View Full Version : How do I get into a MAW
How can I get into a marine air wing? What kind stuff would I do there? Whats the best FMF job that will give me time to work on school and build up a sta-21 package?
Da-Chief
05-15-2007, 21:34
MCDGexxHow can I get into a marine air wing? What kind stuff would I do there? Whats the best FMF job that will give me time to work on school and build up a sta-21 package?
MCDGEXX..
Well if you want to be with the Marine Corps right now, your priority is not "SCHOOL" it is taking care of Marines.. If you joined the Navy to go to school while on active duty.. Please do us a favor.. GO join the Air Force..
Does this sound Blunt? I am sorry if it is. But the truth of the matter is, we have quite a few members here who have done 2-3-4 even 5 deployments so far since the conflict started. Your mind has to be in the game serving with the Corps. If you want to go to school, that is for "SHORE" duty.
I mean it.. If you are in for school, other then the GI bill.. Go be a ZOOMIE. (Sorry DeeDee).. They take care of school and all of that.. I think they go to GQ if they get a bit of sand on their pretty uniforms.. :swn:
I would rather tell you the truth and get pissed of now then when you are serving with the CORPS in some remote location and your pissed because you can't go to school.
V/R
HMC
MCDGexxHow can I get into a marine air wing? What kind stuff would I do there? Whats the best FMF job that will give me time to work on school and build up a sta-21 package?
MCDGEXX..
Well if you want to be with the Marine Corps right now, your priority is not "SCHOOL" it is taking care of Marines.. If you joined the Navy to go to school while on active duty.. Please do us a favor.. GO join the Air Force..
Does this sound Blunt? I am sorry if it is. But the truth of the matter is, we have quite a few members here who have done 2-3-4 even 5 deployments so far since the conflict started. Your mind has to be in the game serving with the Corps. If you want to go to school, that is for "SHORE" duty.
I mean it.. If you are in for school, other then the GI bill.. Go be a ZOOMIE. (Sorry DeeDee).. They take care of school and all of that.. I think they go to GQ if they get a bit of sand on their pretty uniforms.. :swn:
I would rather tell you the truth and get pissed of now then when you are serving with the CORPS in some remote location and your pissed because you can't go to school.
V/R
HMC
I am perfectly fine with being unable to go to school as much as I'd like. I am not joining TO go to school, but if I can without paying for it I will and if I can get into the STA-21 program then I will. I understand I'll see deployments, etc. But I'm also trying to look toward the future, I don't want to be enlisted my entire career, and I have to go to school to get a commission. I'm interested with MAW because it would get me around aviation which I love, and my goal is to become a pilot someday, whether it be in the military or out, but I would much rather fly F-18's than 737s.
MCDGEXX,
As for school on sea duty, I echo Da Chief's comments. Mission is first.
As for your interest in the Marine Aircraft Wings, what in particular would you like to know? I can tell you that a typical 3 year tour will involve 2 major deployments, and multiple detachments/exercises such as WTI, Desert Talon or Mojave Viper in Yuma, Green/Red Flag in Nellis, a lot of field ops with MWSS's/MACG units, and a lot of health records, admin, and readiness/MRRS work in garrison.
I have served in 3rd MAW out of El Toro (now closed) with VMFA(AW)-225, where I completed two 6 month UDPs, HMM-268, where I flew as an Aerial Observer/Gunner, VMGR-352 for a short period, and MACG-38, which does not operate aircraft, but maintains command and control of the Air Combat Element.
I am now in 2nd MAW at MCAS Cherry Point, and have been since 2000. I did 3 years with VMGR-252, completing ALOT of detachments/deployments and probably accumulating over 500-750 hours in the air with these guys, including Afghanistan in 2001/2002, MACG-28 for 2 years, again, without aircraft, MWHS-2 (the HQ for the MAW) for 2 years, deploying to Iraq with the TACC, MAG-14, and in a few weeks, Iraq again, flying in CH-46E's as the II MEF CASEVAC LCPO w/MAG-29(FWD).
After nearly 12 years in Air Wings, I think I'm qualified to tell you almost anything you want to know about duty in each. One thing that is not a certainty is which squadron or Group you end up with after you execute orders.
To give you an idea of what I mean, below this paragraph is an outline of 2d MAWs unit structure, available HM billets, and their locations. All total there are 25 operational AIRCRAFT squadrons in 2d MAW, (same in 3rd MAW) and 3 training squadrons (2 in 3rd MAW) that operate aircraft. Of all of these 55 squadrons, there are only about 60 HM 8404 billets for aircraft squadrons (both coasts). There is a greater possibility that an HM8404 under PCS orders to the Wing (UICs 57080, 52841, 09167 or 09131 on the East Coast) would be assigned to an MWSS, MWHS, MALS, VMU or MACG units than an aircraft squadron, but it is still a possibility.
MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina (UIC 57080):
I. Commanding General HQ (1 HMCM8404, 1 HMC8404, 1 HMC8432)
A. Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 (MWHS-2) (2 HM8404)
B. Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) (1 HMC8406, 1 HMC8404, and 1
HM1 8409)
1. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14 (MALS-14) (3 HM8404s)
2. 3 Marine Attack Squadrons (VMA), AV-8B Harriers
a. VMA-223, VMA-231, VMA-542 (2 HM2 8406 each)
3. 4 Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons (VMAQ), EA-6B
Prowlers
a. VMAQ-1, VMAQ-2, VMAQ-3, VMAQ-4 (1 HM8404, 1 HM8406
each)
4. 1 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR-252), KC-130J
Hercules (2 HM8406)
5. 1 Marine Attack Training Squadron (VMAT), TAV-8B Harriers
a. (1 HM8406, 2HM8404)
C. Marine Wing Support Group 27 (MWSG-27) (1 HMC8404, 1 HMC8432)
1. 2 Marine Wing Support Squadrons (MWSS-271 and MWSS-274)
a. No aircraft.
b. Billets in each MWSS:
(1) CPOs: HMCS 8404, 1 HMC8432,
(2) E6 and below: 1 HM8425, 1 HM8406, 1 HM8432, 1 HM8506,
1 HM8482, 1 HM8451, 7 HM8404
D. Marine Air Control Group 28 (MACG-28), 1 HM8425 - NO AIRCRAFT
1. Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 (MTACS-28), 2 HM8404
2. Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS-2), 1 HMC8404, 3 HM8404
3. Marine Air Support Squadron (MASS-1), 3 HM8404
4. Marine Wing Communications Squadron (MWCS-28) - No corpsmen
5. Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2) 2 HM8404
6. 2d Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (2d LAAD) 4 HM8404
MCAS NEW RIVER, North Carolina (UICs 09167 (MAG26/MWSS-272)
and 52841 (MAG-29))
II. Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) 1 HMC8406, 1 HMC8404, 1 HM18409
a. MALS-26 (3 HM8404)
b. Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-261), CH-46E Sea
Knights 1HM8406, 2HM8404
c. 2 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons (VMM), MV-22B Ospreys
1. VMM-264, VMM-266 1 HM8406 and 1 HM8404 each
d. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), CH-53E Super
Stallions (1 HM8406, 1 HM8404s)
e. 1 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron (VMMT)
1. 1 HM8406, 1 HM8404
f. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA-167), UH-1N Hueys
and AH-1W Cobras
1. 1 HM8406, 1 HM8404
g. Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 (by UIC, not Organization)
(1) CPOs: HMCS 8404, 1 HMC8432,
(2) E6 and below: 1 HM8425, 1 HM8406, 1 HM8432, 1 HM8506,
1 HM8482, 1 HM8451, 7 HM8404
III. Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) 1 HMC8406, 1 HMC8404, 1 HM18409
a. MALS-29 (3 HM8404)
b. 2 Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (HMM-162, HMM-365),
CH-46E Sea Knights
1. 1 HM8406, 2 HM8404
c. 1 Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM-263), MV-22B Ospreys
1. 1 HM8406, 1 HM8404
d. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 (HMH-464), CH-53E Super
Stallions (1 HM8406, 1 HM8404)
e. 1 Marine Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT-302)
1. 1 HM8406, 2 HM8404
f. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA-269), UH-1N Hueys
and AH-1W Cobras
1. 1 HM8406, 1 HM8404
MCAS BEAUFORT, South Carolina (UIC 09131)
IV. Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31) 1 HMC8406, 1 HMC8404, 1 HM1 8409
A. MALS-31, 3 HM8404
B. 4 Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons (VMFA), F/A-18C Hornets
1. VMFA-115, VMFA-122, VMFA-251, VMFA-312
2. 1 HM8406, 1 HM8404 each squadron
C. 3 Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadrons (VMFA(AW)),
F/A-18D Hornets
1. VMFA(AW)-224, VMFA(AW)-332, VMFA(AW)-533
2. 1 HM8406, 1 HM8404 each squadron
D. Marine Wing Support Squadron 273 (By UIC only, not organization)
1. CPOs: HMCS 8404, 1 HMC8432,
2. E6 and below: 1 HM8425, 1 HM8406, 1 HM8432, 1 HM8506,
1 HM8482, 1 HM8451, 7 HM8404
I know that there's a lot here, but if I can answer/clear anything up, ask! I'd prefer a Sailor know what he/she is getting into when they accept orders than show up and become a) disenchanted, b) disappointed, or c) disgruntled.
S/F-
HMC(FMF) Dean
2d MAW
Da-Chief
05-16-2007, 08:24
Thanks HMC, I don't like coming off as the hard ass, but I wanted him to know what it is really like out there. It is vitally important that we use this site as a tool to educate the new applicants and to dispell any myths from the Recruiters.
He may not like what we tell him but at least he will be in the know.
V/R
Da-Chief
HMC(AW) (Ret)
Thanks HMC, I don't like coming off as the hard ass, but I wanted him to know what it is really like out there. It is vitally important that we use this site as a tool to educate the new applicants and to dispell any myths from the Recruiters.
He may not like what we tell him but at least he will be in the know.
V/R
Da-Chief
HMC(AW) (Ret)
You're fine Chief. Thank you guys for the help. I didn't mean to come off as ignorant, I understand that my time to get school done while on duty will be very little if at all, but I do plan to do what I can. And yes I agree that the mission comes first. :)
How competitive is it to get a slot with one of the fighter squadrons? Is it requestible at all or you just get lucky?
Luck of the draw. By "fighter squadrons", I'll assume you mean Hornets (F/A-18C/Ds). There are 15 hornet squadrons in the active duty Marine Corps...that means 15 billets for HM 8404s and 15 billets for HM8406s...depends on which squadron's corpsman is leaving at the same time you're showing up...AND whether or not a corpsman who is already attached to MAG-11, 12 or 31 in has been waiting to get into a Hornet squadron from say, MALS or MWSS, and will replace from the ranks there as a "interdepartmental transfer", or as the Marines term it, a "PCA" - permanent change of assignment.
VMFA-115 "Silver Eagles" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-122 "Crusaders" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-212 "Lancers" (MCAS Iwakuni, Japan) MAG-12, 1st MAW
VMFA-232 "Red Devils" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA-251 "Thunderbolts" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-312 "Checkerboards" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-314 "Black Knights" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-121 "Green Knights" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-224 "Fighting Bengals" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA(AW)-225 "Vikings" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-242 "Bats" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-332 "Moonlighters" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA(AW)-533 "Nighthawks" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
Training Rag:
VMFAT-101 "Sharpshooters" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
A lot of variables play into squadron assignment. If you absolutely want a better shot at a flying squadron, become an Aerospace Medicine Technician (HM8406) - there's at least one in every flying squadron with the USMC, and only 1 in every USN aircraft squadron. Still no guarantee you get Hornets...
I know that a crapshoot is not what we ideally look for when looking for specific duty types, but that is the way it works, I'm afraid.
R/
Chief
Luck of the draw. By "fighter squadrons", I'll assume you mean Hornets (F/A-18C/Ds). There are 15 hornet squadrons in the active duty Marine Corps...that means 15 billets for HM 8404s and 15 billets for HM8406s...depends on which squadron's corpsman is leaving at the same time you're showing up...AND whether or not a corpsman who is already attached to MAG-11, 12 or 31 in has been waiting to get into a Hornet squadron from say, MALS or MWSS, and will replace from the ranks there as a "interdepartmental transfer", or as the Marines term it, a "PCA" - permanent change of assignment.
VMFA-115 "Silver Eagles" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-122 "Crusaders" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-212 "Lancers" (MCAS Iwakuni, Japan) MAG-12, 1st MAW
VMFA-232 "Red Devils" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA-251 "Thunderbolts" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-312 "Checkerboards" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA-314 "Black Knights" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-121 "Green Knights" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-224 "Fighting Bengals" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA(AW)-225 "Vikings" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-242 "Bats" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
VMFA(AW)-332 "Moonlighters" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
VMFA(AW)-533 "Nighthawks" (MCAS Beaufort, SC) MAG-31, 2d MAW
Training Rag:
VMFAT-101 "Sharpshooters" (MCAS Miramar, CA) MAG-11, 3rd MAW
A lot of variables play into squadron assignment. If you absolutely want a better shot at a flying squadron, become an Aerospace Medicine Technician (HM8406) - there's at least one in every flying squadron with the USMC, and only 1 in every USN aircraft squadron. Still no guarantee you get Hornets...
I know that a crapshoot is not what we ideally look for when looking for specific duty types, but that is the way it works, I'm afraid.
R/
Chief
What exactly does an Aerospace Medicine Tech do? I'm guessing that involves a different "c" school? I'll run a search and see what I can find on my own as well :)
Ah ok found out a bit, any chance of getting to NAMI right out of A school or FMSS?
Correct...additional school to earn the NEC.
10 weeks at NAMI onboard NAS Pensacola.
Description of NEC: Assists flight surgeon or medical officer in special examination and treatments for naval aviators and flight personnel. Assists in conducting aviation medical tests. Assists flight surgeon in investigating and reporting results of aircraft mishaps. Maintains aviation medical records and files.
Source ratings: HM
Paygrades Authorized to Hold NEC: E3-E7
Training Course: Course Mandatory
Open to Women: Yes
SPECIAL NOTES: Performs duties of radiation monitor, radiation surveys, gas and liquid analyses with knowledge of the medical aspects relating to personnel exposed to ionizing radiation. Directs and administers the personnel dosimetry program. Maintains radiation exposure records as part of the health records.
Sweet, I'll be eligible after A school. How would I go about getting to that school?
Are you in yet?
Leave for basic on the 22nd. I will be at MEPs again on Tuesday, don't know if i'll be able to change anything. I'm going in as E-3 because of 4 years JROTC
You can ask for guaranteed NEC training after Corps School while at MEPS next week... no promises. Otherwise, do well in Corps School and ask for AeroMedTech "C" school - worst case they say no.
Da Chief can probably provide a lot more current insight into NEC school detailing from Corps School. Help?
R/Chief
Da-Chief
05-16-2007, 10:38
Here is the deal.. while in "A"-School it is vital that you get the highest GPA you can. This way the Career counselor will go out of her way to do a "C-SCHOOL" package on you for AVT School if a slot is available..(Career Counselor is HMC Siefert).
Then when in the C-school if selected, you must again have the highest GPA to get the pick of the litter in orders, highest GPA gets 1st pick etc..
Then you have to hope that a slot is available for the type of squadron you want. Understand.. You want a "SEA-GOING" billet as a AVT. Shore duty consists of "PE's and mountains of paperwork" day in and day out.. I know I was a AVT for years.
Good Luck..
HMC
Thanks, HMC(Ret)...
It's been so long since I saw shore duty, I forgot about AVR...worst part of this NEC!
Here is the deal.. while in "A"-School it is vital that you get the highest GPA you can. This way the Career counselor will go out of her way to do a "C-SCHOOL" package on you for AVT School if a slot is available..(Career Counselor is HMC Siefert).
Then when in the C-school if selected, you must again have the highest GPA to get the pick of the litter in orders, highest GPA gets 1st pick etc..
Then you have to hope that a slot is available for the type of squadron you want. Understand.. You want a "SEA-GOING" billet as a AVT. Shore duty consists of "PE's and mountains of paperwork" day in and day out.. I know I was a AVT for years.
Good Luck..
HMC
I'm guessing Sea-Going is on a carrier correct? Thanks for all the help guys i'll work my ass off in A-school and C-school.
AVTDOC96
05-16-2007, 16:56
Sea Duty as an AVT could be on a carrier, but it also could be with either a Navy Squadron or a Marine Corps Squadron. It all depends on the billets that are available. If your GPA is high and you have the option, I would highly recommend a Marine Corps Squadron over the Navy Squadrons. I've done both now and definitely prefer the Marine Corps squadrons over the Navy Squadrons.
Sea Duty as an AVT could be on a carrier, but it also could be with either a Navy Squadron or a Marine Corps Squadron. It all depends on the billets that are available. If your GPA is high and you have the option, I would highly recommend a Marine Corps Squadron over the Navy Squadrons. I've done both now and definitely prefer the Marine Corps squadrons over the Navy Squadrons.
Any specific reasons or just the atmosphere?
AVTDOC96
05-17-2007, 03:54
The Marine Corps Side is hard work, but they also know how to take care of there "Doc".
Don't get me wrong, Navy Squadrons are alright, i've just gotten a lot more experience being on the Green side and more respect. I've done a whole lot more here in the last 3 + years than I have pretty much the 10 yrs prior.
It may not be for everybody, but I wish I had been able to get on the Green side earlier in my career.
You get your own Flight Surgeon with the Marine Corps vs. sharing 1 with 3 or four other squadrons in the Navy.
Sea-going is a general term...I've been in for nearly 16 now and have yet to set foot on a Naval vessel, yet have completed 5 major deployments, and countless minor detachments, seen 29 countries and been in 5 operations.
So...no. It won't necessarily be on a CVN.
You get your own Flight Surgeon with the Marine Corps vs. sharing 1 with 3 or four other squadrons in the Navy.
Sea-going is a general term...I've been in for nearly 16 now and have yet to set foot on a Naval vessel, yet have completed 5 major deployments, and countless minor detachments, seen 29 countries and been in 5 operations.
So...no. It won't necessarily be on a CVN.
oh wow, ok well i'll keep all this in mind. I'm off to Disneyland today with my SO then a busy weekend before I leave on Monday. So Thanks for all the advice guys.
Da-Chief
05-17-2007, 12:08
Good Luck they were all "GREAT" questions, and you stood up to the answers with good bearing, you should do well!
Da-Chief
Disneyland is for Kids... want to be FMF...... Man UP!
HAHAHA!!!!
Justhafax
05-19-2007, 09:10
Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't getting the assigment one wants a matter of finding out what brand of brew and cigar your detailer prefers?
crazycajun
05-19-2007, 09:46
Yeah if it only worked that way now....LOL
It use to work....
Look I had a great time at Disneyland with my family, though I also enjoyed it when we were doing a port visit in Japan and my family wasn't there. Because I got to do what I wanted....LOL Still a Kid @ Heart!
Justhafax
05-19-2007, 14:49
Oh yeah ... that was just humor attempt ... in case there arefolks who think you can do that as routine... errrrrrrrr!
"Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent."
Needs of the Marine Corps folks ... that's where they are going to send you.
Best advice you can take
If you can make your needs fit the Corps' ... you might get what you desire ... might.
Good luck.
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