Originally Posted by mtsupilot09
Hi all, as some of you remember I was considering going into the Marines through their PLC program. For those of you who don't know my situation, here are the basics: current college freshman at MTSU studying aerospace administration with a business minor, I've always dreamed of being a naval aviator, after talking to a Marine recruiter and flying with them in their King Air, I'm considering their PLC program. I understand that this isn't the route to build high flight time, and that's ok with me. I know all the technical jargon, but I'd really be interested in talking with as many of you naval aviators as possible about lifestyle. Just tell me what your life was like while you were in the Navy or the Corps. What you flew, your pay, how it affected your marraige/family, etc. Thanks a lot in advance guys, I certainly appreciate your advice.
Chandler
Just read your post along with the reply's and was wondering if you have considered the Coast Guard?
I have invested over 14 years of service with this organization to date and cannot think of any negative comments. More importantly, neither can my wife and three children. The majority of our missions within the fixed-wing community are focused around counter narcotics interdiction/Homeland Security and typically include 2-3 two-week deployments somewhere in Central/South America per year. Statistics show that we are the lead drug interdiction agency within the U.S. government, and consistently confiscate drugs valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
Another primary mission of ours is search and rescue, of which we are without question amongst the best in the world. Although chances are slim you will get shot at in the USCG, I can guarantee that you will be challenged beyond your farthest imagination, to include flying in the eye of hurricanes, or dropping survival equipment 2000 miles offshore in the dark of night, while 200' off the ocean floor with 50-60' seas and 100 knot gale force winds. You will fly many missions when ATC traffic is minimal. Why? Because we are congressionally mandated to launch within 30 minutes of receiving many of our missions and the weather is often so crappy that others simply stay home.
The Coast Guard is famous for being extremely selective in who they hire, and will undoubtedly work you very very hard. I know countless ex-Army pilots who joined the Coast Guard thinking life would be easier without 6-month deployments to the desert, only to find out that they now work harder then ever. For all practical purposes we do not get promoted based on our flying abilities, but instead are promoted on your ability to lead/manage people and equipment.
You are cheating yourself if you do not conduct some research into the USCG. A recruiter will not seek you out, you will have to find them. As with the other military branches, the aircraft you are assigned to fly is based on your performance when compared to your classmates. Besides helicopters, we currently have HC-130H's, HC-130J's, HU-25 Falcons, one GV, one Challenger 604 and are acquiring some CASA 235's.
Sorry if this sounds like a pitch from a Recruiter, that is not what I intended. Just trying to ensure you make an educated decision. All branches of the U.S. military are equally as important, you just need to find the one that best suits your goals.
Regards