Sgt Grit Marine Forums

I'll spare you all the details of OCS, TBS and Flight School.  If you want those I'll post seperatly.  So I'll start from winging.  (Time frame Present)

After getting winged you go to HMLA/T-303 at MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA for the FRS.  Not only do you learn how to fly the cobra there, but you get "reintrocued" to the Marine Corps (after spending 2 years in a Navy command it's a bit of a shock).  You'll also get a ground job there.  The basic day in the FRS is about 0700 -2000 or so.  If you're on the night schdule time frame is about 1500 - 0500.  As for the flying, you'll generally fly 4-6 times per week.  Be prepared to get stomped on quite a bit.  You'll never do anything right.  Flying the Cobra is great, but there is the "eat their young" mentality in the squadron.  Be prepared to study 4-5 hours a night on top of work. 

After completing 303, you go to your fleet squadron (there's 4 on West Coast, 2 on East Coast).  No guarantee you'll stay in it for more than a week or so.  I got shipped off to the East Coast after being in my West Coast squadron for about 2 weeks.  You'll be on one of two deployment cycles -- Iraq (land based) which is 7 months gone, 5 months home.  In that 5 months home about 2 are spend at either WTI or one of the combined arms exercises (Desert Talon, Majove Viper, etc).  Or the MEU cycle, in which you're 6 month workup period, 8 months floating, 3 months home. I'm currently in the middle of MEU workup.  Days are generally 0600-2000 or so.  As a Lt in the squadron, you do about 90% of the planning -- map prep, smart pack, brief prep, weight and balance, ordnance coordnation.... ect.  You also have a ground job and are put in charge of 10-20 Marines.  Durning workups you go for about six seperate 2 week stints out with the boat for exercises.  The studying is a little more intense as well.

That's all I have time for now... 

That's great stuff ma'am thanks alot. By the way when you get a chance can you elaborate a bit on the difference in jobs in operating a Cobra between you and your partner seated in the nose? Does he/she have a different MOS or are the two of you rated on both seats?

Both pilots are 7565s. It's mission dependant who's in which seat. Both seats have full sets of flight controls, but it can only be started/shutdown from the backseat. The front seat is the primary weaponeer, as all the targeting/missile equptment is there (you can shoot from either seat). I'm doing alot of front seat flying now cause I'm trying to get my HLL/LLL weapon's quals.

Much like the wannabe's, I just love this ***! Ma'am, you were a "paint" on my screen, just a blip. It's great to hear this stuff. Thanks.

Thank you, Ma'am.

I guess I made is sound a little daunting.  It's alot of work, but rewarding.  Especially when you can hold your own briefing a bunch of Harrior pilot Majors.... and informing them that you's going to be thier Escort Lead.  Or a Lcpl sitting in an OP tell you "Holy Sh!t Ma'am... that was about the coolest thing I've ever seen!" 

Ma'am, don't be "flashing" the Troops!

 

Stay safe up there Lieutenant, as you know the sky can be unforgiving.  We'll keep the "Snake Charmer" in our prays!  Stay safe Ma'am.

I must have misunderstood the meaning of "In Hot"!

 

 

Thanks Gunny, we're heading to the boat here shortly, so they prayers are much appreciated! 

 

dcRacer:

I must have misunderstood the meaning of "In Hot"!

 

 

Thanks Gunny, we're heading to the boat here shortly, so they prayers are much appreciated! 

 

As much as you are allowed to, let us know the deal. Prayers outbound. Give em hell Ma'am.

CQ's, "Feet Wet", starboard Deltas.....General Quarters.........Boy I miss the Boat and WestPac!