skills in bombing, low-level navigation, deep air strike missions, and our most important mission, close air support. Here, you will talk to a Marine with an infantry unit who is requesting ordnance in close proximity to their position. This type of mission is the toughest and most dangerous but Marine Aviation prides itself on being the best in the business at it. 53

69 AV-8B Harrier Pilot Along with the attack missions, you will learn how to fight the AV-8B in aerial combat. You will start off learning basic fighter maneuvering, one versus one. After mastering that, you will move up to two versus one, two versus two, and four versus unknown. There will be weapons employment sorties, radar intercepts, and dissimilar aircraft sorties, where you will fight aircraft from the different services and different nations. You will also learn a myriad of other missions, all of which add to your capability as an attack pilot. You will fly from ships, expeditionary airfields, and roads, both day and night. You will fly with other types of aircraft in large strike packages with very specific timelines and missions. There is always something new and challenging to learn. Harrier squadrons travel to different countries and bases to conduct their training, sometimes by themselves, sometimes as part of a larger training effort. Exercises may involve forces from many different nations. Typically your training will eventually lead you to a deployment for six months with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) aboard a Helicopter Assault Ship. In any part of the world, when trouble erupts, the first help to arrive is often the MEU. It may be the evacuation of civilians in Indonesia, the threat of war in Africa, or disaster relief in Europe. Often the first aircraft on the scene is the AV-8 Harrier. As a squadron pilot, you will also have a ground job. You may work in operations, logistics, or maintenance, using your leadership skills and the experience of some senior enlisted Marines to direct the efforts of more junior Marines. Without those men and women working on your aircraft, guiding you over the radio, and running the flight line, the Harrier would never leave the ground. The squadron is very much a team effort. The missions of the AV-8B are both challenging and diverse. You will be given the responsibility of flying a $25 million aircraft, training with the world s finest people, and if necessary, flying into combat. A lot of tough and exciting training goes into getting you to this exacting standard, but once you arrive there, you will find there are few challenges in life that compare to flying a Harrier jet for the United States Marine Corps. 54

70 EA-6B PROWLER PILOT The EA-6B Prowler is a four-seat, swept winged jet aircraft that enhances the survivability of strike missions by denying or delaying the enemy use of radar, data links, and communications. The aircraft performs several functions, including electronic attack, electronic protection, and electronic warfare support for aviation and ground forces. In addition, the EA-6B is capable of providing tactical electronic reconnaissance. TRAINING The EA-6B is a critical part of all military air campaigns with its ability to identify and degrade or destroy threats to successful accomplishment of the mission. After flight school, if you are designated an EA-6B pilot you will report to the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Training here will last approximately eight months. You will learn to fly the aircraft in all weather and through all missions. Initially, training will consist of navigation, low-altitude flying, and delivery of high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) onto target. You will support close air support and strike missions, and you will practice carrier-based operations. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Once you have successfully completed the FRS, you will report to your fleet squadron as a designated EA-6B pilot. Here you will begin mastering those skills with which you gained proficiency at the FRS through the study of aircraft, threats, and flight maneuvers. Your training never stops. In addition to flying you will also have a ground job. You may work in operations, logistics, or maintenance, using your leadership skills to direct the efforts of enlisted Marines. You will have experienced senior enlisted Marines with whom you work closely to develop the skills of those more junior. The multi-million-dollar machines that you pilot are entrusted to their hands when you return from each flight. 55

71 EA-6B Prowler Pilot The training missions that you fly daily will be varied but all lead to the ability to jam and confuse enemy radars and put missiles on target. You will do a significant amount of training at low altitudes. From the surface to 50,000 feet you will become an expert in highand low-altitude anti-air warfare and will work with the F/A-18 squadrons in their missions to intercept enemy planes. You may work with F/A-18s or AV-8s to mask their movements or jam radars as they conduct close air support missions that the ground combat forces have called to take out enemy forces. If the mission calls for jets, the EA-6B will often be involved. The EA-6B is the best aircraft in the world at performing its unique and critical missions. If you are interested in setting yourself apart from the crowd, and you enjoy the challenge of flying with both F/A-18 and A-V8 pilots, the EA-6B might be the specialty for you. If you think this might interest you, call your Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer to find out if you qualify for the Guaranteed Air programs that could put you in the cockpit. From the surface to 50,000 feet you will become an expert in highand low-altitude anti-air warfare. 56

72 KC-130 HERCULES PILOT All Marines depend closely on one another to accomplish the mission. Leadership and teamwork among pilot and co-pilot are essential. It is common for a crew of six to take the multi-million-dollar aircraft thousands of miles away from home base, often to another country, and conduct missions independently for several days or several weeks. This is a privilege and responsibility seldom found in other aviation communities. TRAINING After completing flight school, as a newly winged Naval Aviator assigned to fly the KC-130 Hercules, your first order of business will be to learn how to fly this unique aircraft. Until this point, you have flown a single-engine and a twinengine Turbo-Prop. The KC-130 is a four-engine Turbo-Prop that can take off at weights up to 175,000 pounds. You will train for two months with the U.S. Air Force in Little Rock, Arkansas. You will then proceed to the Marine Corps training squadron at Cherry Point, North Carolina. Over the next six months you will learn about the aircraft and its systems. You will train in simulators and in the aircraft, learning most of the missions you will routinely perform in the Fleet Marine Force. Upon completion of training, you will be a fully qualified KC-130 co-pilot and you will head to one of three active duty squadrons: Cherry Point, North Carolina; Miramar Air Station, California; or Okinawa, Japan. 57

73 KC-130 Hercules Pilot DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Your job as a new co-pilot will be to learn additional missions and further enhance the skills you already have. The primary mission is aerial refueling of jets and helicopters. You will do this at high and low altitudes, both day and night, as a single aircraft, or as part of a formation flight of several KC-130s. You will carry cargo and personnel throughout the theater of operations and learn to deliver personnel, cargo, and heavy equipment by parachute. You will often do this in conjunction with day or night low-level navigation as you practice flying low to avoid enemy radar detection and operate the large aircraft in and out of expeditionary airfields as short as 3500 feet. As you perform these missions, you will fly the aircraft from both the right and left seats. Although you are a co-pilot, you will actually fly the aircraft as much as the Aircraft Commander. Your goal is to become proficient enough to become an Aircraft Commander yourself, which typically occurs after approximately two years of flying with your squadron. In addition to flying, you will also have a ground job. The squadron will normally consist of 14 airplanes and about 250 Marines. Of those Marines, about will be Officers/Aviators, and the rest will be enlisted Marines. They are the ones who keep the squadron running and the ones you are trained to lead. You may plan missions and training deployments, write flight schedules, or lead some of the 100-plus Marines who work hard to keep the aircraft mission-ready. You may maintain the squadron s equipment, ensure all Marines maintain their training and weapons qualifications, or assist the Commanding Officer with administrative duties. Over the course of a three-year tour, you will hold several different jobs, each with increasing responsibilities. You will often operate the KC-130 Hercules in and out of expeditionary airfields as short as 3500 feet. As a KC-130 pilot you will have the additional benefit and responsibility of working with a crew and working away from your home base on a regular basis. It takes a crew of four to six Marines to operate the Hercules. You will be responsible not only for the successful completion of the mission, but for the safety of your crew. If you think this might interest you, call your Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer to find out if you qualify for the Guaranteed Air programs that could put you in the cockpit. 58

74 AH-1W COBRA PILOT Equipped with a twin engine and single rotor, the Cobra is capable of speeds up to 200 miles per hour, making it a flexible and valued player in battle. Cobra pilots support other aircraft and the Ground Combat Marines by providing close air support with a 20 mm Gatling gun in the nose turret and a mix of rockets and other aviation ordnance. Cobra pilots are expected to put themselves in harm s way to allow the Marines on the ground or in the air to carry out their assigned missions. The AH-1W (Cobra) is the Marine Corps helicopter gunship, providing escort to other helicopters and ground units in areas where hostilities are likely. TRAINING If you wind up flying Cobras you will be assigned to the training squadron at Camp Pendleton, California, after flight school. There you will be introduced to the fast-paced and competitive world of a Marine Corps Attack Helicopter Pilot. The Marine Corps expects you to push your skills to new limits. After a few weeks of ground instruction, you will begin to fly one of the most lethal and versatile weapons systems in the world. You will fly low to the ground, at night, taking advantage of the advanced systems on board to avoid enemy detection, to move in quickly and take out your targets. In the process you will become an expert in both friendly and enemy tactics. You will also experience the camaraderie of the Marine Corps aviation community. The Cobra has two pilots who operate the helicopter. One flies the aircraft while the other operates the weapons systems. The two pilots will switch positions often. The pilots both learn what the other needs: how to position the helicopter to shoot best, or what tactics to expect the pilot to perform when you work the weapons systems. You and the other pilot on board will work as one, depending on one another for survival. After learning and demonstrating your proficiency at flying the Cobra, you will be ready for the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), where you will attach to a Cobra squadron. 59

75 AH-1W Cobra Pilot DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After arriving at your FMF squadron you will spend most of your time perfecting the techniques you learned with your training squadron. Because a squadron must be prepared to deploy immediately in crisis situations, new pilots must quickly master their aircraft. Through training and experience you will become an expert in the many missions a Cobra pilot must perform. Cobra pilots work as a flight of two or more gunships, providing lethal fire power to suppress enemy weapon systems. Initially you will be a wing man, attached to a more experienced pilot; as your skills improve you will earn the designation of section and division lead. As a Cobra pilot you will likely deploy as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A MEU is a force of about 2000 Marines who embark on Navy ships and sail around the world, ready to react when called. A MEU is composed of Ground Combat Marines (Infantry, engineers, armored vehicles, etc.), Combat Service Support (supply, logistics, finance, attorneys), and Aviation elements (helicopters, Harrier jets). Prior to departing you will work with the other units for approximately a year, refining your tactics and skills to near perfection. While deployed with the MEU, you will train with foreign services and visit foreign countries. As a Cobra pilot, you may be called upon to act in the event of a crisis, whether it is rescuing a downed pilot, evacuating U.S. and foreign citizens from a country experiencing civil unrest, or assisting in humanitarian operations. As a Cobra pilot you will have the opportunity to hone your leadership skills in a variety of challenging ways. When you are not flying you will be leading on the ground. Whether it is during shipboard operations while deployed or back at your duty stations, you will have the responsibility of leading the Marine Corps most precious asset, our enlisted Marines. The enlisted Marines maintain the aircraft and assist in running all facets of the squadron. Your guidance and advice in their work will be crucial to the operational effectiveness of the squadron. Whether providing close air support with rockets and the 20 mm gun, destroying tanks with the laser-guided Hellfire missile, or providing air cover with your AIM-9 Sidewinder missile, you will be flying the most versatile and maneuverable aircraft in the world. You will be tasked to perform these missions day or night, in all weather, utilizing the forward looking infrared radar and low-light television. It will be challenging and rewarding! Cobras are involved in rescue operations, humanitarian aid; and evacuating U.S. citizens; as well as combat support. When Cobra pilots complete the mission and are safely back at the base be it an expeditionary airfield in a foreign country, a ship at sea, or at home field in the United States you will truly know the meaning of pride and accomplishment. If you think this might interest you, call your Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer to find out if you qualify for the Guaranteed Air programs that could put you in the cockpit. 60

76 CH-53 PILOT No two days are ever alike in a Stallion squadron. The Stallion is the warrior s workhorse. Your decision to fly the CH-53 Stallion will reward you with the excitement of flying the aircraft that is the warrior s workhorse. The mission of the 53D (Sea Stallion) and 53E (Super Stallion) is multifaceted, ranging from troop assault to moving heavy equipment, such as cannons, trucks, HUMVEES, and supplies to Marines in the field. It is a critical element in the Marine Air Ground Task Force, requiring dedicated Marine Corps Officers to do the job. The CH-53D is the two-engine variant capable of carrying approximately 12,000 pounds of equipment or 35 Marines 200 miles and returning for more. The CH- 53E is a new three-engine version, capable of transporting up to 32,000 pounds of cargo or 35 Marines 150 miles and returning for more. Both aircraft, powerful and responsive, are capable of maneuvering and outperforming much smaller helicopters. Both are fun to fly, offering a smooth platform with unlimited versatility. TRAINING After flight school, when you receive the CH-53 specialty, you will transfer to a training squadron to start flying this aircraft. Training will take approximately 5 8 months. While in training you will also be assigned important duties in the squadron. Upon arrival at your squadron in the Fleet Marine Force, either in Hawaii, southern California, or on the beach in North Carolina, you will continue to hone your aviation skills. Initially you will be a co-pilot flying with an experienced pilot; as you become more experienced you will move up as the pilot in command and then earn more designations, often leading large flights of aircraft with Cobras or Harrier escort. You will practice lowlevel flying at high speeds, perform night flying with Night Vision Goggles, operate from ships, and work with ground crews to pick up gear externally hooked up to the aircraft. 61

77 CH-53 Pilot You will be qualified to perform your missions day or night, good weather or bad, in friendly or not so friendly environments. Tactical training is always a priority. Night Vision Goggle usage, exercises with live ammunition, simulated missions, and shipboard operations are all part of your training. As a CH-53 pilot, you will interface with Marines of all specialties and experience daily challenges and responsibilities that lead to job satisfaction and a continual desire for more. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY A typical day as a 53 pilot really defies a set description, but a squadron pilot can expect to average hours per month in a cockpit. Mission descriptions will be just as varied. You will fly with CH-53s on some missions and with composite squadrons composed of helicopters and AV-8 Harrier jets on others. No two days are ever alike in a Stallion squadron. As a CH-53 pilot you will likely deploy as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A MEU is a force of about 2000 Marines who embark on Navy ships and sail around the world, ready to react when called. A MEU is composed of Ground Combat Marines (Infantry, engineers, armored vehicles, etc.), Combat Service Support (supply, logistics, finance, attorneys), and Aviation elements (helicopters, Harrier jets). Prior to departing you will work with the other units for approximately a year, refining your tactics and skills to near perfection. While deployed with the MEU, you will train with foreign services and visit foreign countries. As a Stallion pilot, you may be called upon to act in the event of a crisis, whether it is rescuing a downed pilot, evacuating U.S. and foreign citizens from a country experiencing civil unrest, or assisting in humanitarian operations. As a CH-53 pilot you will have the opportunity to hone your leadership skills in a variety of challenging ways. When you are not flying you will be leading on the ground. Whether it is during shipboard operations while deployed or back at your duty stations, you will have the responsibility of leading the Marine Corps most precious asset, our enlisted Marines. The enlisted Marines maintain the aircraft and assist in running all facets of the squadron. Your guidance and advice in their work will be crucial to the operational effectiveness of the squadron and will provide some of your greatest job satisfaction. You will also find an active social life in the squadrons, that includes spouses, friends, and all friends of the Corps. You will make lifelong friends, travel to exciting countries, and visit numerous areas in the United States. If you like a muscle aircraft capable of lifting more than any other helicopter in North America, one that can outmaneuver almost any other helicopter, and you enjoy the idea of a diverse and challenging job, flying CH-53s is for you. Call your local Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer to find out more about our Guaranteed Flight Officer Programs! 62

78 UH-IN HUEY PILOT The Huey is a utility helicopter, which means that it has a multitude of missions. Included among its missions are: serving as an airborne command and control platform, providing armed escort for assault support operations, conducting medical evacuation, and performing armed and visual reconnaissance and special operations. TRAINING The Huey is a lot of fun to fly, and it offers unique and diverse challenges to Marine Aviators. After completing flight school in Pensacola, Florida, all Huey pilots receive initial UH-1N training at HMT-303 in Camp Pendleton, California. This training takes about four months. The Marine Huey is a twin-engine helicopter that is more powerful and complicated than the Jet Ranger you flew in flight school. As a Huey pilot you will learn to employ air-to-ground missiles and rockets, lift and move external loads, use the hoist for cargo and personnel, and conduct search and rescue operations, as well as engage in Night Vision Goggle flying, low-level terrain navigation, formation flying, and more! You will become proficient at all of the capabilities that the Huey can perform. Upon completion of this initial training, you will proceed to a tactical squadron on the East Coast (Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina) or West Coast (Marine Corps Air Station Tustin, California). DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Fleet squadrons are composite, meaning they have multiple types of aircraft. As a Huey pilot, you will fly one of the six Hueys that a squadron operates. The squadron will also have 18 Cobra attack helicopters. You will continue sharpening your skills while working side by side with the Cobra pilots in your squadron. 63

79 UH-IN Huey Pilot As a UH-1N pilot, you will deploy with your squadron aboard helicopter carriers for deployment overseas. You will head to a variety of locations such as Japan, the Mediterranean, the Atlantic, or the Pacific. This is a great opportunity for you to see other parts of the world and experience new adventures. These deployments usually last from two to six months. You will not be on ship the entire time; you will operate inland and over water. All Marines on board depend closely on one another to accomplish the mission. Leadership and teamwork are essential. If deployed to Okinawa, you will be flying from an air station for the whole six months. You will continually practice your skills, but you will also be called on to perform real-world missions. These include tactical inserts/extracts of reconnaissance teams, airborne radio command and control, and tactical resupply of Marines in the field. Remember, the Huey is a multi-mission workhorse. Marine aviators take great pride in their flying and their other duties/ responsibilities as a Marine Corps Officer. In addition to flying, you will also have a ground job. As an Officer in a squadron, you will be responsible for the training and well-being of the enlisted Marines in that squadron. Your Marines will maintain the aircraft, keep the squadron supplied and prepared to deploy at a moment s notice, attend to the administrative needs of the squadron, or fly with you as crew members. You will have the privilege and responsibility of leading and caring for them. Without the enlisted Marines who work so hard, the squadron would not run and the aircraft would not fly. Everyone works together as a team to be as proficient as possible in accomplishing the mission assigned. Over the course of a three-year tour, you will hold several different jobs, each with increasing responsibilities. Whether flying low-level insertion of reconnaissance teams or command and control of a multi-aircraft mission at 3000 feet, or firing rockets to support our ground Marines, the Huey is crucial to Marine Corps aviation. If you think this might interest you, call your Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer to find out if you qualify for the Guaranteed Air programs that could put you in the cockpit. Whether flying low-level reconnaissance or command and control of a multiaircraft mission at 3000 feet, or firing rockets to support our ground Marines, the Huey is crucial to Marine Corps aviation. 64

80 CH-46 PILOT Whenever Marines are called to action, CH-46s are part of the team. You will work closely with the Infantry and Cobra helicopters, becoming a team that is always ready when the nation calls. Make no mistake, it s a challenging road. The Marines only take the best, and Aviation is no different. The payoff, though, is big. TRAINING AND DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY The job of the CH-46 pilot is to carry Marines to their destination. It is the backbone of Marine Corps aviation. By the time you join your first fleet squadron, you will have trained for 1 1 /2 2 1 /2 years. Your desk is a cockpit. Your office flies through the air, Infantry in the back, depending on you to get them to the fight. Your.50 caliber machine guns stand ready at your side doors, operated by your crew chiefs and aerial gunners. Helicopter gunships support your efforts. You bank your aircraft through valleys and over trees, often less than 200 feet above the ground. Not a bad way to spend a day. This is the life of a fleet CH-46 pilot. You will be surrounded with some of the finest Officers in our Corps to guide you as you grow, and you will learn precision flying, tactics, and weapons systems. The studying continues; every Marine Aviator from Second Lieutenant to Colonel is constantly honing their flying skills. You join a squadron as a co-pilot, working on your designation as an Aircraft Commander. You are an integral part of an aviation unit, and before long you will be workingup and deploying in support of an Infantry battalion. Shipboard operations are among the most challenging tasks in Naval Aviation, and you will hit that boat more times than anyone. Whether it is a training operation in a foreign country or an actual contingency, your primary mission of assault force transport will take up the bulk of your time. You become intimately involved in airfield raids, platform assaults, evacuations, hostile ship takedowns, and rescue operations. You will learn how to fly to support rappelling, fast-roping, and parachute operations. Our CH-46 pilots are on the forefront of our nation s armed forces. Often you will be deployed on combat ships with infantry units, ready to respond to a crisis overseas. 65

81 CH-46 Pilot At home, the training never stops...so for you, the flying never stops. You have the unique opportunity to stay with the squadron after your first deployment. However, your focus has changed. Now you are the duty expert, the teacher, the mentor. You may have only been out of flight school yourself for two years, but now there are young pilots who will look to you to teach them the ropes. You take them through the same process you went through, working through the basics and then moving to tactics and weapons training, either at your home base or on training deployments to places like Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. About 18 months later, you are lifting off and heading back overseas, to protect your country s interests around the globe. During the non-flying hours, pilots in their first tour will be assigned ground jobs to ensure that the daily operations of the squadron run smoothly. You may work in operations, logistics, or maintenance, using your leadership skills to direct the efforts of enlisted Marines. You will have experienced senior enlisted Marines who work with you to develop the skills of the more junior Marines. The multi-million-dollar machines that you pilot through the skies are entrusted to their hands when you return. As part of the team that you lead, they depend on you to take care of them while they take care of your aircraft. The missions are diverse and challenging. The community is a hard-working, blue-collar collection of warriors. It takes a lot for you to be one of them, but you can have more fun than you ever imagined, because you will be getting just what you joined to get...a piece of the action. As a pilot in the CH-46 community you will be at the forefront of the Marine Corps introduction of the MV-22 Osprey, a tilt-rotor aircraft that can act as both a fixed-wing (regular) and a rotary-wing (helicopter) aircraft. The MV-22 will have a much greater range than helicopters, but will be able to land and take off vertically, lending itself to use by the Marine Corps. This state-ofthe-art aircraft will be delivered to the fleet in 2001, and it will be piloted by CH-46 pilots, with CH-46 helicopters phased out of the Marine Corps inventory. If you think this might interest you, call your Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer to find out if you qualify for the Guaranteed Air programs that could put you in the cockpit. 66

82 NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER (NFO) If your specialty is Naval Flight Officer, your job will be to assist the pilot in operating either an F/A-18D or EA-6B. TRAINING The Naval Flight Officer (NFO) occupation consists of two basic specialties: the Electronic Countermeasures Officer (ECMO) and the Weapons System Operator (WSO), pronounced Whizo. Training for both MOS s begins in Pensacola, Florida. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Navigation, communication, co-pilot, flight planning, and strike command and coordination define the role of the Naval Flight Officer. The basic job description generic to both communities is navigation, communication, copilot duties, IFR airways flight planning,vfr low-level flight planning, Strike coordination, and Strike mission commander. The EA-6B Prowler is the aircraft that ECMOs crew. Its primary mission is Electronic Attack, also known as suppression of enemy surface-to-air missile systems. The crew is made up of one pilot and one ECMO in the front cockpit and two ECMOs in the rear cockpit. The front-seat ECMO performs duties as co-pilot although he does not have actual control of the aircraft. His job is to act in every capacity as the pilot. Obstruction avoidance as well as instrument and systems monitoring are the primary responsibilities. Additionally, all communications with ground and airborne agencies; all navigational duties using Global Prepositioning Systems,TACAN, and RADAR; Weapon system control and monitoring; and Communication jamming employment are the sole responsibility of the frontseat ECMO. 67

83 Naval Flight Officer (NFO) The two back-seat ECMOs are the heart of the EA-6B. Their primary mission is to operate a computer designed to identify enemy surface-to-air missile systems as well as other threat radars. After identification they deny, degrade, and delay the employment of surface-to- air missile systems against striking aircraft, either by using jamming or by employing the HARM missile system. Weapons System Operators (WSOs) crew the F/A-18D. Crew composition is one pilot in the front seat and one WSO in the back seat. The WSO is responsible for operating the air-to-air/air-to-ground radar. The F/A-18D is multi-role platform. Air-to-air and air-to-ground radar is used to employ the wide range of weapon systems the F/A-18 can carry. Close in aerial combat, as well as beyond visual range missile shots and iron bombs in support of ground combat arms Marines, are the bread and butter of the WSO. Collateral duties are what Marine pilots and NFOs do when they are not planning, briefing, flying, or debriefing a mission. Duties range from being the Administrative Officer/Adjutant to being the Executive Officer of the squadron. Other jobs include Officer in Charge of Airframes and Powerline Officer. Aviation Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer, and Logistics Officer are department head jobs for Field Grade Officers. Command comes in the form of being the officer in charge of maintenance or by being in charge of a small unit detachment. You will call on your leadership skills to develop junior officers and Marines within your work center as well as those you interact with on a daily basis. If you think this is something that might interest you, see a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer and ask about the Guaranteed Flight Option to attend flight school. 68

84 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE OFFICER As a Marine Corps Aircraft Maintenance Officer your responsibilities will be exciting and extremely challenging. You will ensure that the aircraft flown by Marine Aviators are repaired and safe to fly. TRAINING Your training will begin after completion of Officer Candidates School and The Basic School when you report to Pensacola, Florida, for 10 weeks of training in Naval Aviation Maintenance Management. This course will teach you a core foundation of knowledge in aviation maintenance. No aircraft takes off without the OK of the Aircraft Maintenance Officer. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Your job as Aviation Maintenance Officer is to ensure that your department is accomplishing its mission to provide safe, quality maintenance service or support. Generally, you will have a large number of Marines, aircraft, and maintenance equipment that you supervise to ensure the aircraft are ready to fly. You will report to your first assignment as an Aviation Maintenance Officer at a Marine Corps Air Station. There you will be assigned to a maintenance unit called a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS). The functions of this squadron are very similar to an aircraft manufacturing and repair facility. Aircraft are brought in for major servicing, modifications, or inspection. In addition to repairing aircraft, this unit maintains and repairs all of the necessary support equipment and parts required for maintenance. You can expect to be in charge of several departments, such as Quality Assurance, Production Control, Airframes, Power Plants, Avionics, and more. As the department head you will be responsible for all of the functions of that department. For example, the officer in charge of Quality Assurance will be expected to ensure that all maintenance performed by the unit is done to the highest standards. The Quality Assurance Officer will have Marines who will double-check and test the work done on aircraft prior to it being flown. It is a deep responsibility because work not done to exacting standards can result in potential loss of aircraft and/or personnel. Like all Officers of Marines you will be trained to accomplish this and you will ensure that your results exceed expectations. 69

85 Aircraft Maintenance Officer After 2 3 years in the MALS you will have gained the high-tech maintenance experience and will be ready for assignment to an operational squadron. This squadron s job is to support the daily flight schedule with available aircraft for flight. Each Marine squadron must be able to fly their aircraft to support training with other units, or in real operations when called upon by the nation. The maintenance performed here is usually routine or scheduled type of maintenance. Typically your unit will be responsible for aircraft with Marines to maintain the aircraft and equipment. During your assignment with an operational squadron you can expect to deploy overseas or aboard ship. This job will constantly challenge you. The pace of the operational squadron is very fast. Marines who need aviation support for real-world operations cannot wait. Your problem-solving skills, as well as your skills in managing time and people, will frequently be put to the test. In addition to ensuring the aircraft are ready to fly, you will schedule and prepare for major aircraft maintenance and administration inspections. As the leader you will accomplish these objectives by coordinating long- and short-term goals for your unit and the individual Marines who work with you, to accomplish all missions assigned. Prioritizing, planning, maintenance, and operational issues will all be a part of your life as a Aviation Maintenance Officer. These are some of the many responsibilities that you have as an Aviation Maintenance Officer. This job is extremely rewarding and always provides you with new challenges each day. You will develop a multitude of talents and a broad spectrum of knowledge. If you are interested in working in a highly technical field and managing bright, motivated Marines, this may be the specialty for you. Typically your Marine unit will be responsible for aircraft with Marines to maintain the aircraft and equipment. 70

86 AVIATION SUPPLY OFFICER As an Aviation Supply Officer you will be challenged in three areas: product distribution (getting parts from the supplier to the units that need them to fix their aircraft), warehouse management (stock/inventory control), and financial planning and budgeting. You will be responsible for working with the Aviation Maintenance Officer to ensure that aircraft are repaired. TRAINING Without an Aviation Supply Officer, the aircraft will not have the equipment to fly. After completing your initial training at The Basic School, you will spend the next 15 weeks at the Navy Supply Corps School located in Athens, Georgia, completing your Basic Qualification Course as an Aviation Supply Officer. While at school you will be provided with an understanding of Navy and Marine Corps aviation supply policy and procedures, including automated data processing, material expediting, budgeting and finance, warehouse management, and customer support operations. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After completing Navy Supply Corps School, you will report to a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) and take over a division within the Aviation Supply Department. As a Division Officer you will take charge of anywhere between 5 and 25 Marines. Normally the Officers are rotated within the divisions in order to enhance and expand their technical competency. As a Lieutenant you will have numerous challenges and opportunities to push yourself and your Marines to ever-higher levels of performance. You will manage, issue, and order between 2,000 and 35,000 line items, which can cost up to $300 million. 71

87 Aviation Supply Officer As an Aviation Supply Officer, your primary challenge will be to ensure that Maintenance has enough of the parts they need to make needed repairs on aircraft. If you have the parts, you will issue them. If you are out, you will order them. The challenge occurs in negotiations with vendors, to expedite the parts as quickly and economically as possible while ensuring that the squadron s aircraft are ready at all times. You will work with other Officers to determine whether time or money is more important. (Do we get them faster and pay more? Or accept that pilots will not be able to fly in order to save money?) Sometimes you will find that a needed part is no longer manufactured and must be contracted to be made again. This can take up to six months and involves working through government contracting. You will lead a diverse group of Marines from all over the country with varied and unique backgrounds. It will be up to you to pull this group together as a team, making sure they know how to perform their jobs, take charge of other Marines, and handle any other challenges they may find. During your initial tour you can expect to be deployed. Deployments may be as close as the deserts of California or as far away as Bosnia, Somalia, Norway, or the Caribbean. You may be assigned to the Aviation Combat Element of a Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard an Amphibious Assault Ship and be the single point of contact for support of 28 helicopters or Harrier jets. As you progress in your career you will have the chance to expand your horizons through Professional Military Education, Advanced Degree Programs, and Acquisition tours. By demonstrating your leadership skills you will be given the opportunity to become the Assistant Aviation Supply Officer (Captain), Operation/Executive Officer (Major), and Commanding Officer (Lieutenant Colonel) of a MALS. You will train your team to take on multiple challenges. 72

88 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER Air Traffic Control (ATC) Officers command an ATC Detachment and act as officer in charge of ATC facilities at Marine Corps Air Stations. Working as Control Tower Operators and Radar Air Traffic Controllers, they coordinate and direct activities related to ATC and airspace management as staff officers at Squadrons, Marine Air Control Groups (MACG), Marine Aircraft Wings (MAW), and other senior level units. TRAINING Air Traffic Control Officers are the key individuals in directing air traffic wherever Marine aircraft fly. Following The Basic School, you will be assigned to the ATC School in Pensacola, Florida, for six months to earn your basic FAA ATC Specialist License. Upon graduation, you will be assigned to a station as a Facility Watch Officer (FWO) in charge of a crew of enlisted Air Traffic Controllers. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY As an FWO, you will continue to work toward your required qualifications. Each ATC Officer is required to qualify as a Final Radar Controller, Radar Flight Data Controller,Tower Ground Controller, and Tower Flight Data Controller. It can take anywhere from 1 1 /2 to 2 1 /2 years to become qualified on all positions. Time is spent in each position every month in order to maintain currency in each of these areas. Additionally, as an FWO you are responsible for the smooth operation of the ATC facility and for the training and evaluations of the controllers in your charge. Controllers train continuously to retain their proficiency. When problems or mishaps occur, you are the responsible Officer. To assist in your duties, you will have a Watch Chief, a Radar Watch Supervisor, and a Tower Watch Supervisor. All have been qualified and have demonstrated proficiency on all positions in their respective areas and are the duty experts for ATC-related issues. 73

89 Air Traffic Control Officer Following your station tour, you will be assigned to a Marine Air Command and Control Squadron (MACCS) as a Detachment Commander. Detachments are complete mobile Air Traffic Control Facilities, capable of deploying and setting up remote airfields virtually anywhere in the world. You will be in charge of Marines assigned to maintain and operate the facility. Detachments usually forward deploy as part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); in times of crisis they are responsible for taking over and operating existing airfields or setting up airfields in the area of operation. Air Traffic Control Officers have a great degree of responsibility and challenge. It s a job in which you never stop learning and adding to your knowledge of the systems and equipment. If that challenge appeals to you, talk to your Officer Selection Officer about becoming an Air Traffic Control Officer. Air Traffic Control Officers have a great degree of responsibility and challenge. It s a job in which you never stop learning and adding to your knowledge of the systems and equipment. 74

90 AVIATION INTELLIGENCE Exciting and challenging, the job of a squadron Intelligence Officer puts you in charge of Marines and gives you the responsibility for providing real-world intelligence for missions performed by these squadrons when they deploy, often aboard helicopter or aircraft carriers. The opportunity to deploy and involve yourself in real-world operations is second to none, and you get to see the world at the same time. Aviation Intelligence Officers work in the fast-changing arena of world events by obtaining the essential information about those events. TRAINING After leaving The Basic School as a future Air Intelligence Officer you will attend a 19-week course at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC) in Virginia Beach,Virginia. You and your Navy classmates will be instructed in the finer points of airborne electronic warfare, surface-to-air missiles, airborne and air defense radar, briefing techniques, integrated air defense systems, and air warfare tactics, just to name a few. You will study these topics in a dynamic learning environment and also pick up a good depth of knowledge on world nations, current military and political issues, and weapons capabilities as you prepare and listen to intelligence briefs. After receiving your Top Secret clearance** you will be introduced to satellite systems, signals intelligence, and intelligence computer systems and applications; you will have the opportunity to visit national intelligence agencies in Washington, DC, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). ** At The Basic School you will fill out the Top Secret clearance questionnaire and be interviewed by a representative from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). They will conduct a background investigation based on the information in your questionnaire and you will receive your clearance at NMITC if all goes well. 75

91 Aviation Intelligence DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After completion of the course you will report to your first duty station. Your orders, which you will receive upon completion of The Basic School, will send you to a Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) or its parent command, the Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). Once you report, the current Intelligence Officer will place you in a job fitting your expertise and experience. Most likely you will be appointed as the Intelligence Officer for a helicopter or fighter squadron. The squadron might be on the West Coast or the East Coast, in Hawaii or Japan. You will be the Commanding Officer s source for information on the current world situation and on current threats to the squadron s operations; you will be responsible for educating the squadron on threat weapons systems, obtaining imagery of targets and vital mission areas, and providing security for classified material. After deploying, you will return to the MAG or MAW. At the MAG, you will become the Intelligence Officer or a member of the intelligence staff, and possibly be given the opportunity to deploy again. At the MAG you will be supporting the squadron intelligence staffs and giving them the benefit of your new-found experience. You will also have several more Marines under your care and command. Likewise, if returning to the MAW, you will be in a key position to support the subordinate MAGs. Air Intel s greatest advantage is that of being dynamic, and not characterized by the same type of training day in and day out. Current world events are constantly in flux, and weapons technology continues to advance. It is your job to ensure the Marines of your squadron keep up. If you think this is something that might interest you, see a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer and ask about the Guaranteed Flight Option to attend flight school. Aviation Intelligence Officers are the Commanding Officer s source for information on the current world situation and on current threats to the squadron s operations. 76

92 AIR SUPPORT CONTROL OFFICER As an Air Support Control Officer you will initially be controlling either fixed-wing (jets) or rotary-wing (helicopters) aircraft in support of Marines on the ground. Part of what makes the Marine Corps so successful in winning battles is its close integration of aircraft with the ground forces. TRAINING Air Support Control Officers control helicopters and jets, ensuring that ground Marines are supported when they request help from our aviators. After completing Air Support Control School at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat facility in Twentynine Palms, California, you will be assigned to your unit. Your job is to dispatch and talk pilots through their missions, ensuring they are able to assist the ground units that need their help and that all of these units are part of an integrated approach that utilizes the right units for the right jobs. This results in a very involved and dynamic day. Your main responsibilities are to brief pilots on enemy air threats, target locations, and locations of friendly troops and aircraft, and to talk to the pilots on the radio, ensuring they do not impede other missions or run into unexpected unfriendly units. You will work with between 12 and 30 Marines, ranging from radio operators to mechanics to electronics experts to air support operators. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Once you have received 1 2 years of experience you will be a qualified Senior Air Director in a Direct Air Support Center (DASC) where you ll be in charge of the action. The DASC is the essential link between the air support and the troops on the ground. All airstrike requests, medical evacuations, and logistical helicopter requests must first go through you. You and your Marines are part of the Command and Control organization that calls the shots on the battlefield, but unlike the rest of the Control element you re in the field where the action is. Your office will change frequently and you will often control aircraft from Jeeps (HMMVs), Amphibious Assault Vehicles, Light Armored Vehicles, hard and soft shelters, and an airborne C-130 aircraft. 77

93 Air Support Control Officer After you have proven yourself an effective Senior Air Director you will have the choice of being assigned to a Marine Expeditionary Unit where you will be in charge of an Air Support Liaison Team. Should you choose this assignment you will deploy on a ship for six months as part of a 1200-person Marine Unit assigned the task of training overseas in case the nation needs rapid response to a crisis. While serving in that unit you will travel to numerous countries and train with foreign services. While on ship you will plan the training that is required to keep your Marines sharp and ready for immediate response, and to coordinate with higher level units for operational planning. In short, you will be their leader. After each training exercise you will often be able to take advantage of time off to relax and enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and general recreation. If this world of high-tech aviation support and responsibility sounds exciting, look into the field of Air Support Control as a possible specialty. Your main responsibilities are to brief pilots on enemy air threats, target locations, and locations of friendly troops and aircraft, and to talk to the pilots on the radio, ensuring they do not impede other missions or run into unexpected unfriendly units. 78

94 AIR DEFENSE OFFICER Air Defense consists of the Marine Corps efforts to protect ourselves from enemy attack planes and helicopters. We do this through Stinger Missiles, which lock in on low-flying aircraft. TRAINING As an Air Defense Officer you will be in charge of the Marines who operate these systems, and you will be responsible for coordinating and implementing the defense of Marine Corps facilities and equipment. If you receive the specialty of Air Defense, you will attend a 4 1 /2- month school at Fort Bliss,Texas, after which you will be assigned to your first unit. Air Defense Officers protect our assets from air attack using surface-to-air weapons. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Typically the first assignment for a new Lieutenant will be as a Support Platoon Commander. The Support Platoon aids the other batteries by maintaining and managing the equipment that aids the Battery Firing Platoons in the performance of the primary mission air defense. In this billet you will be in charge of the supply equipment, communication assets, generators, and personnel who employ and maintain these assets. While leading and managing these Marines and equipment, newly arrived Lieutenants become familiar with the important support role provided by these assets. You will also coordinate the supply and logistical support for the entire Battery of approximately 180 Marines. You will work closely with the Executive Officer, often a senior First Lieutenant who has experience as both a Support Platoon Commander and a Firing Platoon Commander. The Executive Officer will mentor you, grooming you to take over a Firing Platoon, the job that Air Defense Officers enjoy most during their first tour. 79

95 Air Defense Officer After you have demonstrated your leadership and management ability as a Support Platoon Commander, you can plan on being assigned as a Firing Platoon Commander. A Firing Platoon Commander normally has several responsibilities. You will direct and coordinate the tactical employment of your platoon. How do your Marines set up? Are they integrated in air defense that supports itself? Are there other assets that you need to protect, or who can help you defend the area? You decide where you want to place your Marines and missiles to best defend Marine Units in that area. As the leader you will work with your senior enlisted Marines to train the platoon in the proper tactics of air defense. You will also be responsible for determining what threats must be eliminated and for directing the identification of enemy aircraft, the firing of the missiles, and the engagement with opposition forces. Following your tour as a Firing Platoon Commander, you can look forward to a tour as the Battery Executive Officer (XO). The XO is responsible for training, operations, and the bulk of the collateral duties of the Battery. Moreover, at this point in your tour, you should be the duty expert and, therefore, indirectly responsible for nurturing and advising the Support and Firing Platoon Commanders. When the Battery deploys, the XO will be a site commander. If your timing is right, you may become the Battery Commander. Or you may operate in a support role (operations or logistics), helping ensure that the Line Platoons and Batteries have the support they need to meet the challenges they face in a world where the Marines are increasingly deployed to quell violence and civil unrest. You decide where you want to place your Marines and missiles to best defend Marine Units in that area. If you think this is something that might interest you, see a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer. 80

96 Marine Corps Leadership In combat our officers caught just as much hell as the enlisted Marine. They also were burdened with responsibility. E.B. Sledge

97 What sets the [Marine Corps] apart from other training institutions and in particular, from an M.B.A. program... is that it unabashedly favors breeding generic, high-speed, chaos-proof leadership. Experts and specialists are a dime a dozen. What the world needs is someone who can grasp the workings of an entire organization, understand people, and motivate them. Inc. Magazine, April, 1998

98 INFANTRY OFFICER Infantry is the backbone of the Marine Corps. Everything supports the Infantry s ability to accomplish their mission. Hiking, live fire training, jumping out of helicopters or riding ropes beneath them, landing in small rubber boats, or working with armored vehicles Infantry touches every area of the Corps. It is Infantry that has given the Marine Corps its proud traditions, and where many of our great leaders received their training. Hot, cold, wet, or dry, grunts are the reason the Marine Corps exists. TRAINING Upon graduation from The Basic School, you will spend 10 weeks at Quantico attending Infantry Officer Course (IOC). At IOC you will receive more training on Infantry tactics and techniques. Much of the time you will be in the field practicing your skills. Upon graduation you will report to an Infantry battalion of approximately 1000 Marines to tailor your training there to the billet and unit mission to which you will be assigned. 81

99 Infantry Officer DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY As an Infantry Officer you will lead approximately 40 Marines. Supervising, training, and teaching them will be your primary responsibility. As a Platoon Commander you will be assisted by a senior enlisted Marine with 8 12 years of experience, your Platoon Sergeant. You will also have three senior Noncommissioned Officers (Corporals and Sergeants) who will act as your squad leaders, each commanding about 13 Marines. With this team, you will plan, execute, and critique all activities in which you participate. With four other Lieutenants and a Captain, your Company Commander, you will set short- and long-term goals for the platoons and the company. Using the training areas available on your base, participating in exercises taking place around the United States, and locking on with the deployment work-up (preparing you for six-month deployments overseas), you will develop and hone your leadership skills. As an Infantry Officer you will lead approximately 40 Marines. Supervising, training, and teaching them will be your primary responsibility. 82

100 Infantry Officer In the Infantry, you go to the field to practice your art. Monday is typically spent preparing for field training on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You will take care of administrative matters, issue orders, check gear, and ensure that your Marines are ready for training. As an Infantry Officer, you are responsible for developing the whole Marine not just the warrior. On Tuesday you will typically go to the field wooded or deserted areas that simulate different terrain in which you may be asked to work. You will stay in the field until Thursday night or Friday morning and work on land navigation, offensive and defensive operations, airfield seizure, building seizure, cordon and search operations, and humanitarian and peacekeeping scenarios, among others. Through time, signals, and your radio, you will use your knowledge to bring jets and mortar and artillery shells onto the battlefield to support your attack. You will test your Marines discipline to move from humanitarian operations to midintensity conflict back to peacekeeping, and use proper judgment to respond to the changing scenarios and conditions of each. The success of the mission, from the ground you seize, to the people you protect, to the resupply of food and water, depends on your accurate planning and ability to lead Marines. As the commander of your unit, you will decide what needs more practice and when to move along. On Friday you will typically get back to your unit s area, clean your gear and weapons, then turn the Marines and yourself loose for weekend liberty. This certainly is not a 9 5 job! When not conducting combat exercises, you will develop and instruct classes on hand-to-hand combat, the rules of war, and weapon characteristics. Your Platoon Sergeant and squad leaders ensure that what is taught is learned and practiced. Classes and activities are not all combat oriented. Sexual harassment, ethics and conduct, health and hygiene, and Marine Corps history are also common topics. You are responsible for developing the whole Marine not just the warrior. 83

101 Infantry Officer You will be involved in the day-to-day events of each Marine both professional and personal. The problems of 18- to 25-year-olds are typical; some are unique to being in the military, others the environment, others the individual. You need to have the professional bearing that demands each Marine s respect, yet display the personal compassion that will allow them to trust you with their lives. A six-month deployment is typically the highlight of a Platoon Commander s tour. Whether on a base in Japan or on a naval ship in one of many oceans around the world, you and your Marines will be positioned to answer any call where Marines are needed. Deployments often consist of traveling to places like the Mediterranean Sea, the Western Pacific, the Indian Ocean, South America, or the Persian Gulf. This is a true test of your leadership. You may be called upon to conduct real operations around the world. You will literally implement the foreign policy of the United States. You will train up to and throughout the deployment for any number of missions, from humanitarian to war fighting. Whether you are called to action or not, you will experience living in foreign countries, meeting their citizens, working with their military, and touring their country. Your time as a Platoon Commander is a crash course in leadership. The other Officers you work with will become your best friends. You will grow through the unique experiences you encounter and the people you meet. It will be a time of accomplishments. The satisfaction you will gain comes from watching your platoon, as individuals and as a team, grow and perform beyond your imagination. If you are interested in extreme challenges, you should consider Infantry as your specialty when you reach The Basic School. 84

102 FIELD ARTILLERY OFFICER In military circles, artillery is referred to as the King of Battle, and for very good reason. The psychological and destructive advantage of well-coordinated, responsive, and accurate artillery has profoundly influenced the tactical outcome of major land battles throughout the preceding two centuries. TRAINING The psychological and destructive advantage of well-coordinated, responsive, and accurate artillery has profoundly influenced the tactical outcome of major land battles throughout the preceding two centuries. After The Basic School you will be assigned to the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course (FAOBC) in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. You will receive 19 weeks of training in gunnery and fire support. Gunnery the technical side of artillery deals with ballistics, survey, meteorology, physics, and all things that relate to accurately placing an artillery round onto a target. Fire support the art of artillery relates to planning and coordinating artillery and other fire support assets to provide a suppressing, neutralizing, or destructive effect on a target. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Joining your first artillery battery, you will most likely become a Forward Observer (FO) or a Fire Direction Officer (FDO). You are a member of the Supporting Arms Team. You become the guy that the other units rely on to answer their calls for help at any time, anywhere, in any weather. You will call to your unit and request to have artillery rounds put into targets designated by the Infantry commander. As a Fire Direction Officer you will be the brains of the artillery battery, the Fire Direction Center (FDC). As an FDO you quite possibly may have the most challenging job the Marine Corps can place on a Lieutenant. Throughout the course of a contingency or battle, your battery will receive a multitude of calls-for-fire, or fire support requests. It is up to you to prioritize these calls and decide what type, and how much, of a munition best supports that call. As an example, does a callfor-fire require screening of a friendly or enemy force (smoke munitions), or destruction of dug-in bunkers (high explosive with delay fuses)? The true challenge then becomes the safe placement of those 100-lb. projectiles, ensuring your fires do not cause harm to the Marines requesting your support. 85

103 Field Artillery Officer After experiencing the challenge and responsibilities of being an FO or FDO, you will most likely take on the role of Guns Platoon Commander, Battery Liaison Officer, or Battery Executive Officer (XO). As the Guns Platoon Commander you will take charge of the 50 or more Marines within the guns platoon, and the six howitzers and other equipment utilized to perform the mission of these Marines. This is the most gratifying role an artillery Lieutenant can assume, due to the opportunity you have to influence and direct the training and welfare of such large numbers of Marines. As the Battery Liaison Officer you will function on a battalion staff (planning) level. Your duties are coordinating and integrating supporting arms on a larger scale with various other tactical staff officers. Commanders and staff officers will look to you to be the expert on the employment and capabilities of field artillery. The most senior Lieutenant in an artillery battery is the XO the second in command. The integration of diverse and challenging training, bringing all facets of the firing battery together, is the primary function of the XO. The XO integrates this training, ensuring that all facets of the unit function effectively to accomplish assigned tasks and missions. The net result is a very fast-paced, leadership-heavy environment where 95- to 137-lb. bullets are fired onto their targets with startling timing, accuracy, and speed; and it all happens because of you and your teammates. The responsibility of these jobs could be staggering, but it s just the type of thing that Officers of Marines are trained to handle. If you want to be a part of a team that commands respect, artillery may be the right opportunity for you. 86

104 ASSAULT AMPHIBIAN VEHICLE (AAV) OFFICER The Assault Amphibian Vehicle is unique to the Marine Corps. Weighing close to 30 tons, it is designed to launch from U.S. Navy ships with up to 25 Marines or supplies in the rear, and swim ashore using jets to power it through the water at speeds up to ten knots. It has armor protection, which allows the Marine Corps to land even if hostile forces occupy the beaches. Once ashore, the vehicle completes its amphibian transformation by using its tracks to power itself over land at speeds up to 45 mph. One of the most versatile vehicles the Marine Corps owns, it is both an awesome machine and a lot of fun to command. TRAINING If you select the specialty of AAV, you will report to Camp Pendleton, California, for an 8-week course teaching you the information you need to command, control, and repair these enormous vehicles. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After school you will report to your duty station to take over your platoon. As a Platoon Commander you will have approximately 12 Armored Vehicles and 40 Marines who work for you, organized into three sections and a headquarters element. Each of these sections will contain three vehicles and is typically commanded by a Sergeant or Staff Sergeant with 8 12 years of experience. Your assistant, with whom you will work very closely, will either be a Senior Staff Sergeant or Gunnery Sergeant with years of experience. As an AAV Officer your platoon is responsible for carrying Marine Corps infantry units from Navy ships to the beach, across country to their objective, supporting them with your weapons, or carrying resupplies to Marines or local populations. As a commander you will be concerned with both operational readiness (your ability to accomplish your mission) and keeping these vehicles repaired and ready to answer the call. You will learn the mechanics of the vehicle and how to lead the Marines to help operate and repair these behemoths. 87

105 Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) Officer As the commander of the unit, you will define what level of professionalism is required of your Marines as your unit trains. AAV units deploy as a platoon, leaving you in complete command of your vehicles and Marines. You will often train alone, miles from other Officers or Marines. This imbues AAV Officers with a certain confidence and maturity. For example, as you launch off the ship and move toward the beach, you will decide how close the vehicles need to be, how quickly they should move, whether you will move without radio traffic or lights at night, what actions must be taken if a vehicle goes down, and what actions should be taken as you move through the surf and onto the beach to secure your advance. Once ashore, your attention will turn to tactics of armored vehicle movement. What route will you take to the objective? What actions will you take if you encounter resistance? You will rehearse these scenarios and actions with your Marines until they achieve the high standards that you set. As the commander you will create training scenarios with which to practice these skills. Prior to training with the Navy and the infantry units with whom you will work, you may decide that classroom work or work with the vehicle weapons is necessary to sharpen your Marines skills. This is a difficult job, but you will have the wisdom and experience of your professional senior enlisted Marines to help guide you. You are expected to share your vision of what you want from the platoon and to solicit their advice and opinions. These senior enlisted Marines will have more experience than you, and you will need to listen to their wisdom to make sound decisions. As you gain experience you will become more comfortable and better at making these important decisions. Typically, when you have demonstrated your abilities running your platoon you will get the opportunity to attach to an infantry unit of about 1000 Marines to provide armored vehicle support overseas. Some Platoon Commanders who have shown their ability to manage these Marines and millions of dollars of equipment will often be promoted to Executive Officer. Here you will assist the Company Commander, a Captain, who is in charge of 4 platoons and approximately Marines. As second in command you will plan training for the company, help guide the new Officers who check in to the unit, and be in charge when the Commanding Officer is not there. This will be challenging, but you will be prepared since the Marine Corps prepares its Officers well and gets superior results. Assault Amphibian Vehicle Officers have enormous responsibility and pride. If you have what we re looking for, this could be your future. 88

106 LIGHT ARMORED VEHICLE (LAV) OFFICER The Light Armored Vehicle is relatively new to the Marine Corps. It is one of the most exciting vehicles to operate and puts you and your platoon at the leading edge of battle. The Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) is a very powerful, all-terrain, 8-wheel, highly mobile, high-speed tactical vehicle with advanced weapon systems. The LAV community is characterized by a very challenging, highpaced training and operating environment that requires its members to make timely decisions, and think and act on the move. The LAV platoon is employed at the leading edge of the battle and will likely be the first unit to meet, report on, and engage a hostile force. As the LAV Platoon Commander, you must be a leader of Marines with rapid decision-making skills, capable of independent thought and action, with a knack for vehicular maintenance, armored tactics, and a fundamental understanding of the Marine Corps Air-Ground team. The tactics and operations associated with the Light Armored Reconnaissance units in the Marine Corps are similar to the Infantry, Armor, and Reconnaissance specialties. TRAINING If you become an LAV Platoon Commander you will typically begin your career by attending the Infantry Officer Course, a 10-week course of intensive Infantry training. This course prepares you, as a Lieutenant, for the myriad of responsibilities you will assume as a Platoon Commander. After completing the course you will report to a Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. As an LAV Officer you will be challenged to become a hybrid mix of the Infantry, Armor, and Reconnaissance Officers. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Like the all-terrain nature of the vehicle you operate, you must become allterrain : equally adept at operating in a city or jungle, patrolling at foot-speed, or mounted in vehicles moving in excess of 50 miles per hour. You will search for new and innovative ways to train your Marines to higher standards and new levels of performance by focusing on the wide variety of armored reconnaissance missions, including urban warfare, security missions, airfield and port raid/seizure, amphibious reconnaissance, mid- to low-level intensity conflict operations, humanitarian operations, and peacekeeping operations. 89

107 Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Officer Field training usually takes place three to four days per week, and usually involves a mix of gunnery training, scout training, vehicle and scout immediate action drills, and communication and fire support coordination training (artillery and close air support with F/A-18s, Harriers, and Cobra Gunships). As a Platoon Commander, you will constantly balance the requirements of training and maintenance. Since your platoon will consist of both Infantry Marines and LAV Crewmen, you will need to plan for both. For example, while training you may choose to have scout training for the Infantry Marines while the LAV Crewmen perform vehicle drills or conduct maintenance on the LAVs. You will focus on armored tactics that include vehicle ID (friendly and enemy), route reconnaissance, formations, and weapon systems and employment, among many others; land navigation skills are honed to a level above that of non-vehicular movement. Most important, as the Platoon Commander you must blend the talents and skills of the Crewmen and Infantry Marines into a cohesive team ready to accomplish the assigned missions. An LAV unit tour is usually two to three years, with deployments to other countries or afloat with a Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard ship, deployed throughout the globe. A Lieutenant can expect to serve two years with a Platoon before moving up to the Executive Officer (XO) position. As the XO, the Lieutenant is responsible for coordinating the fire support of the company over a distance that can exceed 10 miles; this will include coordinating artillery fires, naval gun fires, and close air support from Harriers, F-18 Hornets, and Cobra Gunships. The leadership experience and responsibility of the LAV Officer provide a valuable and exciting experience that will play a major role in the defense of our nation. The LAV is in high demand, and there will never be a dull moment as an LAV Platoon Commander. Perhaps no other position in the Marine Corps offers a new Lieutenant more independence of action and dynamic decision-making and leadership challenges than does the LAV specialty. Perhaps no other position in the Marine Corps offers a new Lieutenant more independence of action and dynamic challenges. 90

108 TANK OFFICER It requires an agile mind and iron-willed determination to command a tank and a tank platoon. A famous philosopher once said that if you are going to be a bear, you might as well be a grizzly! Similarly, some say if you are going to be a Marine, you might as well be a Tanker. Tankers are part of the elite of the ground combat forces in the Marine Corps. It s not an easy job. It requires an agile mind and iron-willed determination to command a tank and a tank platoon. You work with state-of-the-art machinery with high-caliber Marines in a fast-paced mobile environment. You learn and develop leadership skills the old-fashioned way by doing. In fact, the leadership and life skills you gain as an Armor Officer can be employed in all aspects of your life, whether you make the Corps a career or not. TRAINING Your work as an Armor Officer begins at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after completing The Basic School in Quantico,Virginia. At Fort Knox, you spend four demanding and interesting months undergoing training known as the Armor Officer Basic Course (AOBC), where you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to lead a tank platoon. During your four months, you will learn every position in the tank, from driving the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (which can reach speeds in excess of 45 miles per hour) to firing with pinpoint accuracy the 120 mm smoothbore cannon (which can reach out and touch an enemy at ranges of 4000 meters or over 2 country miles). Finally, you will learn how to command the tank. Additional instruction includes training in tactics, maintenance, gunnery, and leadership. At the school, you can count on spending numerous hours in high-tech simulators as well as engaging in an abundance of field training. By the time you graduate, you will thoroughly understand the basics of tanking and be ready to take charge of your platoon. 91

109 Tank Officer DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After graduating from Tank School, you will have the choice of two premier duty stations: Twentynine Palms, located in sunny Southern California, or Camp Lejeune, on the coast of North Carolina. Twentynine Palms has the largest live-fire training area in the Marine Corps. So if combat training is what you are after,twentynine Palms is the place to be. Upon arrival at your first duty station, your first job will be as a Tank Platoon Commander. As a Tank Platoon Commander, you will take charge of a platoon of 15 Marines and 4 M1A1 tanks. Your responsibilities include the administration, training, maintenance, and combat readiness of your entire platoon. You will take the platoon to the field where you will practice every skill that might be asked of your platoon: how to attack different objectives, defend key terrain, support expeditionary peacekeeping forces, work with Infantry and armored vehicles, execute ship to shore landings, and perform maintenance on the vehicles to keep them running in top shape. You will find what motivates your Marines and will continually challenge them to better perform their missions by setting higher goals and objectives. After a year or more as a Tank Platoon Commander, having demonstrated your ability to lead a platoon of Marines, you might be called upon to assume the greater responsibility of the Company Executive Officer. As the Executive Officer, you will plan and coordinate major field exercises. Where once you were responsible for the administration and training of 15 Marines, you now hold the same responsibilities for upwards of 75. As an Executive Officer, you also fill the role of Fire Support Coordinator, coordinating air strikes, artillery support, and naval gunfire. Finally, the Executive Officer assumes command of the company in the absence of the Commanding Officer. If you love fast-paced excitement and the thrill of heavy firepower, tanks might be the specialty for you. 92

110 ENGINEER OFFICER Whatever path you are designated in the engineering field, you will be challenged at every turn. Marine welfare, equipment maintenance, supply control, demolition, heavy equipment operations, and mobile electricity are just a few of the challenges you will handle as an Engineer Officer. TRAINING A challenging and extremely rewarding job that puts you in the center of the action. If you are assigned to the engineer speciality you will attend 10 weeks of training for Engineer Officers at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Upon graduation from engineer school you will report to your unit. An Engineer Officer can be assigned to an Engineer Support Battalion (ESB), Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS), or Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB). Each of these units offers enormous experience and leadership opportunities for a junior Officer. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY As a Lieutenant in the ESB, you will be assigned either as a Platoon Commander or an officer in charge of one the equipment sections such as heavy equipment (forklifts, bulldozers, etc.). You will have Marines and millions of dollars worth of equipment under your command, with the focus being construction. You will be able to build anything from supply buildings to bridges that can hold 67-ton M1A1 tanks! Your unit will have the capability to provide showers, hot water, electricity, heavy lift, laundry, and many other services to approximately 10,000 15,000 Marines. Often you will be the city planner of your location as you determine power and water requirements, road networks, housing requirements, and food facilities. If assigned to the MWSS, you will provide much the same support but to a Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). The main difference is your focus will be on supporting aircraft. Typical assignments include large-scale earthwork projects like runway repair and construction. You will manage Marines and keep millions of dollars worth of equipment like bulldozers, graders, scrapers, and dump trucks moving. When you finish you will have the pride of watching Marine Corps fighter aircraft land on your runway! 93

111 Engineer Officer ESB and MWSS often send detachments to support Marine Air Ground Task Forces (MAGTF) that deploy around the world for disaster aid, peacekeeping, or training missions. Lieutenants are typically assigned as the detachment commander. You will be a Special Staff Officer solely responsible for supporting approximately 2000 Marines. If assigned to CEB, you will be a Platoon Commander in charge of 40 engineer Marines. As with all of these units, you will be responsible for the readiness and welfare of your Marines and equipment so you can provide comprehensive and flexible support. While assigned to CEB, your platoon will be in direct support of an Infantry battalion of approximately 1000 Marines. Your missions in support of the Infantry will include demolition of enemy obstacles, bunker construction, camouflage of defensive positions, and so forth. In short, you and your unit will be the experts on demolition, mines, obstacles, and route and bridge reconnaissance. As an Engineer Officer you will have many unique opportunities to develop your leadership ability and challenge your limits. Whatever your assignment, you will command Marines and respect! If this appeals to you, talk to an Officer Selection Officer about the Ground Program for a commission in the Marines. 94

112 Marine Corps Leadership This is not a retreat. This is an assault in another direction. There are more [enemy] blocking our path to the sea than there are ahead of us. But we re going to get out of here. Any officer who doesn t think so will kindly go lame and be evacuated. I don t expect any takers. Colonel Raymond Murray Commanding Officer of the 5th Marine Regiment at Chosin Reservoir, 1952

113 Indicators of Discipline Attention to detail. Good relations between unit members. Devotion to duty. Proper senior-subordinate relationships. Proper conduct on and off duty. Adherence to standards of cleanliness, dress, and military courtesy. Promptness in responding to orders. Adherence to the chain of command. Ability and willingness to perform effectively with little or no supervision.

114 LOGISTICS OFFICER As a Logistics Officer, you will be required to accomplish a wide variety of challenging tasks, all centered on supporting the individual Marine. You will do everything from overseeing budgets to planning tactical resupplies to managing sophisticated databases to coordinating the movement of over a thousand Marines. Simply put, logistics is the business of the Marine Corps, and as a Logistics Officer, you will turn concepts into reality. Your specialty is to become a quick-thinking problem solver, ready to take on a challenge. Logistics is a broad, challenging field that puts you in a role critical to the support and well-being of every Marine. TRAINING If you are selected for the Logistics specialty, you will go to Camp Johnson, North Carolina, for instruction in Combat Service Support, Embarkation, Maintenance Management, and Motor Transportation for 12 weeks. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After graduation, you could be assigned to one of many different jobs in these fields, potentially commanding a unit of 70 Marines or coordinating all of the logistical functions of a battalion of 1200 Marines and $40 million in equipment. Some of the jobs are: Combat Service Support Officer: At the heart of Marine Corps logistics is Combat Service Support. This means making sure that the individual Marine has the necessary food, fuel, water, ammunition, and supplies the essentials for the job. This billet is very complex and usually functions around 3 to 4 teams within the Logistics section: Ammunition, Embarkation,Transportation, and Medical. You will be responsible for the coordination of transportation, ammunition delivery, chow, water, armory support, supply, and medical aid. Since Combat Service Support is critical in both training and real-world combat, your Marines must be proficient in logistics as well as efficient ground combat fighters. In addition to your regular day-to-day logistics activities, you will train your Marines in basic ground combat techniques. You will become an expert in tactical logistics, learning how to resupply tanks, vehicles, and ground combat Marines in combat situations. The success of the unit, in peace and war, will often rest upon your ability to effectively provide Combat Service Support. 95

115 Logistics Officer Embarkation Officer: As the Embarkation Officer, you will be responsible for planning and supervising the movement of up to over a thousand Marines and their equipment, either by aircraft, ship, rail, or truck. Using a sophisticated database and computer-aided design program, you will carefully plan the movement to ensure maximum utilization of space and means. You can t do it alone you will supervise a section of 4 12 embarkation specialists, and your senior assistant will be either a Staff Sergeant or Gunnery Sergeant. Since readiness is one of the hallmarks of the Marine Corps, you are also critical to the Marine Corps ability to be the world s 911 force. You will be responsible for ensuring that your unit is prepared to deploy at a moment s notice. Maintenance Management Officer: As the Maintenance Management Officer, you are responsible for ensuring maximum efficiency of valuable high-tech combat equipment. You will establish and enforce maintenance procedures for your unit to create an efficient, smooth maintenance process and maximize equipment readiness. Logistics is a job that is systems oriented, and success hinges on your ability to be innovative, make sound decisions, and act on them. If you are a take-charge person, logistics might be the specialty that interests you. Success hinges on your ability to be innovative, make sound decisions, and act on them. 96

116 GROUND INTELLIGENCE OFFICER As a Ground Intelligence Officer you will collect data from both ground sources and national strategic agencies to gain a better understanding of what hostile forces exist, and what their intents are. You will then advise the Commander and help develop the best course of action for the unit. TRAINING Ground Intelligence Officers gather information to educate their unit on military, civilian, and atmospheric threats. If you are assigned the specialty of Ground Intelligence Officer, you will stay in Quantico after The Basic School and attend the Infantry Officer Course for 10 weeks. From there, you will attend Ground Intelligence Officer Basic Course at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. Upon completing these two schools you will most likely report to an Infantry Battalion. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY If assigned to an Infantry battalion you will likely command the scout-sniper platoon. These elite platoons are specially trained to operate behind enemy lines as the "eyes and ears" for the Infantry battalion. You will be in charge of Marines who are keen marksmen and can operate undetected when the need calls for it. Ground Intelligence Officers also operate with reconnaissance platoons, trained to enter a hostile area via air, land, or sea in darkness and foul weather. A scout-sniper platoon is made up of about 20 Marines. All of these Marines have completed rigorous screenings to become members of this elite platoon. Your right-hand man will probably be a senior enlisted Marine with years of experience. He is called your chief scout or Platoon Sergeant. He is the senior enlisted man and is your advisor on all training and administrative matters. You will also have a driver, radio operator, corpsman, and 16 scout-snipers. 97

117 Ground Intelligence Officer Scout-snipers are trained to operate behind enemy lines in order to collect information about the enemy and terrain. They are also some of the best-trained marksmen in the world, used to eliminate key targets with precise shooting while remaining undetected. A team of two of these Marines can literally stop the advance of over 1000 unfriendly forces through the accurate use of their rifles. They are the invisible eyes and ears of the Commander, often preferring to remain hidden in order to uncover intelligence about the opposing forces. A Platoon Commander not only trains his Marines to conduct sniper and reconnaissance operations but determines how they will be used against the enemy. You will be the commander s advisor on how he can best employ these assets. Your decisions and the information you produce can change the entire course of a battle. The training will be the most challenging you have ever endured, and the rewards, both tangible and intangible, will be the greatest you will ever receive. Can you meet the challenge? As a Ground Intelligence Officer, you will be in charge of Marines who are keen marksmen and can operate undetected when the need calls for it. 98

118 HUMAN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE As a Human Intelligence Officer you will work with the Commander of the Marine Forces to determine what information is needed, and work with the local populations to obtain intelligence, using specially trained Marines under your command. TRAINING The Human Intelligence / Counterintelligence Officer obtains information through human sources. Specialization in the Human Intelligence field begins at The Basic School. You must successfully complete a special background investigation to ensure that you are eligible for a Top Secret clearance before you proceed to a 14-week course at the Navy/Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia Beach,Virginia. The Marine Air Ground Task Force Counterintelligence Agents Course provides extensive training in countering terrorism, espionage, sabotage, and subversion. This course will test your ability to remember detailed information, communicate effectively, think quickly, and react appropriately to a fluid environment. The course covers a range of topics from terrorist organizations to photography on site surveys. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to participate in some of the most exciting and enjoyable work in the Marine Corps. 99

119 Human Source Intelligence DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY After completion of the course you will be assigned to one of the Counterintelligence Units in the Fleet Marine Force. These units consist of Marines trained in counterintelligence and interrogation and translation. As a Platoon Commander, you and approximately four Marines will provide information and intelligence to Fleet Marine Forces. Working through your Marines, you will provide information that is unavailable through any other means. These Marines will be fluent in foreign languages and often able to blend in with the locals to find sources of information. They will also question prisoners to give the Commander accurate and timely information on the intent and disposition of enemy forces. You will train your Marines with new technologies and equipment that increase their ability to find and report information. You will have the opportunity to attend numerous schools like Airborne School (parachuting), Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School, and other schools sponsored by federal agencies, which hone and refine your skills as a Counterintelligence professional. This is one of the four intelligence occupations that lead to the specialty of Marine Air Ground Task Force Intelligence Officer upon promotion to the rank of Captain. If you are looking for excitement, travel, and hard work with some of the most diversified training that the Marine Corps has to offer, this might be the job for you. Contact your Officer Selection Officer for more information and to find out about other opportunities in which you might have an interest. You will train your Marines with new technologies and equipment that increase their ability to find and report information. 100

120 SIGNALS INTELLIGENCE OFFICER As a Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare Officer you will be a specialist, leading Marines who can find enemy radio frequencies, listen to gather intelligence, determine enemy positions, and use jamming techniques to eliminate the enemy s ability to communicate. TRAINING SIGINT/EW Marines contribute to the effectiveness of today's Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) by disabling the enemy's command, control, and communications networks and systems. After completing Signals Intelligence School at Virginia Beach,Virginia, you will typically join a Radio Battalion of approximately 1000 Marines. As a junior Officer, you may have a platoon of Marines and later become an officer in charge or assistant officer in charge of a 20-person detachment supporting an Infantry battalion or regiment on a deployment. To do this, you must have exceptional leadership skills and train your Marines well. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY The mission of the Radio Battalion is to organize detachments to provide a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with ground signal intelligence and electronic warfare, as well as to establish and monitor communications security and special intelligence communications. At any given time, four or five detachments are preparing for deployment or are ground deployed around the world. You operate with an incredible amount of responsibility as both Commander of a unit and as the Special Staff Officer to the MAGTF Commander. Because of your unique specialty, you will be considered the expert in your field and will not be able to rely on anyone else to help you with your job. Instead, you will rise to the challenge, working with the Marines in your command to ensure your unit meets the needs of the task force. You must understand the often unique and highly specialized equipment and its capabilities to be able to respond if, for example, the Commander of the task force asks you how jamming an enemy command and control net will affect the course of a battle. The information your detachment provides is vitally important to the Commander s understanding of the situation whether humanitarian, peacekeeping, or mid-intensity conflict. 101

121 Signals Intelligence Officer Your main role is to support the Marine Air Ground Task Force Commander. A Radio Battalion detachment accompanies Marine combat arms units on most deployments, providing support during real-world operations like Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (pulling U.S. citizens out of foreign countries when they are overtaken) and the tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel (such as when Marines pulled Air Force pilot Scott O Grady out of Bosnia). You get to visit countries all over the globe and do things that others only read about in novels. Signals Intelligence and Electronic Warfare combines traditional Marine Corps training (hiking, field training, and marksmanship training) with high-tech wizardry (special communications, radio direction finding, jamming), allowing SIGINT/EW Marines to accomplish a vital mission for the Marine Corps. You are, above all, a leader of Marines. You will always ensure that your Marines know they are Marines first and foremost. They must know how to shoot and move with the Infantry and be able to perform their individual mission better than anyone else. You and the Marines under your command will also be responsible for millions of dollars in equipment. Teaching young Marines how to operate complicated, high-tech equipment, maintain this expensive equipment, and prevent damage when operating in tough terrain is an important part of your development as a leader. Technology today evolves in the blink of an eye, and you must be ready for it. As a SIGINT/EW Officer, you are there to provide the unique support no one else in the Marine Corps can deliver. As a SIGINT/EW Officer, you are there to provide the unique support no one else in the Marine Corps can deliver. 102

122 MILITARY POLICE OFFICER If you are fortunate enough to be assigned to this specialty, you will not be disappointed. As a Military Police Officer, your leadership skills and savvy will help you handle any crime and, at the same time, put you in charge of the morale, health, and actions of your Marine platoon or company. Later in your career, you have the opportunity to command a base Provost Marshal s Office (PMO). This is equivalent to serving as a Police Chief in a town or city, depending on where you are stationed. And, if you ve ever considered attending the FBI National Academy, this specialty is unbeatable preparation. As a Military Police Officer, your job is to ensure that you and the Marines in your command work both independently and as a team to effectively maintain good order and discipline. TRAINING As a Military Police Officer you will attend school at the Army base in Fort McClellan, Alabama. Here you will learn the technical aspects of your job and have the unique opportunity to work with your Army counterparts. From school you will either be assigned to a Division, Force Service Support Group (FSSG), or base Provost Marshal s Office (PMO). You will be a Platoon Commander and will be in charge of enlisted Marines. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Military Police, whether in the field with FSSG or on base, are responsible for maintaining order. If assigned to Division or FSSG, you will perform the Military Police s fourfold mission: Battlefield Circulation Control, Area Security, Enemy Prisoner of War Control, and Law and Order. You will accomplish the mission with your platoon, deploy to the world s hot spots, and gain unprecedented leadership experience. Battlefield Circulation Control (BCC) is the process by which Military Police assist in maintaining the security and movement of traffic along main supply routes. BCC is imperative and must be conducted to maintain the integrity of these routes. While performing BCC you will gather and disseminate information, conduct hasty reconnaissance by checking the routes for trafficability and signs of enemy activity, enforce the route regulations, and control refugees and stragglers. While performing BCC, Military Police permit traffic to flow as smoothly and naturally as possible. 103

123 Military Police Officer 104 Area Security refers to the measures taken by units to reduce the probability or minimize the effects of enemy attacks on friendly installations and areas. You will accomplish this by conducting motor and foot patrols, providing flight line security, and protecting the rear-most boundaries. Enemy Prisoner of War Control refers to your role in taking charge of prisoners. The Geneva Convention states that capturing powers are responsible for the proper and humane treatment of prisoners of war. You and your Marines will establish collection points and holding facilities, as well as coordinate hand-off procedures to the next rearward units. Criminal activity does not cease during combat; therefore, Military Police are called on to maintain Law and Order when Marines are involved in operations. As Military Police Commander you will assist higher level Commanders in curtailing and eliminating criminal activities by enforcing law and order, which in turn helps to preserve good order and discipline, contributing to the successful conclusion of hostilities. Functions include law enforcement, criminal investigations, accident investigations, crime prevention and physical security, and U.S. military prisoner confinement. Military Police also operate in non-combatant environments. These operations evacuate civilian non-combatants from foreign countries faced with the threat of hostile action. In these situations, you will provide security forces, perform riot and crowd control, and assist in evacuee care and control anywhere around the world that there is a need. If you are assigned to a base MP Company, you will work for the Provost Marshal s Office (PMO). Here you will still lead a platoon, while performing garrison law enforcement functions. You and your Marines will protect life and property, enforce laws and regulations, and preserve good order and discipline on base. If put in this billet, you will have the opportunity to have at your disposal military working dogs (specially trained for work with explosives and/or drugs), criminal investigators, and a special reaction team. You are the base Commanding General s direct representative when you are on duty even as a Second Lieutenant. You will gain experience in responding to a wide range of criminal activities, from domestics to DWI to fights to larcenies. As a Military Police Officer you will have numerous challenges to preserve the law and order of Marine Corps installations and aid in the fight abroad. If this is the type of challenge that you find interesting, you should talk with a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer. Military Police, whether in the field with FSSG or on base, are responsible for maintaining order.

124 COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION SYSTEMS OFFICER Communications Information Systems Officers command platoons that provide critical voice and data communications, enabling units and command to maintain contact in all conditions, all over the world. You will be in charge of wire communications, wireless ground data communications, and satellite communications, as well as the radio communication networks that the unit uses. TRAINING Many Communications Officers deploy to distant countries and coordinate efforts to install, operate, and maintain local and wide area networks. After graduation from The Basic School, you will be assigned to the Communications Information Systems Officer Course (CISOC) at the Command and Control Systems School in Quantico,Virginia. The course is 23 weeks long and provides over 1150 hours of instruction, including lectures, practical application exercises, computer labs, and field exercises. At the end of the course, you will have mastered the fundamental techniques and skills required for the planning and use of Marine Corps command and control systems in both tactical and garrison environments. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY As a Communications Information Systems Officer, your first Fleet Marine Force (FMF) assignment will most likely be as a Platoon Commander in a communications company or as an officer in charge of an Information Systems Management Office. As a Platoon Commander you will command approximately 40 Marines and will often be called on to consult with the Commander of a much larger unit. Typically, your job is to work with a unit of approximately 1200 Marines, setting up a communications plan and network that allows the unit to communicate. Within that 1200-Marine unit will be smaller units of that have varying communication needs. Some will need to be able to talk on Ultra-High Frequency Bands (UHF) in order to communicate with aviation units. Others will need Very-High Frequency Bands (VHF) in order to communicate in mountainous areas, and will need relays in place to allow for better communications. Still others will need satellite communications to speak with national command authority. 105

125 Communications Information Systems Officer Because your Marines will attach to smaller units, your training focus is to make them autonomous and able to take care of problems on their own, when they are miles from you. This challenge is rewarded when the Commander of the unit compliments you and your Marines for providing outstanding technical support to allow the unit to accomplish their job. As an Information Systems Management Officer (ISMO) you will have approximately 10 Marines working for you to provide information systems support. Technical opportunities exist in networking, application design and development, and information systems support, among others. This field is growing due to the rapid advances of technology and its importance to modern fighting units. Many Communications Officers deploy to distant countries and coordinate efforts to install, operate, and maintain local and wide area networks. Availability and security of these networks is critical to the success of your Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). After you have demonstrated your ability as a leader and mastered the technical skills required of your position, you will be afforded an opportunity for advanced training in the Command and Control Systems Course or by earning your Master s degree in the Special Education Program (SEP). You will be part of a field that changes rapidly and is critical to support the fighting units. 106

126 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER A clear understanding of the English language, the ability to communicate in both written and spoken format, and an outgoing personality are critical requirements for Public Affairs Officers. No other Marine occupation involves such a close and extensive interaction with the American public. TRAINING A dynamic environment to help the public understand what the Marine Corps is doing and why. After receiving 11 weeks of specialized training at Fort Meade in Maryland, you will travel to your duty station, where you will likely remain the next three years. As a Public Affairs Officer you are responsible for external information, community relations, and internal information. These critical areas affect public support for the Marine Corps by keeping the public apprised of Marine Corps activities. Your job is to tell the public what the Marine Corps is doing, whether it is training, police keeping, providing humanitarian relief, or engaging in hostile operations. Additionally, your ability to let the Marines within your unit know what is going on inside the Marine Corps and the nation will affect the morale of your unit. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY External information, commonly called media relations, offers Officers an opportunity to interact with news organizations. New Lieutenants assigned to a media section work with local, regional, and national television, radio, and newspaper outlets. When members of the media call your unit inquiring about the Marine Corps, a Media Officer takes the query, researches the answer, and responds accordingly. If media want to document a Marine exercise or operation, a Media Officer escorts them on the exercise and acts as their liaison. As a Media Officer you will try to find out what story they are trying to tell. Are they looking for the best shot of an amphibious landing? Would someone like to ride with the Infantry and get a grass roots story? In short, a Media Officer s job is to work with the media to tell the Marine Corps story and help the public understand what the Marine Corps is doing and why. 107

127 Public Affairs Officer As any good neighbor does, Marine bases and stations throughout the world strive to maintain good relations with the surrounding communities. You may be assigned as a Community Relations Officer to increase the positive interaction between Marines and the local community. You represent the Marine Corps at different organizational meetings such as the Rotary, Elks, and Kiwanis Clubs and Chambers of Commerce. Often the Marine Corps is heavily involved in and linked to community service projects with surrounding towns and cities, such as open houses at bases or depots, air shows,toys for Tots, and similar community-oriented activities. These require a lot of behind-the-scenes work but produce a wealth of positive interaction to demonstrate the Marine Corps abilities and missions to civilians. Internal information is another option that gives Officers experience working in journalism. As a Press Officer, you will oversee the production of Marine stories for release to Marine Corps publications. In addition, you manage the layout and design of your base s or station s newspaper or magazine. The ability to capture a reader s attention is the goal of every journalist. The Press Officer s job is to make that happen. As a command s Public Affairs Officer you will have experience in all three areas and advise the Commanding Officer on public affairs matters. Public Affairs Officers are stationed at all Marine Corps bases and stations. Whatever job you do in Public Affairs, you will be in a dynamic environment where you will help the public understand the jobs that Marines do on a daily basis. If these descriptions sound interesting, Public Affairs may be a specialty you might want to research further at The Basic School. As any good neighbor does, Marine bases and stations throughout the world strive to maintain good relations with the surrounding communities. 108

128 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OFFICER The Marine Corps is a large organization of approximately 172,000 personnel. Each of these people must be paid, and equipment must be purchased for them to use. As a Financial Management Officer you develop leadership, organizational, and administrative skills that remain with you throughout your career and the rest of your life. TRAINING Within the Marine Corps is a dedicated group of Marines who enjoy the prestige that comes with understanding and controlling how the money is spent. After successful completion of the Basic Officer Course, you will head south for the Financial Management Officer Course (FMOC), Marine Corps Service Support Schools, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During the 3-month course, you will learn military accounting, budgeting, disbursing, computer literacy, management reports, and comptrollership skills. Later in your career, you will have the opportunity to apply to attend the Marine Corps Practical Comptroller Course at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Once you ve graduated from FMOC, you will be assigned to one of two areas. The first area is finance/disbursement, which includes Pay Officer or Travel Officer. In this job, you are responsible for paying Marines salaries and military entitlements. You may deploy with a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), working with the Combat Service Support element, to ensure that Marines attached to the MEU continue to be paid correctly while deployed to foreign countries. This is a critical assignment since morale and readiness can waiver when a Marine is worried about the financial well-being of his or her family back in the United States. The Financial Management Officer ensures they are taken care of while that Marine is away. 109

129 Financial Management Officer The other possible assignment is as a Comptroller the Officer responsible for determining how money is spent. As a Budget Officer, you are responsible for formulating and executing your unit s budget. You may also work in the accounting or resource evaluation and analysis fields. There are numerous disbursing and comptroller positions available among Marine Corps Bases, Stations, and the Fleet Marine Force. If assigned to a Force Service Support Group, you will likely be working in the disbursing field as the officer in charge of a section of Marines. You will also have the opportunity to deploy with a MEU with a small detachment of Marines and about $3 million in cash. You will work directly for the Commander of this unit and be responsible for paying the Marines and providing security for the money. No matter what area you re assigned to, you can be sure it will be a challenge and allow you to utilize your leadership abilities. You will be responsible for between 10 and 40 Marines and civilians with a background in finance who help you accomplish your responsibilities. As a Budget Officer, you are responsible for formulating and executing your unit s budget. 110

130 GROUND SUPPLY OFFICER As a Ground Supply Officer in America s 911 force in readiness, you will be responsible for ensuring that the operating units under your charge are supplied and materially ready for battle. You will have the opportunity to prove your ability to lead Marines and manage their equipment in a challenging and dynamic specialty. The challenge comes from having to operate within a limited supply budget, forecasting what will likely break or be lost, having the needed repair parts on hand to limit the downtime of equipment, and managing other logistical issues that are vital to keep the force in readiness. The opportunity to prove your ability to lead Marines and manage their equipment in a challenging and dynamic specialty. Supply Officers work as Special Staff Officers to their Battalion Commander, requiring that they be able organizers, managing million-dollar supply accounts for which Battalion Commanders are held responsible. Commanders place a great deal of trust in your ability to take care of those accounts while ensuring that the Marines in your command are ready and equipped should they be called to deploy. TRAINING If you are selected to become a Supply Officer, you will report to the Basic Supply Officer Course in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, upon completion of The Basic School. The course lasts approximately four months and teaches you the fundamentals of supply distribution (procurement of repair parts, supplies, and equipment), warehouse management (stock/inventory control), financial planning and budgeting, and property control. The curriculum will cover automated data processing, material expediting, and customer support operations. 111

131 Ground Supply Officer DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Upon reporting to your first command, you will be placed in charge of millions of dollars of equipment and supplies ranging from trucks and machine guns to highly sophisticated satellite communications equipment. You will be responsible for ensuring that your battalion or squadron is materially ready for any contingency operation. As a Supply Officer, you will be put in charge of numerous accounts, the nature of which depends upon the unit you support. Each account is unique, having its own inventory characteristics such as repair parts, initial issue items, major end items, furniture, and so on. But more important than the equipment and supplies you will be required to manage will be the Marines you will be responsible to lead. And it is here where your leadership skills will be refined as you and your group of Marines provide the logistical support for thousands of Marines. The Marines under your charge will range from Private First Class to Master Sergeant. Your Supply Chief, normally a Gunnery Sergeant or Master Sergeant, will be an expert on the account and should be the person with whom you work most closely. In addition to running your supply account, you will also be required to advise the Battalion Commander on a number of issues, including status of funds available, the location and readiness of equipment, and what will be needed to support your unit throughout a deployment or exercise. You will also advise the Commander on how best to invest his or her funds to ensure that equipment readiness remains at desired levels. The responsibility is tremendous. Success in battle hinges on, among other things, the ability to supply your unit. You will have many customers from the individual company/battery Commanders to each individual Marine in your unit. Without your dedicated and determined support, the rest of the unit cannot achieve peak performance. As a Supply Officer you will definitely be challenged. The question is: Are you up to it? As a Supply Officer you will be placed in charge of millions of dollars of equipment and supplies ranging from trucks and machine guns to highly sophisticated satellite communications equipment. 112

132 ADJUTANT The Adjutant is a critical position that requires exceptional managerial skills and experience to balance several projects at once as well as their competing interests. Typically the Adjutant acts as the supervisor and coordinator of administrative matters at a staff level for groups of 1000 Marines or more. TRAINING Upon completion of The Basic School,Adjutants attend the Adjutant s Course at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for about 6 weeks to learn military administration, including the different forms of communication and correspondence, pay and military benefits, and legal processes. After completing the Adjutant s Course in Camp Lejeune, you will report to your duty station. The Adjutant is not a desk jockey. You will be part of the battle staff, supporting the unit s mission in garrison and in the field during peace and in times of conflict. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Adjutants work to formulate and supervise the execution of the command s administrative policies. You will normally command one Staff NCO with approximately years of administrative experience and approximately 6 8 Marines with the rank of Private through Sergeant. You will also be the legal expert for the unit, which means that you will often coordinate with the base Judge Advocates to provide legal assistance for Marines. Increasingly, computers and other electronic technologies are used to accomplish the myriad of tasks an Adjutant handles. As the Adjutant you will work with higher ranking Officers who have responsibility for the larger unit. Typically the Executive Officer of your unit (normally a Major) will assist in providing the proper focus and direction. You will have to learn quickly since you will be working with some of the top leadership in the Marine Corps. Your actions and decisions have a direct impact on the morale and careers of the Marines in your unit. The Adjutant's office is responsible for timely and accurate Fitness (Performance) Reports for all members of the unit, processing personal military awards, directing the functioning of the Unit Mail Room, and providing Casualty Assistance when required. 113

133 Adjutant You will also have responsibility for Human Resource management, staffing Officers to the unit. You will coordinate this through higher units and the Officer Monitors section at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. You are responsible for tracking the end of service obligation of your peers, help them submit packages for augmentation to the Regular Marine Corps, and submit requests for Officers extension on active duty and resignations. When the unit deploys, your office is responsible for coordinating administrative support, to include the delivery of mail to the deployed area. You will work closely with the Personnel Officer (normally a Warrant Officer) who will handle the service records, pay, promotions, unit diary, and the enlisted staffing of the unit. This individual will normally have between 12 and 20 years of administrative experience and can be an invaluable help to you. The work hours of an Adjutant are usually long and demanding; however, a smooth-running administrative section has a strong positive effect on the morale and welfare of the Marines and their families. Are you ready to take on the challenges of an Adjutant? Adjutants work to formulate and supervise the execution of the command s administrative policies. 114

134 Marine Corps Leadership Now I can attack in all directions. Colonel Lewis B. Chesty Puller after being surrounded by enemy forces at the Chosin Reservoir in December, 1952

135 The individual Marine is the Marine Corps. Because Marines are our most important asset, we will protect them through fair and unbiased treatment as individuals caring for them, teaching them, and leading them. I see it as the obligation of each member of the chain of command, from top to bottom, to ensure that this sense of fairness is constant and genuine. I expect commanders to take prompt and vigorous action wherever any violation of this obligation is discovered. Simply stated, I expect every Marine to treat every other Marine with dignity. General Charles C. Krulak Commandant of the Marine Corps

136 JUDGE ADVOCATE As a Marine Judge Advocate, you can expect to gain a tremendous amount of experience in many areas of the law. In addition to your work as an attorney, you are an unrestricted Officer, able to perform any job or mission that other Marine Officers are expected to do. TRAINING Like all Marine Officers you attend Officer Candidates School and The Basic School, where you learn the basic knowledge all Marine Officers are expected to master, including how to be an Infantry Platoon Commander. After The Basic School, you will attend the Naval Justice School in Newport, Rhode Island, where you are taught the procedures and terms of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Upon graduation you will report to your duty station. As a Marine Corps Judge Advocate you have a specialty unlike any other in the Marine Corps or any other service. DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Upon reporting to your duty station you will most likely be assigned to one of a number of jobs. Every base has legal teams that handle crimes ranging from disrespect to murder. As a defense counsel you are solely responsible for representing your client at a court-martial or administrative discharge hearing. As a litigator you will review evidence, interview witnesses, consult with other advocates on your team, and use your trial advocacy skills to represent your clients. Prosecutors are responsible for investigating, assembling, and preparing a court-martial. As a prosecutor you will work closely with investigating agencies such as the Military Police and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. You will try cases before a military judge or before a jury of Marines. 115

137 Judge Advocate As you gain experience you may transition to other law concentrations, such as Administrative and Civil Law or Legal Assistance. Act as in-house counsel and you will write ethics opinions, research a myriad of issues pertaining to environmental law, labor and employment law, government contracting issues, health care issues, and any other matters that require legal review. You will work closely with agencies assisting Marines and their families. You may even have the opportunity to work with local civilian law enforcement agencies as a Special Assistant United States Attorney assigned to prosecute cases in local magistrates courts involving civilians who violate laws and regulations while aboard Marine Corps installations. As an Administrative and Civil Law Attorney, you quickly learn how to handle any legal issue that confronts you. A Judge Advocate assigned as a Legal Assistance Officer is responsible for working one on one with Marines and their families in a legal clinic atmosphere. Legal Assistance attorneys are general practice attorneys who deal with wills, powers of attorney, divorce law, and consumer law. You set your appointment schedule to meet with clients throughout the week on issues ranging from landlord/tenant disputes, wills, powers of attorney, financial matters, consumer rights issues, and a host of others. Using your negotiation and personal counseling skills, you will assist your clients in resolving problems. Legal Assistance attorneys provide direct support and assistance to Marines and their families. One of the truly unique aspects of being a Marine Corps Judge Advocate is the possibility of serving aboard Marine Expeditionary Units (MEU). As a Judge Advocate you will be stationed aboard a ship full of Marines that deploys to different parts of the world as part of U.S. presence overseas. As the Judge Advocate you are responsible for all legal matters pertaining to the unit of approximately 2000 Marines. You will work for the Commanding Officer of the MEU, acting as advisor on matters that need legal review. Typically, someone who deploys with a MEU is experienced, as these matters include a diverse range of issues that include criminal acts, civil claims against the U.S. government, agreements with ports that naval ships use, and rules of engagement guidance when deployed to a hostile area. It is an extremely challenging tour, but we feel that it beats billing hours any day of the week! As a Marine Officer and Judge Advocate you will do everything within your ability to take care of your Marines and their families. 116

138 Judge Advocate For those who choose to stay in the Marine Corps a number of unique opportunities await. In the Marine Corps, attorneys can serve in jobs outside the legal profession. Currently we have attorneys who are Commanding Officers of units, military instructors at NROTC units, or recruiters. If you are interested in the road less traveled, and wish to challenge yourself by taking tougher mental and physical challenges than your peers, the OCC LAW or PLC LAW program could help you reach these goals. Additionally, Judge Advocates have plenty of opportunity to gain an advanced degree. The Special Education Program selects Judge Advocates to attend civilian schools on Marine Corps funds to receive Master s of Law degrees (LLM) in different areas of law. Other Judge Advocates also take advantage of the Advanced Degree Program and tuition assistance to obtain their Master s degrees. Finally, each year the Marine Corps sends some of our Judge Advocates to the Army Judge Advocate General School at the University of Virginia to earn Master s degrees. Marine Corps attorneys set themselves apart by finishing the same screening and training that other Marine Officers receive. The small, elite group of attorneys is only approximately 400 strong, but they do the work of many more. If you are interested in the road less traveled, and wish to challenge yourself by taking tougher mental and physical challenges than your peers, the OCC LAW or PLC LAW program could help you reach these goals. 117

139 CAREER JOBS FOR CAREER OFFICERS Special Support Aviation Infantry Field Artillery Air Control Aircraft Maintenance Legal Data Processing Supply Engineer Tracked Vehicles Communications 118

140 Find us online... and... If you are interested in learning more, you can the Officer Selection Officers in your area. Find a list of contacts and their addresses in the Contacts section of this book.

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142 TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM As a Marine Officer, you will have the opportunity to receive additional education in certain occupational specialties and obtain advanced degrees at accredited colleges while receiving your full Marine Corps benefits. Tuition Assistance Program Officers may wish to pursue academic credit in undergraduate or graduate degrees by attending an accredited college or university part-time. The Marine Corps will pay for 75% of the tuition. Officers attend school part-time while on off-duty time at any civilian accredited college or university. ELIGIBILITY Any Officer is eligible. 119

143 THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM The Special Education Program Marine Officers interested in expanding their knowledge by pursuing a postgraduate degree in such disciplines as engineering, communications, computers, management, and many other disciplines are offered that opportunity through this valuable program. Officers receive their regular pay and allowances while attending school fulltime, and tuition is fully paid by the Marine Corps. Time spent in college as part of the Special Education Program is credited for purposes of promotion, longevity, and retirement. As a post-graduate student, you may attend the Naval Post-Graduate School, the Air Force Institute of Technology, or a designated civilian institution, full-time, to receive your degree. As a post-graduate student, you may attend the Naval Post-Graduate School, the Air Force Institute of Technology, or a designated civilian institution, fulltime, to receive your degree. ELIGIBILITY Officers in the grade of First Lieutenant through Lieutenant Colonel. 120

144 ADVANCED DEGREE PROGRAM The Advanced Degree Program and the Special Education Program help Marine Officers pursue postgraduate degrees. Advanced Degree Program Marine Officers who wish to pursue post-graduate degrees in such disciplines as chemistry, computers, education, engineering, history, international relations, management, mathematics, and many other disciplines are able to through the Advanced Degree Program. Officers receive regular pay and allowances while attending school full-time. The Advanced Degree Program requires that Officers pay for tuition and educational expenses themselves. Time in the program counts for promotion, longevity, and retirement purposes while you attend a civilian college or university full-time. ELIGIBILITY Officers in the grade of First Lieutenant through Lieutenant Colonel. 121

145 LAW DEGREE PROGRAMS Funded Legal Education Program Officers interested in pursuing the degree of Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor can do so as part of the Funded Legal Education Program. This program enables participants to receive their regular Marine Corps Officer pay and allowances while attending law school full-time. In addition, tuition is paid for by the Marine Corps, and time in the program counts toward promotion, longevity, and retirement. Students attend a civilian law school. ELIGIBILITY Officers with two to six years of commissioned service are eligible. Excess Leave Program (Law) The Excess Leave Law Program helps Officers pursue the degree of Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor. However, pay and allowances are credited only for the days of the week that the individuals are not in class, and participants must bear the educational expenses themselves. Officers attend civilian law school full-time, and time in the program counts for promotion, longevity, and retirement purposes. ELIGIBILITY Officers with two to eight years of commissioned service are eligible. Sharp minds make sharp Marines. 122

146 MONTGOMERY G.I. BILL Montgomery G.I. Bill Active Duty Education Assistance Program All Officers have the opportunity to receive $15, tax-free in order to pursue academic credit toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. Individuals who elect to participate in this program contribute $100 a month for the first 12 months of active duty. Funds are available for use after 24 months of active duty. An Officer may draw up to $400 a month for 36 months while enrolled as a full-time student. Education builds your future. Officers who wish to obtain a graduate degree through the Montgomery G.I. Bill or Tuition Assistance Program have many colleges and universities through which they can work on their degree, regardless of where they are stationed. 123

147 The Marine Corps will give you a solid leadership foundation no matter what you end up doing with the rest of your life. 124

148 SPECIALTIES FOR ADVANCED DEGREE HOLDERS Education Officer Aeronautical Engineer Chemical Engineer Electronics Engineer Officers who receive graduate degrees through the Special Education Program or Advanced Degree Program specialize in the occupation in which they received additional training. For example: Education Officer Education Officers serve as base/station/staff education specialists or as systems approach to training (SAT)/instructional systems development (ISD) specialists in billets having to do with education programs, educational research and methodologies, instructional technology, curriculum development and evaluation, and management of instruction. Aeronautical Engineer Aeronautical Engineers supervise and coordinate design, development, testing, procurement, overhaul, modification, and repair of aircraft subsystems. Chemical Engineer Chemical Engineers teach a first-year course in chemistry including: biochemistry, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, electrochemistry, arid-base chemistry, metallurgy, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry. Electronics Engineer Electronics Engineers supervise and coordinate design, development, testing, procurement, modification, improvement, and repair of electronics equipment. 125

149 Specialties for Advanced Degree Holders Ordnance Systems Engineer Ordnance Systems Engineers participate in the research, development, and acquisition of Marine Corps ground and/or air weapons systems. Computer Engineer Computer Engineers coordinate and advise on technical plans and projects related to the performance and evaluation of digital computer hardware and software throughout the Marine Corps. Industrial Engineer Industrial Engineers manage or participate in studies, analyses, and programs dealing with production management techniques and management information in an industrial environment. Environmental Engineering Management Officer Environmental Engineering Management Officers develop and apply a variety of quantitative and qualitative concepts, skills, and techniques to integrate engineering, science, management, and policy issues into a decision-making framework for optimum management of environmental programs at the organizational level. They manage studies, analyses, and programs dealing with innovative environmental management technologies, compliance through pollution prevention integration, and environmental information for military reservations and major commands. Nuclear Engineer Nuclear Engineers work as consultants to senior Marine Corps Officers in matters relating to nuclear technology and weapons capabilities and are the primary points of contact and advisors for actions pertaining to tactical and strategic nuclear force policies. Electronic Warfare Systems Officer Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems Officers supervise and coordinate design, development, testing, procurement, modification, and improvement of EW systems and equipment. Communications Engineer Communications Engineers supervise and coordinate design, development, testing, procurement, modification, improvement, and repair of telecommunications equipment. Ordnance Systems Engineer Computer Engineer Industrial Engineer Environmental Engineering Management Officer Nuclear Engineer Electronic Warfare Systems Officer Communications Engineer 126

150 Specialties for Advanced Degree Holders Manpower Management Officer Manpower Management Officers conduct and participate in manpower-related studies to ensure that sound management techniques are used at all levels of manpower management. Financial Management Specialist Financial Management Specialists are assigned to Field Comptroller, Deputy Comptroller, and Budget Officer billets or to financial management billets, most often within the Washington, DC, area. Typical duties of such an assignment include budget analyst or section head for a resource management office. Data Systems Specialist Manpower Management Officer Financial Management Specialist Data Systems Specialist Management, Data Systems Officer Operations Analyst Data Systems Specialists manage data systems activity, including recording, collecting, controlling, verifying, interpreting, and presenting data used in planning and directing automated Marine Corps data systems. They will also develop methodology and concepts for optimum utilization of automatic data processing equipment (ADPE), assist in the preparation of formal data automation requirements, monitor the design and development of software/hardware, and monitor systems development programs to ensure that advances in technology and ADPE capabilities are maximized. Management, Data Systems Officer Management, Data Systems Officers manage system development activities, including assessment of feasibility, detailed system design, testing, conversion, implementation, and post-implementation review. Operations Analyst Operations Analysts participate in the analysis of military operations or weapons systems, cost effectiveness studies, program management, and war gaming or other simulations activities at operational units of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF). Defense Systems Analyst Defense Systems Analysts participate in studies and analyses of force structures, weapons system mixes, and cost effectiveness comparisons, which then influence resource allocation decisions at top management levels. Defense Systems Analyst 127

151 Specialties for Advanced Degree Holders Contracting Officer Contracting Officers evaluate contract requirements, specifications, bids, proposals, and subsequent contractor performance. When appointed in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Contracting Officers have authority to enter into, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. Systems Acquisition Management (SAM) Officer Systems Acquisition Management (SAM) Officers plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise the acquisition process, including the total life cycle planning of weapons systems/equipment. Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Systems Officer Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Systems Officers coordinate the design, development, testing, evaluation, and operation of the C3 system. Material Management Officer Material Management Officers analyze, review, and seek to improve information procedures, techniques, and systems as they relate to Marine Corps logistics functions. They provide a comprehensive background in scientific, managerial, and administrative methods, procedures, and techniques applicable to logistics systems used in the Marine Corps. Space Operation Officer Space Operations Officers manage and supervise the Marine Corps active participation in the development, operation, and use of space systems for the accomplishment of Marine Corps missions, to include support for strategic defense. Statistics Officer Statistics Officers instruct, supervise, and coordinate the analysis and presentation of statistical data. Contracting Officer Systems Acquisition Management (SAM) Officer Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Systems Officer Material Management Officer Space Operation Officer Statistics Officer 128

152 Specialties for Advanced Degree Holders Public Affairs Management Officer Public Affairs Management Officers supervise and coordinate the activities of public affairs offices and advise commanders and staffs on public information, community relations, and internal information. Public Affairs Management Officers may, on occasion, perform duties in international public affairs. International Relations Officer International Relations Officers direct, supervise, conduct, or participate in studies and analyses relating to national security and world affairs. Historian Public Affairs Management Officer International Relations Officer Historian Human Resources Management Specialist Master of International Law Marine Corps Historians function as coordinators of historical activities and participate in a military historical writing program of military historical institutions. Human Resources Management Specialist Human Resources Management (HRM) Specialists manage and review affirmative action plans and statistical evaluation measures. They also identify new areas for HRM and design system strategies for improved HRM. Master of International Law Masters of International Law provide specialized skills in technical areas of international and operational law. Master of Environmental Law Masters of Environmental Law provide specialized skills in technical areas of environmental and land use law. Master of Labor Law Masters of Labor Law provide specialized skills in technical areas of civilian personnel and labor law. Master of Environmental Law Master of Labor Law 129

153 Specialties for Advanced Degree Holders Master of Procurement or Contract Law Masters of Procurement or Contract Law provide specialized skills in complex areas of procurement, acquisition, and contract law. Master of Criminal Law Masters of Criminal Law provide specialized understanding in technical and constitutional areas of criminal law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Master of Law (General) Masters of Administrative and Civil Law, Military Law, or other areas provide specialized skills in a variety of civilian and military law areas. Master of Procurement or Contract Law Master of Criminal Law Master of Law (General) 130

154 The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand.

155 Marine Detachments at Embassies Around the World Ankara,Turkey Tunis,Tunisia La Paz, Bolivia Valletta, Malta Athens, Greece Abu Dhabi, UAE Lima, Peru Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Belgrade, Serbia Algiers, Algeria Managua, Nicaragua Antananarivo, Madagascar Berlin, Germany Muscat, Oman Mexico City, Mexico Bujumbura, Burundi Bonn, Germany Manama, Bahrain Montevideo, Uruguay Capetown, South Africa Bucharest, Romania Nicosia, Cyprus, Greece Nassau, Bahamas Dar es Salaam,Tanzania Budapest, Hungary Bangkok,Thailand Panama City, Panama Djibouti, Djibouti Frankfurt, Germany Beijing, China Port-au-Prince, Haiti Gaborone, Botswana Helsinki, Finland Canberra, Australia Quito, Ecuador Harare, Zimbabwe Istanbul,Turkey Colombo, Sri Lanka Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Kampala, Uganda St. Petersburg, Russia Dhaka, Bangladesh San José, Costa Rica Khartoum, Sudan Moscow, Russia Hong Kong, Hong Kong San Salvador, El Salvador Lusaka, Zambia Prague, Czech Republic Jakarta, Indonesia Santiago, Chile Maputo, Mozambique Sofia, Bulgaria Kathmandu, Nepal Sao Paulo, Brazil Nairobi, Kenya Vienna, Austria Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tegucigalpa, Honduras Pretoria, South Africa Warsaw, Poland Manila, Philippines Port of Spain,Trinidad Abidjan, Ivory Coast Zagreb, Croatia New Delhi, India Paramaribo, Surinam Accra, Ghana Kiev, Ukraine Rangoon, Burma Bern, Switzerland Bamako, Mali Almaty, Kazakhstan Seoul, South Korea Brussels, Belgium Conakry, Guinea Minsk, Belarus Singapore, Singapore Copenhagen, Denmark Dakar, Senegal Amman, Jordan Tokyo, Japan Dublin, Ireland Freetown, Sierra Leone Cairo, Egypt Shanghai, China Geneva, Switzerland Lagos, Nigeria Damascus, Syria Asunción, Paraguay Lisbon, Portugal Lomé,Togo Islamabad, Pakistan Bogotá, Colombia London, England Monrovia, Liberia Jerusalem, Israel Brasilia, Brazil Luxembourg, Luxembourg N Djamena, Chad Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Bridgetown, Barbados Madrid, Spain Niamey, Niger Karachi, Pakistan Buenos Aires, Argentina Oslo, Norway Yaoundé, Cameroon Kuwait, Kuwait Caracas,Venezuela Ottawa, Canada Brazzaville, Congo Rabat, Morocco Georgetown, Guyana Paris, France Kinshasa, Zaire Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Sanaa,Yemen Guatemala City, Guatemala Havana, Cuba Rome, Italy Stockholm, Sweden Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Tel Aviv, Israel Kingston, Jamaica The Hague, Netherlands

156 SECOND TOUR OPPORTUNITIES Your second tour is your opportunity to advance in your career as you take a leadership role to meet new and exciting challenges as a seasoned Marine Corps Officer. After completing your first tour, you will be presented with a number of options that will help you advance in your leadership skills as well as technical knowledge. A brief description of some of the challenging and exciting second tour opportunities follows. Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion Your second tour will begin with additional training in the handling and guarding of special munitions. From there you will either command a Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) or be stationed at a facility the United States needs to have guarded by Marines (Marine Barracks). The FAST platoons deploy as quick response to threats to Naval forces in the United States and abroad. Marine Barracks are located both inside the United States and abroad, including Bangor,Washington; Kings Bay, Georgia; Rota, Spain; London, England; and Frankfurt, Germany. 131

157 Second Tour Opportunities Marine Corps Recruit Depots Many Marines choose to work at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina or San Diego, California, during their second tour as an Officer. New Officers typically serve as Series Officers, working to help develop the recruits. Series Officers supervise the training that new recruits receive, provide leadership to the Drill Instructors, and act as instructors to the recruits for classes on a variety of topics. Force Reconnaissance Force Reconnaissance is one of the most specialized of all Marine Corps missions. If your second tour is Force Reconnaissance, you would begin as a Platoon Commander, in charge of two teams of approximately 10 Marines. The mission of Force Reconnaissance is to provide deep reconnaissance for the Ground Combat Commander. Typically a platoon serves with a Marine Expeditionary Unit of approximately 2000 Marines. They have a variety of capabilities to offer the unit, including pre-assault and postassault deep reconnaissance, in-extremis hostage rescue, and direct action missions, and they utilize many insertion and extraction techniques to perform their job. Often these Marines will jump out of planes or helicopters, swim out of submarines, or navigate from over the horizon in small boats to operate undetected. The Basic School Every Officer attends the Basic Course in Quantico,Virginia, as part of their initial year-long education on the Marine Corps and how to lead Marines. If you are assigned to The Basic School for your second tour, you will instruct the new Lieutenants and Warrant Officers in a variety of subjects. At The Basic School, Officers are taught leadership, land navigation, administration, tactics, and history by experienced Officers who have completed their first tour. Additionally, other Officers act as mentors to the students, providing examples of the leadership we expect, watching students as they perform, ensuring that the Marine Corps high standards are met, and answering any questions that students may have. 132

158 Second Tour Opportunities Officer Candidates School Marine Security Guard Every Marine Officer attends Officer Candidates School and receives training from the staff of Officers who are assigned to Officer Candidates School. If you report to Officer Candidates School for your second tour, you will typically work as an instructor, teaching classes to the candidates, or as a Platoon Commander, acting as a mentor to candidates and screening them to see if they have the leadership potential required for service as an Officer. The Marine Corps guards all of the embassies of the United States, providing security to Americans abroad. If you are assigned to Marine Security Guard Battalion, you will be stationed abroad and have responsibility for the security of all of the embassies within a certain region of the world. The Executive Officer or Operations Officer ensures that all Marines who work at the embassies are cared for, and that security is up to the high standards required in a hostile world. Very often this involves travel around the world on trips of short duration to inspect the readiness of embassies to help ensure the safety of those Marines who work for you. Marine Officer Instructor Throughout the United States are colleges and universities that have Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Units. These consist of students on scholarship pursuing an Officer commission in either the Navy or Marine Corps. As a Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) you will act much as a college professor and advisor would for students. Along with a senior enlisted Marine, you will teach classes on military subjects and be a member of the faculty of that school. In addition, you will act as a mentor to those students enrolled in the NROTC unit, helping them with courses and training them in military subjects. 133

159 Second Tour Opportunities Inspector/Instructor Marine Corps Reserve Units are stationed throughout the United States. One weekend a month and two weeks a year Marine Reservists from all areas of work put on their Marine Corps uniform and report to the stations to conduct training to keep themselves at ready physically and mentally should the country need their services. As an Inspector/Instructor you would have an active duty staff of five to ten Marines to help you coordinate the training the reservists undergo each month. Marine Corps Recruiting The Marine Corps does not designate anyone as recruiters. Marines are temporarily assigned to recruiting duty to find those individuals from high schools and college campuses that we feel have what we need in the areas of intelligence, physical ability, and determination. As an Officer on recruiting duty you will either work as an Officer Selection Officer, an Operations Officer, or an Executive Officer. The Officer Selection Officer is responsible for talking with college students who are interested in service as an Officer of Marines and helping them apply for a seat at Officer Candidates School. As an Operations Officer, you coordinate the activities of the enlisted Marines on recruiting duty to ensure the Marine Corps is being marketed to all interested and qualified citizens in your area. The Executive Officer assists the Commanding Officer, who is in charge of all of the Marines within the recruiting region. HMX-1 This assignment is for Marine Corps Helicopter Pilots who are interested in flying in the most famous helicopter squadron in the world. Located on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico,Virginia, HMX-1 flies the President of the United States and other dignitaries around the world when they wish to arrive by helicopter. Pilots who are selected for this assignment are among the best in the world and learn to fly numerous types of aircraft. These pilots carry the President, Vice President, their families, and numerous other dignitaries as they perform their duties around the world. 134

160 Test Pilot Second Tour Opportunities Marine Corps Aviators and Flight Officers from both the Jet and Helicopter communities can become Test Pilots for new aircraft the United States is looking to develop. These Officers attend the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland, and are cross-trained in numerous air frames. From there they either remain in Patuxent River or travel to the Naval Air Station China Lake, in California, and work with the contractors and designers of revolutionary aircraft to help identify potential problems and correct them. They also rate equipment that will possibly be purchased by the Armed Forces to ensure America contracts for equipment that meets the needs of the various services. Some Test Pilots eventually join NASA for future assignments as astronauts. NASA Marine Corps Pilots and Naval Flight Officers can join the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to become astronauts in the United States Space Program. Each year NASA asks for applications from pilots who are interested and begins the training within months. A tour at NASA can last from six years to retirement. Currently, Marine Corps Colonel Robert Cabana is the Chief of the astronaut office at NASA. Many Marines have recently acted as either pilots or mission commanders for Space Shuttle missions. Pictured here is Major Carlos Noriega, a CH-46 Helicopter Pilot who recently served as a mission specialist on STS-84, NASA s sixth scheduled Shuttle mission to rendezvous and dock with the Russian Space Station Mir. 135

161 Forward Air Controller Forward Air Controllers are Marine Corps Pilots who elect to serve a tour with the Infantry. When they attach to an Infantry battalion they are given the responsibility of communicating with the Marine Corps Jets and Helicopters that support the ground forces. The Forward Air Controllers move with the Infantry and use radios to call in suppressive fire on hostile forces that threaten the Marines. Staff Positions All Officers who elect to make the Marine Corps a career will spend some time in a staff position, researching issues, writing position papers, and helping make decisions that affect all levels of the Marine Corps. Some will serve in the United States and others will travel to joint commands in Europe and Asia, making decisions that directly affect foreign policy. Others will stay in Marine Corps units trying to determine what direction the Corps should go in the future. What will contingencies and conflicts be like in 2020? The Marine Corps is constantly looking ahead to determine how we need to change tactics, doctrine, and equipment to better serve the nation. When you serve a tour as a Staff Officer you will have an impact on the tens of thousands of Marines in the Fleet Marine Force and the direction of our Corps for the coming decades. Advanced Education If you apply for and are accepted for either the Advanced Degree Program, Special Education Program, Funded Legal Education Program, or Excess Leave Program (for Law) you will attend school full-time to receive a Master s degree or Juris Doctorate. These Officers will then function as experts in these dynamic academic arenas, providing them with hands-on experience and the Corps with expert consultation in high-priority matters. For example, some Officers who earn post-graduate degrees in engineering work as Project Officers on the development of new systems like the V-22 Osprey, the new tilt-rotor aircraft that will begin fleet fielding in See the Education section in this book for more information on the opportunities for post-graduate education as an Officer of Marines. 136

162 Foreign Area Officer The Foreign Area Officer (FAO) program trains and prepares participants for future assignment to intelligence billets, high-level staff, and duty with the Defense Attaché System. Officers attend language training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and are schooled in the history and customs of the country in which they will work. These Officers then typically will serve as an attaché at the U.S. embassy or in some other capacity in that region of the world. Exchange Tours Each year Marine Corps Officers and Officers from other countries and services do exchange tours, where they spend approximately three years working for another country or service. Marines serve with the British Royal Marines, the Dutch armed forces, the Italian armed forces, the Spanish armed forces, and the United States Army, Navy, and Air Force, among others. Both aviators and ground officers typically complete these tours as either pilots or as commanders of units. 137

163 Only a few good men and women can become Marine officers. Only a few good men and women can become Marine officers. Those who understand the importance of discipline and dedication. Those who want to further the ideals that have enabled the Marines to defend American interests at home and around the world for more than two centuries. Only individuals who have the self-discipline, pride and self-respect that we seek can become one of The Few; The Proud; The Marines. 138

164 Once a Marine, always a Marine Walter Anderson Editor, Parade Magazine Rene Anselmo owner of Alpha Lyracom Space Communications. Pioneered Spanish broadcasting in U.S. James Baker III Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury under President Ronald Reagan Jesse Brown United States Secretary of Veteran Affairs Dale Bumpers Democratic Senator from Arkansas Conrad Burns Republican Senator from Montana John H. Chaffee Republican Senator from Rhode Island Ronald V. Dellums Democratic Representative from California Lane Evans Democratic Representative from Illinois Wayne T. Gilchrest Republican Representative from Maryland Congressman John Glenn 1st American to orbit earth in space capsule Howell T. Heflin Democratic Senator from Alabama Frederick K. Heinenman Republican Representative from North Carolina Armory Houghton Republican Representative from New York Andrew Jacobs, Jr. Democratic Representative from Indiana James B. Longley Republican Representative from Maine Robert Lutz President of Chrysler Corp. Thomas J. Manton Democratic Representative from New York Matthew G. Martinez Democratic Representative from California Zell Miller Governor of Georgia Tom Monaghan founder of Domino s Pizza Charles S. Robb Democratic Senator from Virginia Bernard Shaw Cable News Network (CNN) Fred Smith founder of Federal Express Craig Thomas Republican Senator from Wyoming John W. Warner Republican Senator from Virginia

165 Prominent Marine Olympians Olympians on active duty CWO Roxane Conrad (Thompson) 1992 U.S. Olympic Team Sports Pistol 24th GySgt Gregory P. Gibson 1984 U.S. Olympic Team Greco-Roman Wrestling Silver Medal Olympians no longer on active duty 1992 Anthony Buddy Lee Greco-Roman Wrestling Sergia Reyes Boxing 1988 Gregg Montesi Quadruple Sculls 1980 Daniel Sayner Coxless Four Dan Mello Greco-Roman Wrestling (Currently Marine Corps Wrestling Coach) 1976 Ed Donofrio Fencing Lloyd Keaser Freestyle Wrestling Silver Medal 1972 Reginald Jones Boxing Raymond Russell Boxing Joseph Freeman Fencing Jim Dorsey Rapid Fire Pistol William McMillan Rapid Fire Pistol 1968 Bill Reilly 3000M Steeplechase Art Redden Boxing William McMillan Rapid Fire Pistol 1964 Billy Mills 10,000M Gold Medal Richard Emberger Decathlon Charles Brown Boxing Bronze Medal Maurice Frilot Boxing Wesley Chowen Cycling Boyce Budd Rowing Gold Medal Ted Mittet Coxless Four Bronze Medal William McMillan Rapid Fire Pistol 1960 Alex Breckenridge Marathon Al Cantello Javelin Peter Close 1500M Percy Price Boxing James Hill Rifle Prone Silver Medal William McMillan Rapid Fire Pistol Gold Medal Howard George Greco-Roman Wrestling 1956 Josh Culbreath 400 Hurdles Bronze Medal Louis Molina Boxing Ronald Cardwell Four with Coxswain Arthur McKinlay Coxless Four Silver Medal John McKinlay Coxless Four Silver Medal James Smith Free Rifle Dale Lewis Greco-Roman Wrestling John Matchetts Ice Hockey Silver Medal 1952 William Miller Javelin Silver Medal William McMillan Rapid Fire Pistol Harry Reeves Free Pistol 1948 Philip Roettinger Rapid Fire Pistol Emmet Swanson Free Rifle Walter Walsh Free Pistol

166 LIFE IN THE CORPS Work hard. Play hard. SPORTS AND RECREATION As a Marine Corps Officer, you have access to a wide range of recreational and sporting opportunities both on- and off-base. Intramural team sports can lead to selections to All-Marine teams, Interservice teams, or even the Olympics. You can participate in: Football Body Building Hockey Tennis Basketball Soccer Baseball Golf Lacrosse Rodeo Boxing Wrestling Bowling Volleyball Track Softball Rugby Marine Corps Rifle and Pistol Team Marine Corps Marathon 139

167 Life in the Corps Recreational athletics and facilities are readily available, and Marines are encouraged to use them in their off-hours. These include: State-of-the-art fitness centers Free weights/nautilus Basketball courts Racquetball courts Tennis courts Athletic fields Swimming pools Most Marine Corps bases provide: Base movie theaters at reduced cost Bowling alleys at reduced cost Auto hobby centers at very low cost Base clubs Libraries free of charge Swimming pools free of charge Golf courses at very low cost Picnic areas free of charge Private beaches free of charge Campgrounds at low cost Marinas at low cost Rod and gun clubs at low cost Hunting and fishing areas free of charge Stables at very low cost Equipment rentals are available at little or no cost for: Boating: boats, canoes, kayaks, motors, life jackets, fishing equipment Camping: recreational vehicles, trailers, tents, camping equipment Sporting events: bats, gloves, footballs, and various team sports equipment 140

168 Life in the Corps BENEFITS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY As a Marine you have the opportunity to move between jobs and bases throughout the world, often accompanied by your spouse and children. When you re transferred from one base to another, all the packing, shipping, storing, and unpacking is done by professional movers and paid for by the Marine Corps. Or, if you move yourself, you receive 75% of what the Marine Corps would have to pay a private company. TIME OFF Normal working hours for most Marines are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with 90 minutes for lunch. Weekends are normally free and all Federal holidays are observed. Marines also receive 30 days paid vacation. RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES Multi-denominational chapels are maintained on each base and organized religious activities are available. DAY CARE AND SCHOOLS Certified day care providers are available at all major bases at very low cost.these safe, modern facilities are established to meet and exceed all guidelines for day care facilities. High-quality Department of Defense schools at major bases are available for your children. 141

169 Life in the Corps MEDICAL FACILITIES Base hospitals are available and free to active-duty Marines, dependents, and retirees. If services are not available on-base, civilian medical care is provided at little or no cost. TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES Opportunities to work and live in other countries are excellent since the Marine Corps maintains bases throughout the world. In addition, Marines also serve aboard Navy ships that make port calls around the world. As a Marine you get 30 days vacation a year, and free (both international and domestic) government air travel (AMC-AIR) is available on military aircraft. There are also many discounts available to Marines and their families on domestic commercial railways, airlines, car rentals, and hotels. 142

170 Life in the Corps Once a Marine, always a Marine. FINANCIAL SECURITY Regular pay raises January 1st of every year Pay raise with each promotion Additional money for Officers to rent or buy housing off-base Cost of living increases Retirement After 20 years receive 40% of your salary After 30 years receive 65% of your salary Educational opportunities Post-graduate studies at little or no cost 30 days paid vacation each year 143

171 Life in the Corps Medical coverage Free for any Officer on- or off-base Free for family members at on-base facilities Subsidized rates for family members at off-base facilities Dental coverage Free for any Officer on- or off-base Free limited coverage for family members at on-base facilities Reduced cost for family members at off-base facilities Life insurance at low cost Marine Corps Exchange privileges A large department store with a wide variety of items at discount prices, with no taxes Commissary privileges Travel A large grocery store with discount prices Military discounts on commercial travel Free international flights for active-duty members and dependents on an availability basis Veterans Administration Loans Home loans Preference for small business loans Credit Union membership ADVANCEMENT Promotion based on job performance Increased responsibility 144

172 United States Marine Corps Officer Selection Stations Alabama 1 Tuscaloosa Arizona 2 Phoenix Arkansas 3 Little Rock California 4 Alameda 5 Los Angeles 6 Orange County 7 Sacramento 8 San Bernardino 9 San Diego 10 San Jose Colorado 11 Denver Florida 12 Jacksonville 13 Orlando 14 Tallahassee Georgia 15 Atlanta Illinois 16 Champaign 17 Chicago Indiana 18 Indianapolis 19 Lafayette Iowa 20 Des Moines Kentucky 21 Louisville Louisiana 22 Baton Rouge Maryland 23 Hyattsville Massachusetts 24 Boston 25 Springfield Michigan 26 Ann Arbor 27 East Lansing Minnesota 28 Twin Cities Missouri 29 Kansas City 30 St. Louis New Hampshire 31 Portsmouth New Jersey 32 Iselin New Mexico 33 Albuquerque New York 34 Albany 35 Buffalo 36 Manhattan 37 Garden City 38 Syracuse North Carolina 39 Raleigh Ohio 40 Columbus 41 Kent Oklahoma 42 Norman Oregon 43 Corvallis Pennsylvania 44 Philadelphia 45 Pittsburgh 46 State College 47 Wilkes-Barre South Carolina 48 Columbia Tennessee 49 Nashville Texas 50 Arlington 51 Austin 52 College Station 53 Corpus Christi 54 Houston 55 El Paso Utah 56 Salt Lake City Virginia 57 Richmond 58 Roanoke Washington 59 Seattle 60 Spokane Wisconsin 61 Milwaukee

173 United States Marine Corps Bases District of Columbia 1 Marine Barracks Washington, DC Virginia 2 HQMC, Henderson Hall Arlington,VA 3 MCB Quantico Quantico,VA North Carolina 4 MCAS Cherry Point Havelock, NC 5 MCB Camp Lejeune Jacksonville, NC 6 MCAS New River Jacksonville, NC South Carolina 7 MCAS Beaufort Beaufort, SC 8 MCRD Parris Island Beaufort, SC Georgia 9 MCLB Albany Albany, GA Missouri 10 MCSA Kansas City Kansas City, MO Arizona 11 MCAS Yuma Yuma, AZ California 12 MCLB Barstow Barstow, CA 13 MCAGCC Twentynine Palms Twentynine Palms, CA 14 MCB Camp Pendleton Oceanside, CA 15 MCRD San Diego San Diego, CA 16 MCAS Miramar Miramar, CA Hawaii 17 Fleet Marine Force Pacific Command Hawaii 18 MCAS Kaneohe Hawaii Japan 19 MCAS Iwakuni 20 MCB Camp Butler Japan 20 19

174 CONTACTS Alabama Officer Selection Station Tuscaloosa 225 University Boulevard East, Suite #107 Tuscaloosa, AL Phone ext. 15 then ext. 15 or (202) /2019 Alaska See Officer Selection Station Corvallis, OR Phone ext Arizona Officer Selection Station Phoenix 1 North 1st Street, Suite # 302 Phoenix, AZ Phone ext or (602) /0420 mossphx@ibm.net Arkansas Officer Selection Station Little Rock 425 West Capitol Street, Suite # 730 Little Rock,AR Phone ext. 607 or (501) braycn@mcrc.usmc.mil California Officer Selection Station Los Angeles 5051 South Rodeo Road Los Angeles, CA Phone ext or (213) /3730 mossla1@ibm.net mossla4@ibm.net Officer Selection Station Orange County 2302 Martin Street, Suite # 400 Irvine, CA Phone ext or (949) /7950 mossorg@ibm.net Officer Selection Station Sacramento 3870 Rosin Court, Suite # 110 Sacramento, CA Phone ext or (916) /3789 mosssac@ibm.net California (continued) Officer Selection Station San Bernardino 155 West Hospitality Lane, Suite # 255 San Bernardino, CA Phone ext or (909) /1814 mosssbd@ibm.net Officer Selection Station San Diego 2221 Camino Del Rio South, Suite # 204 San Diego, CA Phone ext or (619) /2175 mosssdo@ibm.net Officer Selection Station San Francisco 620 Central Avenue, Building # 2F/201 Federal Center Alameda, CA Phone ext or (510) /7285 mosssfo@ibm.net Officer Selection Station San Jose 84 West Santa Clara Street, Suite # 330 San Jose, CA Phone ext or (408) /3792 mosssjo@ibm.net Colorado Officer Selection Station Denver 1600 Sherman Street, Suite # 500 Denver, CO Phone ext. 407 corbettjg@mcrc.usmc.mil Connecticut See Officer Selection Station Boston, MA Phone (617) /3009 OR Officer Selection Station New York, NY Phone Delaware See Officer Selection Station Hyattsville, MD Phone (301) /0520 OR Officer Selection Station Philadelphia, PA Phone

175 Contacts 146 Florida Officer Selection Station Jacksonville 8011 Phillips Hwy, Suite # 4 Jacksonville, FL Phone ext. 14 then ext. 15 or (904) /4868 tdk@leading.net Officer Selection Station Orlando 5888 South Semoran Boulevard Orlando, FL Phone ext. 17 then ext. 15 or (407) /5874 cmcmil1019@aol.com cvaldesuso@hotmail.com Officer Selection Station Tallahassee 2121 West Pensacola Street, Suite # C Tallahassee, FL Phone ext. 14 then ext. 16 or (850) /0866 usmc@monmouth.com otallahass@aol.com Georgia Officer Selection Station Atlanta 6855 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Suite # 2600A Norcross, GA Phone ext. 11 then ext. 15 or (770) usmc@monmouth.com OR Officer Selection Station Tuscaloosa,AL Phone ext. 15 then ext. 15 Hawaii See Officer Selection Station Orange County, CA Phone ext Idaho See Officer Selection Station Salt Lake City, UT Phone ext OR Officer Selection Station Spokane,WA Phone ext Illinois Officer Selection Station Champaign 302 East John Street, Suite # 1401 University Inn Champaign, IL Phone or (217) /6482 Officer Selection Station Chicago 800 South Wells Street, Suite #120 Chicago, IL Phone or (312) /0743 Officer Selection Station Chicago 1700 South Wolf Road Des Plaines, IL Phone or (847) Indiana Officer Selection Station Indianapolis 9152 Kent Avenue Building #401, C-200 Indianapolis, IN Phone or (317) /0516/0517 Officer Selection Station Lafayette 134 West State Street, Suite # C West Lafayette, IN Phone (765) /8762 Iowa Officer Selection Station Des Moines 2419 University Avenue Des Moines, IA Phone or (515) /4535 Kansas See Officer Selection Station Kansas City, MO Phone OR Officer Selection Station Norman, OK Phone ext. 807 Kentucky Officer Selection Station Louisville 1806 South 3rd Street Louisville, KY Phone or (502) osolvll@aol.com

176 Contacts Louisiana Officer Selection Station Baton Rouge 5555 Hilton Avenue, Suite # 202 Baton Rouge, LA Phone ext. 707 or (504) /4709 quinlanjf@mcrc.usmc.mil Maine See Officer Selection Station Portsmouth, NH Phone (603) Maryland Officer Selection Station Hyattsville 6525 Belcrest Road Metro III, Suite # 425 Hyattsville, MD Phone (301) /0520 osohyath@aol.com osohyatg@aol.com osohyatl@aol.com Massachusetts Officer Selection Station Boston 495 Summer Street, Room # 107 Boston, MA Phone or (617) /3009 osoboston@aol.com Officer Selection Station Springfield 105 East Street Chicopee, MA Phone or (413) /9781 sprfldoso@aol.com Michigan Officer Selection Station Ann Arbor 2500 Packard Road, Suite # 107 Ann Arbor, MI Phone or (734) osodetrw@aol.com Officer Selection Station East Lansing /2 East Grand River Avenue, Room # 201 East Lansing, MI Phone or (517) /5516 Minnesota Officer Selection Station Twin Cities 808 Washington Avenue Southeast Minneapolis, MN Phone or (612) /0550 Mississippi See Officer Selection Station Baton Rouge, LA Phone ext. 707 OR Officer Selection Station Little Rock,AR Phone ext. 607 OR Officer Selection Station Tuscaloosa,AL Phone ext. 15 then ext. 15 Missouri Officer Selection Station Kansas City Northwest Prairie View Road Kansas City, MO Phone or (816) /7256 kcityoso@msn.com Officer Selection Station St. Louis 1222 Spruce Street, Suite # St. Louis, MO Phone or (314) /4561 Montana See Officer Selection Station Spokane,WA Phone ext Nebraska See Officer Selection Station Des Moines, IA Phone Nevada See Officer Selection Station Phoenix,AZ Phone ext OR Officer Selection Station Sacramento, CA Phone ext

177 Contacts New Hampshire Officer Selection Station Portsmouth 879 Greenland Road Orchard Park, Suite # A9 Portsmouth, NH Phone or (603) / osoprtsmith@aol.com New Jersey Officer Selection Station New Jersey (Iselin) 485A U.S. Route 1 South Koll Corporate Plaza, Building A Iselin, NJ Phone , then press 1 or (732) /9406 usmc@marineofficer.com New Mexico Officer Selection Station Albuquerque 505 Marquette Avenue Northwest, Suite # 801 Albuquerque, NM Phone ext. 207 or (505) /5285 springerrw@mcrc.usmc.mil New York Officer Selection Station Albany 6 Automation Lane Albany, NY Phone or (518) /2839 usmc_officer@global2000.net Officer Selection Station Buffalo 5500 Main Street, Suite # 262 Williamsville, NY Phone (716) /1406 osobuffalo@aol.com Officer Selection Station Manhattan 170 Broadway, Suite # 1601 New York, NY Phone or (212) /8647 Officer Selection Station New York 605 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY Phone or (516) /5942 rsnyoso@aol.com New York (continued) Officer Selection Station Syracuse 344 West Genesee Street, Suite # 200 Syracuse, NY Phone or (315) /4223 ososyr@aol.com North Carolina Officer Selection Station Raleigh 5000 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite # 402 Raleigh, NC Phone ext. 18 then ext.15 or (919) /3052 jbrigadier@aol.com North Dakota See Officer Selection Station Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN Phone Ohio Officer Selection Station Columbus 1335 Dublin Road, Suite D, Room Columbus, OH Phone or (614) /7118 osocincb@aol.com osocinkt@aol.com Officer Selection Station Kent 1100 East Summit Street P.O. Box 710 Kent, OH Phone or (330) osoclev@aol.com Oklahoma Officer Selection Station Norman 103 West Boyd, Suite C Norman, OK Phone ext. 807 or (405) /4846 newlandta@mcrc.usmc.mil Oregon Officer Selection Station Corvallis 572 Northwest Van Buren Corvallis, OR Phone ext or (541) /0836 mosscor@ibm.net 148

178 Contacts Pennsylvania Officer Selection Station Philadelphia Robert N.C. Nix, Sr. Federal Building 900 Market Street, Suite # 313 Philadelphia, PA Phone or (215) /0477 osophilly@juno.com Officer Selection Station Pittsburgh 107 Meyran Avenue Pittsburgh, PA Phone or (412) /3294 usmcosopit@earthlink.net Officer Selection Station State College 242 South Fraser Street State College, PA Phone (814) psumarines@earthlink.net Officer Selection Station Wilkes-Barre 100 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard Jewelcore Center, Suite # 110 Wilkes-Barre, PA Phone or (717) /4132 osowb@aol.com Rhode Island See Officer Selection Station Boston, MA Phone (617) /3009 South Carolina Officer Selection Station Columbia 1101-D Harden Street Columbia, SC Phone ext. 12 then ext. 15 or (803) /9016 South Dakota See Officer Selection Station Des Moines, IA Phone OR Officer Selection Station Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN Phone Tennessee Officer Selection Station Nashville 2519 Perimeter Place Drive Nashville,TN Phone ext. 16 then ext. 15 or (615) ajrains@msn.com Texas Officer Selection Station Arlington 604 Doug Russell Road, Suite # D Arlington,TX Phone ext. 307 or (817) /3625 wilkspr@mcrc.usmc.mil Officer Selection Station Austin P.O. Box C Austin,TX Phone ext. 907 or (512) /5707 rodriguezlr@mcrc.usmc.mil Officer Selection Station College Station 113 Boyett Street College Station,TX Phone ext. 507 or (409) /0273 danielsjk@mcrc.usmc.mil Officer Selection Station Corpus Christi 5151 Flynn Parkway, Suite # 310 Corpus Christi,TX Phone ext. 914 or (512) /28/42 perrytr@mcrc.usmc.mil Officer Selection Station El Paso 1900 North Oregon Street, Suite # 430 El Paso,TX Phone (912) /0424/0425 delgadofp@mcrc.usmc.mil Officer Selection Station Houston 701 San Jacinto Street, Room # 225 U.S. Custom House Houston,TX Phone ext. 508 or (713) /4290 mendezje@mcrc.usmc.mil 149

179 Contacts Utah Officer Selection Station Salt Lake City 2709 South State Street Salt Lake City, UT Phone ext or (801) /1147 Vermont See Officer Selection Station Springfield, Chicopee, MA Phone OR Officer Selection Station Albany, NY Phone Virginia Officer Selection Station Richmond 100 Arbor Oak Drive, Suite # 106A Ashland,VA Phone or (804) osoashl@aol.com Officer Selection Station Roanoke 306 East Main Street Salem,VA Phone or (540) osoroan@aol.com Washington Officer Selection Station Seattle 820 Northeast 45th Street, Suite # 3 Seattle,WA Phone ext or (206) mosssea@ibm.net Officer Selection Station Spokane 516 East Francis Avenue, Suite # 1 Spokane,WA Phone ext or (509) mossspo@ibm.net Washington, DC See Officer Selection Station Hyattsville, MD Phone (301) /0520 OR Officer Selection Station Richmond,VA Phone (804) West Virginia See Officer Selection Station Pittsburgh, PA Phone OR Officer Selection Station Roanoke, Salem,VA Phone Wisconsin Officer Selection Station Milwaukee 310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite # 480 Milwaukee,WI Phone or (414) /1934/1935 osowisconsin@msn.com Wyoming See Officer Selection Station Denver, CO Phone ext. 407 OR Officer Selection Station Salt Lake City, UT Phone ext