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 MARINE OFFICER

The Change is Forever

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 self- confidence so you can be one of the few, the proud, the Marines. ...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. WHAT IS THE MARINE CORPS?

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress resolved that two battalions The Few 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 The Proud Marine Corps has always been an expeditionary naval force ready to defend the nation’s interests overseas. The Marines 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 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 full- scale 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 Leadership, 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. self-discipline, physical fitness, and mental readiness make the Marines America’s elite.

2 What is the Marine Corps?

TASK-ORGANIZED AVIATION, GROUND, AND SERVICE SUPPORT UNITS

Marine Corps units are task-organized as self- reliant 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 Marines — 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 officer and Support Units consist of a wide variety of specialties including communications, logistics, intelligence, finance, and supply. enlisted — rise to While only a small percentage of Marines are deployed away from home at any challenges, given time, all Marines constantly prepare for that possibility. becoming more THE KEY TO MARINE CORPS SUCCESS: PEOPLE AND TRAINING Everyone who joins the Marine Corps has chosen an extremely challenging innovative when route. Knowing the Marine Corps has the most demanding training, both entry level and operationally, individuals like you have joined the Marine Corps and faced with 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, problems. leading to better decisions in real-world stressful situations.

3 What is the Marine Corps?

We make Marines and BUILDING A CORPS OF LEADERS we win battles. 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 No compromises. 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.

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 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 ...... 19

̈ Aviation ...... 20

̈ Ground ...... 21

̈ Law ...... 22

Equal Opportunity ...... 23

Marine Corps Values ...... 24

Making Your Choice ...... 25

SECTION 2: PROGRAMS ̈ Undergraduate Program: Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors Platoon Leaders Class (PLC) ...... 29 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) ...... 33 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) ...... 35 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) ...... 37 After OCS, candidates attend The Basic School to learn the duties and responsibilities of a Marine Corps Officer.

5 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 ...... 41 Aviation Aviation Introduction ...... 43 Flight Training ...... 47 F/A-18 Pilot ...... 51 AV-8B Harrier Pilot ...... 53 EA-6B Prowler Pilot ...... 55 KC-130 Hercules Pilot ...... 57 AH-IW Cobra Pilot ...... 59 CH-53 Pilot ...... 61 UH-IN Huey Pilot ...... 63 CH-46 Pilot ...... 65 Naval Flight Officer (NFO) ...... 67 Aircraft Maintenance Officer ...... 69 Aviation Supply Officer ...... 71 Air Traffic Control Officer ...... 73 Aviation Intelligence ...... 75 Air Support Control Officer ...... 77 Air Defense Officer ...... 79 Combat Arms Infantry Officer ...... 81 Field Artillery Officer ...... 85 Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) Officer ...... 87 Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) Officer ...... 89 Tank Officer ...... 91 Engineer Officer ...... 93 Service Support Logistics Officer ...... 95 Ground Intelligence Officer ...... 97 Human Source Intelligence ...... 99 Signals Intelligence Officer ...... 101 Military Police Officer ...... 103 Communications Information Systems Officer ...... 105 Public Affairs Officer ...... 107 Financial Management Officer ...... 109 Ground Supply Officer ...... 111 Adjutant ...... 113 Law Judge Advocate ...... 115

6 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 ...... 119 The Special Education Program (SEP)...... 120 The Advanced Degree Program (ADP) ...... 121 Law Degree Programs ...... 122 Montgomery G.I. Bill ...... 123 Specialties for Advanced Degrees ...... 125

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 ...... 131 Marine Corps Recruit Depots ...... 132 Force Reconnaissance ...... 132 The Basic School ...... 132 Officer Candidates School ...... 133 Marine Security Guard ...... 133 Marine Officer Instructor ...... 133 Inspector/Instructor ...... 134 Marine Corps Recruiting ...... 134 HMX-1 ...... 134 Test Pilot ...... 135 NASA ...... 135 Forward Air Controller ...... 136 Staff Position ...... 136 Advanced Education ...... 136 Foreign Area Officer ...... 137 Exchange Program ...... 137

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 NO PROMISES

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

8 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. Pride of Belonging

KNOWLEDGE

LEADERSHIP

SELF-CONFIDENCE

MENTAL STRENGTH

SELF-DISCIPLINE

DECISIVENESS

RESPONSIBILITY

CHALLENGE

TEAM-BUILDING SKILLS

RESOURCEFULNESS 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 20–22 show a typical program sequence.

THE TRANSFORMATION FROM STUDENT TO MARINE

“Most of us joined for the 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 challenge and prestige, 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 and some to prepare 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 ourselves for success in character, mind, and will. business, law, or government, but we enjoy it too much to leave.”

— Marine Corps Officer

9 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 Why the Marine Corps?

“Nothing can quite compare with Marine Corps training and combat service to stretch your leadership

skills in bringing PRIDE people together to For more than 200 years, in matters of national security and defense, accomplish a 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 mission.” Marines you will gain honor, courage, intelligence, and leadership ability.... Nobody likes to fight, but someone has to know how.... We have proven — Phillip Rooney, our ability time and time again.... It is this type of challenge, tradition, vice chairman of the and experience that will make you proud to be an Officer of Marines! ServiceMaster Co.

11 Why the Marine Corps?

Never ask your Marines to do something that CHALLENGE you are unable As an Officer of Marines you are given more autonomy and responsibility or unwilling to 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 do yourself. 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.

12 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 Why the Marine Corps?

Your Marines will PHYSICAL FITNESS expect you to set The Marine Corps expects its Officers to lead from the front, not from the example and 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 lead from the (OCS), where you will experience some of the toughest physical training front. For these in the world. You will stop counting the number of pull-ups, push-ups, sit- ups, and miles you run. As you progress in the Corps you will find that all reasons you will Marine Officers keep themselves in superb shape, and find it easy to maintain this high standard by working out with friends and training be expected to Marines. You join the elite few who pride themselves on being in better keep yourself in physical condition than any other armed service in the world. superb physical condition.

14 Why the Marine Corps?

Among the many notable people who learned leadership in the Marine Corps are: LEADERSHIP AND

Senator and Astronaut MANAGEMENT SKILLS John Glenn The Marine Corps polishes and hones an individual’s leadership qualities. Businessman Fred Smith, At Officer Candidates School, you will learn the basics of leadership, and founder of Federal Express continuing through The Basic School, the Marine Corps will train you in the art of leadership. Classes, guided discussions, and practical application Tom Monaghan, lead you from small unit leadership of 4–12 people through leadership of founder of Dominos Pizza groups of 50–200. Through it all, you will practice solving problems, taking responsibility, and delegating authority to subordinates. You will learn how Zell Miller, Governor of Georgia 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

Bernard Shaw, leadership and the skills needed to manage a group of people. The real Cable News Network challenges begin as you start to make decisions and lead your Marines. (CNN) “Leadership is a heritage which has passed from Marine to Marine since the founding of the Corps.” Robert Lutz, President of — General Carl E. Mundy, Jr. Chrysler Corp. 39th Commandant of the Marine Corps

1 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 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 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 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 Every journey starts with a first step. Your first step in making a decision to join Marine Corps. 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 The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer

USMC Officer Training Sequence AVIATION

apply as college apply as college apply as college Freshman or Junior Senior or Graduate Sophomore

if selected if selected

Platoon Leaders Class Platoon Leaders Class Officer Candidates Class see section 2 see section 2 see section 2

two 6-week one 10-week one 10-week sessions at Officer session at Officer session at Officer Candidates School Candidates School Candidates School see section 3 see section 3 see section 3 meet all requirements meet all requirements In each and every

The Basic School person lies raw see section 3 talent —

Flight School Pensacola, Florida resources just see section 4 waiting to be

Fleet Marine explored, waiting Force Tour Continental United States or overseas to be developed.

Post-Graduate Education Opportunities see section 5

Second Tour Opportunities see section 6

20 The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer

USMC Officer Training Sequence GROUND

apply as college apply as college apply as college Freshman or Junior Senior or Graduate Sophomore

if selected if selected

Platoon Leaders Class Platoon Leaders Class Officer Candidates Class see section 2 see section 2 see section 2

two 6-week one 10-week one 10-week sessions at Officer session at Officer session at Officer Candidates School Candidates School Candidates School see section 3 see section 3 see section 3 It’s what meet all requirements meet all requirements individuals do with The Basic School see section 3 their abilities that Schools for makes the Occupational Specialties difference. 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

21 The Path to Becoming a Marine Corps Officer

USMC Officer Training Sequence LAW

apply as 1st-year apply as apply as Law or 2nd-year college Senior School Graduate Law Student

if selected if selected Experts and

Platoon Leaders Class Platoon Leaders Class Officer Candidates Class specialists are a see section 2 see section 2 see section 2 dime a dozen. one 10-week one 10-week one 10-week session at Officer session at Officer session at Officer Candidates School Candidates School Candidates School see section 3 see section 3 see section 3 What the world meet all requirements meet all requirements values is someone

The Basic School who can grasp the see section 3 workings of an

Naval Justice School entire Newport, Rhode Island see section 4 organization,

Fleet Marine understand Force Tour Continental United States or overseas people, and

Post-Graduate motivate them. Education Opportunities see section 5 The Marine Corps

Second Tour develops that Opportunities see section 6 someone.

22 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 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. Honor, courage,

COMMITMENT and commitment forge a Marine’s 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 character. 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.

24 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.

Officer Candidates School lets you see what is expected of you as an Officer of Very few in each 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 generation step 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 up to the leadership skills necessary to command Marines.

challenge of MARINE CORPS SPECIALITIES Based on your qualifications, you will follow one of the following paths for your becoming a Marine Corps occupational training.

Marine Officer. AVIATION

If you’re one of Based on your qualifications and the results of an aviation aptitude the few, the test, you may be able to select an aviation specialty upon application or at any time during excitement and the program sequence. If you are unable to garner an aviation rewards are position during application, or throughout your participation in waiting for you. 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 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 “Some people 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 spend an entire 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 lifetime wondering 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 if they’ve made a in the USMC. difference in this world. The Marines don’t have that problem...”

—President Ronald Reagan, 1985

26 Making Your Choice

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 Financial security, yourself. 4. Challenge Continually test yourself and prove that you’re capable of more than you ever thought advancement, possible. Gain self-confidence based on real accomplishments. and benefits. 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 Making Your Choice

Self-Reliance

Self-Direction

Self-Discipline:

Knowing what’s right. And doing it.

28 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. Marines

T HE C HANGE IS F OREVER 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 full- time 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.

REQUIREMENTS AND BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM The Platoon 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 Leaders Class are commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the United States Marine Corps. PLC candidates do not wear uniforms or attend drills during college. (PLC) lets you While at Officer Candidates School, PLC candidates receive Sergeant (E-5) pay pursue a 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 commission summer training.

while still 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 in school. All 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. training is ̈ Financial Assistance: Financial assistance to help defray the cost of books and tuition is available for students who have completed one session of done during 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 the summer, much PLC program. Financial assistance is available for up to three years. like an internship.

29 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. If your dream is to

The PLC — Aviation option gives you a chance to graduate with a commission be a pilot, the and real flying experience, well before your military flight training begins. After you have successfully completed all pre-commissioning training, you can receive Marine Corps can 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. guarantee flight ̈ Marine Corps Flight Orientation Program (MCFOP) will introduce training as early 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 as your Freshman Corps Pilot. Speak with an Officer Selection Officer to see when and where the next MCFOP flight is scheduled. year in college. ̈ 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.

30 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.

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 The Platoon Centers during summer breaks. Upon graduation from law school and admittance to the state Bar of your Leaders Class — choice, you will attend The Basic School,followed by The Naval Justice School at Newport, Rhode Island. Law option is open to college Seniors, and first- and second-year law students.

31 PROGRAMS: PLC REQUIREMENTS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ̈ U.S. Citizen ̈ Education ୴ Full-time college Freshman through Junior (12 or more credit hours) ୴ 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) ୴ ACT combined score of 45 or better ୴ SAT score of 1000 or better ୴ ASVAB score of 115 EL or better ̈ No Marital Restrictions ̈ Medical ୴ Pass an Armed Forces Entrance Physical ̈ Physical ୴ Men’s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches,pull-ups, and 3-mile run ୴ Women’s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches,flexed arm hang, and 3-mile run ୴ Average qualifying score: 225 out of 300 possible points ̈ Moral ୴ Be of solid moral character ̈ Whole Person Concept ୴ 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 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.

OFFICER CANDIDATE COURSE (OCC) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ̈ U.S. Citizen ̈ Education ୴ Graduate from accredited 4-year college or university or ୴ Full-time college Senior (12 or more credit hours) graduating prior to training ୴ Minimum grade point OCC can be average of 2.0 or better on a 4.0 scale considered a ̈ Open to men and women ̈ Less than 30 years old when ten-week job commissioned a Second Lieutenant, or less than 33 years interview. old if designated law option ̈ Standardized Test Scores (any one of the following to qualify) ୴ ACT combined math and verbal score of 45 or better ୴ SAT score of 1000 or better ୴ ASVAB score of 115 EL or better ̈ No Marital Restrictions 33 PROGRAMS: OCC REQUIREMENTS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (continued) ̈ Medical ୴ Pass an Armed Forces Entrance Physical ̈ Physical ୴ Men’s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches,pull-ups, and a 3-mile run ୴ Women’s Physical Fitness Test (PFT) of crunches,flexed arm hang, and a 3-mile run ୴ Average qualifying score: 225 out of 300 possible points ̈ Moral ୴ Be of solid moral character ̈ Whole Person Concept ୴ 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 Marine Corps Leadership Traits ̈ Justice ̈ Judgment ̈ Dependability ̈ Initiative ̈ Decisiveness ̈ Tact ̈ Integrity ̈ Enthusiasm ̈ Bearing ̈ Unselfishness ̈ Courage ̈ Knowledge ̈ Loyalty ̈ Endurance NO PROMISES

MAKE THE CHANGE

NO SHORTCUTS 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.

THE TRANSITION FROM COLLEGE STUDENT TO MARINE OFFICER You have realized The first weeks of Officer Candidates School are the most difficult. Most candidates have never had any military training and may feel overwhelmed by that you could do the demands — both physically and mentally.

more and reach Throughout these first few weeks, candidates are expected to take temporary leadership roles. This enables the instructors to evaluate each person’s potential higher goals than 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 you ever thought the Sergeant Instructors who monitor their progress. Instructors voice their disapproval often and loudly. possible. You have Candidates must process these important lessons while found that you continuing to demonstrate their potential and desire to lead. Some don’t make the cut. Those have the mettle to who do continue their leadership training. be a leader The middle weeks of OCS among a small, require you to start to lead others. You are now asked to march groups of people, lead elite force of others through wooded areas in tactical scenarios, and fill more highly capable difficult leadership roles. individuals. Successfully completing Officer Candidates School starts you on the road to realizing your potential and puts you far ahead of your college peers.

35 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 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.

NO SHORTCUTS TO LEADERSHIP When you leave While a student at The Basic School you will receive in-depth training in numerous The Basic School 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 you will have ceremonies, military law, logistics, personnel administration, Marine Corps history and traditions, first aid, patrolling, combat intelligence, vertical envelopment mastered all of operations, tank-infantry operations, aviation and air support, and amphibious operations. Above and beyond all other skills,The Basic School focuses on the basic skills developing within each student the fundamentals and essential ability to lead. and begun the process of becoming a leader.

37 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 Officer Training: The Basic School

A six-month course in Marine leadership,The Basic School turns raw lieutenants into functioning Students put all of their military education to the test near the end of the Marine Officers. course in the five-day offensive/defensive exercise and a four-day war exercise, which begins with a helicopter assault.

There is no MBA Though the pace at The Basic School is very demanding, you will have the opportunity to experience some of the traditional Marine Corps social program or functions, including a Mess Night, a Commanding General’s reception, and, if attending in November, the Marine Corps Birthday Ball. leadership school 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, like this anywhere moral, and mental strength that form the heart and soul of a Marine Officer. else in the world.

39 Officer Training: The Basic School

Your reward as a Marine Officer is knowing that you’re among the best of the best.

40 LEADERSHIP

Self-Discipline Knowledge

Self-Confidence Mental Strength

The characteristic of effective leadership is only possible by possessing a combination of many characteristics 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. 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 Your Job in the Marine Corps United States Naturally, your immediate concern is the successful completion of Officer Marine. 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 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 You will be first hundred Officers who serve on The Basic School staff represent the majority of occupational fields and welcome your questions at any time. and foremost a leader of Marines; also you will be technically proficient in a specific area of specialization.

42 The Marine Corps has its own tactical aircraft that support its ground forces in protecting U.S. interests worldwide. As a Marine Corps pilot this could be your office. 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.

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 Marine Corps 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 aviation is an 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 important part of work together as one unit to achieve the mission. the Marine Corps 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 air-ground task missiles. force. The air and ground elements work together as one unit to achieve the mission.

43 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 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.

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. More than 30% ̈ Work with the air control systems of other amphibious or joint forces. ̈ Collect, process, evaluate, and disseminate intelligence in coordination with of our Corps’ appropriate agencies. Officers are pilots.

45 FLIGHT TRAINING

Pipeline for Marine Corps Pilots

Aviation Pre-Indoctrination

6 weeks 6 weeks 196 academic hours 196 academic hours NAS Pensacola, FL Vance AFB

Primary Flight Training 20–30 weeks 67 hours T-34C 20–30 weeks 27 simulator hours 67 hours T-34C 166 academic hours 27 simulator hours NAS Corpus Christi, TX 166 academic hours NAS Whiting Field, FL Vance AFB

Intermediate Marine pilots fly Flight Training T-45TS only tactical Strike/JET TS Strike/JET Helicopter Multi-Engine/C-130 aircraft and 39 weeks 6 weeks 6 weeks 24–35 weeks 26 hours T-34C 26 hours T-34C 156 hours T-45A 100 hours T-2C 96 simulator hours 11 simulator hours 11 simulator hours 45 simulator hours 9 academic hours 9 academic hours 81 academic hours 110 academic hours tactical mission NAS Kingsville, TX NAS Corpus Christi, TX NAS Corpus Christi, TX NAS Meridian, MS NAS Whiting Field, FL NAS Whiting Field, FL sorties.

Advanced Flight Training

21–28 weeks 22 weeks 20 weeks 92 hours TA-4J 116 hours TH-57 B/C 88 hours T-44 68 simulator hours 24 simulator hours 20 simulator hours 94 academic hours 24 academic hours 182 academic hours NAS Meridian, MS NAS Whiting Field, FL NAS Corpus Christi, TX

Total 65–75 weeks 71–98 weeks 54–64 weeks 52–62 weeks 223 flight hours 259 flight hours 209 flight hours 181 flight hours 123 simulator hours 140 simulator hours 62 simulator hours 58 simulator hours

46 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 high- performance 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 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 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 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 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.

TRAINING

The F/A-18 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 Hornet is a state- 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 of-the-art fighter 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 plane that gives employment. Air-to-air training will include basic intercept procedures utilizing the radar and one versus one basic fighter maneuvering. As you become more the Marines the 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 air- to-air skills will be tested as you employ the aircraft in a class strike against a fighting edge. 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 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 AV-8B HARRIER PILOT

The AV-8 Harrier is a vertical/short take-off and landing (VSTOL) aircraft that can take off and land The mission of the AV-8B is to attack surface targets, to act as an escort on a variety 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 of ships, 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 expeditionary demanding, and only the most motivated pilots can carry it through to successful completion. airfields, and TRAINING forward landing Upon being winged as a Naval Aviator and selected to the Harrier program, you sites, often no 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 more than roads formations and practice instrument and night flying. There will be many training sorties to the bombing range to learn the delivery systems the aircraft or grass strips. 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 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 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

After flight school, if you are designated an EA-6B pilot you will report to the The EA-6B is a 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 critical part of all 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 military air missions, and you will practice carrier-based operations. campaigns with its DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY ability to identify 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, and degrade or 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 destroy threats to maintenance, using your leadership skills to direct the efforts of enlisted Marines. You will have experienced senior enlisted Marines with whom you successful 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 accomplishment each flight. of the mission.

55 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 high- and 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 From the surface 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 to 50,000 feet if you qualify for the Guaranteed Air programs that could put you in the cockpit. you will become an expert in high- and low-altitude anti-air warfare.

56 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 twin- engine 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 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 You will often the Aircraft Commander. Your goal is to become proficient enough to become an Aircraft Commander yourself, which typically occurs after approximately two operate the years of flying with your squadron. KC-130 Hercules 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 40–45 will be Officers/Aviators, and the rest will be enlisted Marines. They are the in and out of 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 expeditionary 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 airfields as short training and weapons qualifications, or assist the Commanding Officer with administrative duties. Over the course of a three-year tour, you will hold as 3500 feet. several different jobs, each with increasing responsibilities.

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 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.

TRAINING The AH-1W If you wind up flying Cobras you will be assigned to the training squadron at (Cobra) is the 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 Marine Corps’ 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, helicopter 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 gunship, providing expert in both friendly and enemy tactics. You will also experience the escort to other camaraderie of the Marine Corps’ aviation community. The Cobra has helicopters and two pilots who operate the helicopter. One flies the aircraft ground units in while the other operates the weapons systems. The two pilots will switch positions often. The pilots areas where both learn what the other needs: how to position the helicopter to hostilities are shoot best, or what tactics to expect the pilot to perform when you work the weapons systems. You and the other likely. 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 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. Cobras are 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 involved in rescue 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, operations.

As a Cobra pilot you will have the opportunity to hone your leadership skills in humanitarian aid; 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 and evacuating your duty stations, you will have the responsibility of leading the Marine Corps’ most precious asset, our enlisted Marines. The enlisted Marines maintain the U.S. citizens; as 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. well as combat Whether providing close air support with rockets and the 20 mm gun, destroying tanks with the laser-guided Hellfire missile, or providing air cover support. 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!

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 CH-53 PILOT

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- No two days 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 are ever alike aircraft, powerful and responsive, are capable of maneuvering and in a Stallion outperforming much smaller helicopters. Both are fun to fly, offering a smooth platform with unlimited versatility. squadron. The TRAINING

Stallion is the 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 warrior’s 5–8 months. While in training you will also be assigned important duties in the squadron. workhorse. 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 low- level 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 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 20–30 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 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

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 The Huey is a 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 lot of fun to fly, 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 and it offers 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 unique and Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina) or West Coast (Marine Corps Air Station Tustin,California). diverse challenges DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY to Marine 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. Aviators. 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 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 Whether flying tactical inserts/extracts of reconnaissance teams, airborne radio command and control, and tactical resupply of Marines in the field. Remember, the Huey is a low-level multi-mission workhorse. reconnaissance 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 or command and 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 control of a multi- 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 aircraft mission at 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 3000 feet, or 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. firing rockets to Whether flying low-level insertion of reconnaissance teams or command and support our 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. ground Marines, 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. the Huey is crucial to Marine Corps aviation.

64 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

By the time you join your first fleet squadron, 1 1 you will have trained for 1 /2–2 /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 The job of the 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 CH-46 pilot is to 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 carry Marines to 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 their destination. 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 It is the backbone your designation as an Aircraft Commander. You are an integral part of an aviation unit, and of Marine Corps before long you will be working- up and deploying in support of aviation. 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 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-of- the-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 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

The basic job description generic to both communities is navigation, communication, co- pilot duties, IFR airways flight planning,VFR low-level flight planning, Strike Navigation, coordination, and Strike mission commander. communication, 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 co-pilot, flight and two ECMOs in the rear cockpit. planning, and 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. strike command Obstruction avoidance as well as instrument and systems monitoring are the primary responsibilities. and coordination Additionally, all communications with ground and airborne agencies; all navigational duties using Global Prepositioning Systems,TACAN, and RADAR; define the role of Weapon system control and monitoring; and the Naval Flight Communication jamming employment are the sole responsibility of the front- Officer. seat ECMO.

67 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 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 DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Your job as Aviation Maintenance Officer is to ensure that your department is off without the accomplishing its mission to provide safe, quality maintenance service or support. Generally, you will have a large number of Marines, aircraft, and maintenance OK of the Aircraft 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 Maintenance Marine Corps Air Station. There you will be assigned to a maintenance unit called a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS). The functions of this Officer. 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 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 10–12 aircraft with 80–120 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 Typically your 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 Marine unit 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 be responsible for assigned. Prioritizing, planning, maintenance, and operational issues will all be a part of your life as a Aviation Maintenance Officer. 10–12 aircraft These are some of the many responsibilities that you have as an with 80–120 Aviation Maintenance Officer. This job is extremely rewarding and Marines to always provides you with new challenges each day. You will maintain the develop a multitude of talents and a broad spectrum of knowledge. If you are interested in working in a aircraft and highly technical field and managing bright, motivated Marines, this may equipment. be the specialty for you.

70 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

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 Without an at school you will be provided with an understanding of Navy and Marine Corps aviation supply policy and procedures, including automated data processing, Aviation Supply material expediting, budgeting and finance, warehouse management, and customer support operations. Officer, the DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY

aircraft will not After completing Navy Supply Corps School, you will report to a Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) and take over a division within the Aviation have the Supply Department. As a Division Officer you will take charge of anywhere between 5 and 25 Marines. Normally the Officers are rotated within the equipment to fly. 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 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. You will train your 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 team to take on 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 multiple 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 challenges. 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.

72 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 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) Officers are the in charge of a crew of 18 – 25 enlisted Air Traffic Controllers.

key individuals in DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY directing air traffic 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 wherever Marine 1 1 can take anywhere from 1 /2 to 2 /2 years to become qualified on all positions. Time is spent in each position every month in order to maintain currency in aircraft fly. 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 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 40 – 50 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 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.

TRAINING

Aviation 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 Intelligence (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 Officers work in 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 the fast-changing world nations, current military and political issues, and weapons capabilities as you prepare and listen to intelligence briefs. After receiving your Top Secret arena of world 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 events by Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

obtaining the ** At The Basic School you will fill out the Top Secret clearance questionnaire and be interviewed by a representative from the Naval Criminal Investigative essential Service (NCIS). They will conduct a background investigation based on the information in your questionnaire and you will receive your clearance at information about NMITC if all goes well. those events.

75 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 Aviation educating the squadron on threat weapons systems, obtaining imagery of targets and vital mission areas, and providing security for classified material. Intelligence 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 Officers are the 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 Commanding 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. Officer’s source Air Intel’s greatest advantage is that of being dynamic, and not characterized by for information on 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 the current world to ensure the Marines of your squadron keep up.

If you think this is something that situation and on might interest you, see a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer and current threats to ask about the Guaranteed Flight Option to attend flight school. the squadron’s operations.

76 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

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 Air Support 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 Control Officers 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 control helicopters 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 and jets, ensuring electronics experts to air support operators. that ground DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Once you have received 1–2 years of experience you will be a qualified Senior Marines are 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 supported when 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, they request help 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 from our aviators. Jeeps (HMMVs), Amphibious Assault Vehicles, Light Armored Vehicles, hard and soft shelters, and an airborne C-130 aircraft.

77 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 Your main 1200-person Marine Unit assigned the task of training overseas in responsibilities are case the nation needs rapid response to a crisis. While serving in that unit you will travel to to brief pilots on 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 enemy air threats, 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 target locations, often be able to take advantage of time off to relax and enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and general recreation. and locations of If this world of high-tech aviation support and responsibility sounds exciting, look into the field of Air Support Control as a possible specialty. 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 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 1 specialty of Air Defense, you will attend a 4 /2- month school at Fort Bliss,Texas,after which you will be assigned to your first unit.

Air Defense DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY Typically the first assignment for a new Lieutenant will be as a Support Platoon Officers protect Commander. The Support Platoon aids the other batteries by maintaining and managing the equipment that aids the Battery Firing Platoons in the our assets from performance of the primary mission — air defense. In this billet you will be in charge of the supply equipment, communication assets, generators, and air attack using 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 surface-to-air 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 weapons. 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 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. You decide where 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, you want to place 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 your Marines and Commanders. When the Battery deploys, the XO will be a site commander. missiles to best 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 defend Marine 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. Units in that area.

If you think this is something that might interest you, see a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer.

80 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 “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 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.

TRAINING

Hot, cold, wet, or 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 dry,“grunts” are 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 the reason the unit mission to which you will be assigned. Marine Corps exists.

81 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 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.

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.

As an Infantry 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 Officer, you are will test your Marines’ discipline to move from humanitarian operations to mid- intensity conflict back to peacekeeping, and use proper judgment to respond to responsible for 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 developing the 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 whole gear and weapons, then turn the Marines and yourself loose for weekend liberty. This certainly is not a 9–5 job! Marine — not When not conducting combat exercises, you will develop and instruct classes on just the warrior. 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 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 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

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, The psychological 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 and destructive planning and coordinating artillery and other fire support assets to provide a suppressing, neutralizing, or destructive effect on a target. advantage of DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY

well-coordinated, 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 responsive, and “Supporting Arms Team.” You become the guy that the other units rely on to answer their calls for help at any time, accurate artillery anywhere, in any weather. You will call to your unit and request to have artillery rounds put into targets designated by the has profoundly Infantry commander.

influenced the As a Fire Direction Officer you will be the “brains” of the artillery battery, the Fire tactical outcome Direction Center (FDC). As an FDO you quite possibly may have the most challenging job the Marine Corps can place on a of major Lieutenant. Throughout the course of a contingency or battle, your battery will land battles receive a multitude of “calls-for-fire,” or fire support requests. It is up to you to prioritize these calls and decide what type, throughout the and how much, of a munition best supports that call. As an example, does a call- for-fire require screening of a friendly or enemy force (smoke munitions), or preceding two destruction of “dug-in” bunkers (high explosive with delay fuses)? The true challenge then becomes the safe placement of those 100-lb. projectiles, centuries. ensuring your fires do not cause harm to the Marines requesting your support.

85 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 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 TRAINING If you select the specialty of AAV,you will report to Camp Pendleton, California, versatile vehicles for an 8-week course teaching you the information you need to command, control, and repair these enormous vehicles. the Marine Corps DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY owns, it is both 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 an awesome Marines who work for you, organized into three sections and a headquarters element. Each of these sections will contain three vehicles and is typically machine and a 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 lot of fun to Staff Sergeant or Gunnery Sergeant with 10–16 years of experience. As an AAV Officer your platoon is responsible for carrying Marine Corps command. 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 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 140–170 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 LIGHT ARMORED VEHICLE (LAV) OFFICER

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, high- paced 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 The Light Armored decision-making skills, capable of independent thought and action, with a knack for vehicular maintenance, armored tactics, and a fundamental Vehicle is relatively understanding of the Marine Corps Air-Ground team. The tactics and operations associated with the Light Armored Reconnaissance units in the new to the Marine Corps are similar to the Infantry, Armor, and Reconnaissance Marine Corps. It specialties. is one of the most TRAINING If you become an LAV Platoon Commander you will typically begin your career exciting vehicles to 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 operate and puts 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, you and your and Reconnaissance Officers.

platoon at the DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY

leading edge of Like the all-terrain nature of the vehicle you operate, you must become “all- terrain”: equally adept at operating in a city or jungle, patrolling at foot-speed, battle. 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 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 Perhaps no other 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 position in the Marines into a cohesive team ready to accomplish the assigned missions. Marine Corps An LAV unit tour is usually two to three years, with deployments to other countries offers a new or afloat with a Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard ship, deployed throughout the globe. A Lieutenant can expect to serve two years Lieutenant more with a Platoon before moving up to the Executive Officer (XO) position. As the XO, independence of the Lieutenant is responsible for coordinating the fire support of the company over a action and distance that can exceed 10 miles; this will include coordinating artillery fires, naval gun fires, and close air support from Harriers, dynamic F-18 Hornets, and Cobra Gunships. challenges. 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.

90 TANK OFFICER

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 It requires an 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. agile mind and TRAINING iron-willed 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 determination to and interesting months undergoing training known as the Armor Officer Basic Course (AOBC), where you will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to lead command a tank a tank platoon. and a tank During your four months, you will learn every position in the tank, from driving the M1A1 platoon. 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 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 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

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 A challenging and opportunities for a junior Officer. extremely DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY As a Lieutenant in the ESB, you will be assigned either as a Platoon Commander rewarding job or an officer in charge of one the equipment sections such as heavy equipment (forklifts, bulldozers, etc.). You will have 30–50 Marines and millions of dollars that puts you in 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 the center of 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 the action. 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 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 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 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. 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.

TRAINING Logistics is a If you are selected for the Logistics specialty, you will go to Camp Johnson, North Carolina, for instruction in Combat Service Support, Embarkation, broad, challenging Maintenance Management, and Motor Transportation for 12 weeks. field that puts you DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY in a role critical to 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 the support and logistical functions of a battalion of 1200 Marines and $40 million in equipment. Some of the jobs are: well-being of every 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 Marine. 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 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 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

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 Ground will most likely report to an Infantry Battalion.

Intelligence DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY If assigned to an Infantry battalion you will likely command the scout-sniper Officers gather 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 information to Marines who are keen marksmen and can operate undetected when the need calls for it. Ground Intelligence Officers also operate with reconnaissance educate their unit platoons, trained to enter a hostile area via air, land, or sea — in darkness and foul weather.

on military, 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. civilian, and Your right-hand man will probably be a senior enlisted Marine with 10–12 years of experience. He is called your chief scout or Platoon Sergeant. He is the atmospheric 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. threats.

97 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 As a Ground 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. Intelligence The training will be the most challenging you have ever endured, and the Officer, you will rewards, both tangible and intangible, will be the greatest you will ever receive. Can you meet the challenge? be in charge of Marines who are keen marksmen and can operate undetected when the need calls for it.

98 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

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 The Human countering terrorism, espionage, sabotage, and subversion. This course will test your ability to remember detailed information, communicate effectively, think Intelligence / quickly, and react appropriately to a fluid environment. The course covers a range of topics from terrorist organizations to photography on site surveys. Counterintelligence 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. Officer obtains information through human sources.

99 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 You will train your ability to find and report information.

You will have the opportunity to attend numerous schools like Airborne School Marines with new (parachuting), Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) School, and other schools sponsored by federal agencies, which hone and refine your skills as a technologies and Counterintelligence professional.

This is one of the four intelligence occupations that lead to the specialty of equipment that Marine Air Ground Task Force Intelligence Officer upon promotion to the rank of Captain. increase their If you are looking for excitement, travel, ability to find and and hard work with some of the most diversified training that the Marine Corps has to offer, this might be the job report for you. Contact your Officer Selection Officer for more information and to information. find out about other opportunities in which you might have an interest.

100 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

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 30 – 40 Marines and later become an officer in charge or assistant officer in SIGINT/EW 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 Marines contribute train your Marines well. to the effectiveness DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY The mission of the Radio Battalion is to organize detachments to provide a of today's Marine Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander with ground signal intelligence and electronic warfare, as well as to establish and monitor Air Ground Task communications security and special intelligence communications. At any given time, four or five detachments are preparing for deployment or are ground Force (MAGTF) by deployed around the world. You operate with an incredible amount of responsibility as both Commander of disabling the 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 enemy's command, 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 control, and 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 communications jamming an enemy command and control net will affect the course of a battle. The information your detachment provides is vitally important to the networks and Commander’s understanding of the situation — whether humanitarian, peacekeeping, or mid-intensity conflict. systems.

101 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 As a SIGINT/EW 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 Officer, you are command will also be responsible for millions of dollars in equipment. Teaching young Marines how to operate complicated, high-tech equipment, maintain this there to provide expensive equipment, and prevent damage when operating in tough terrain is an important part of your development as a leader. the unique 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 support no one in the Marine Corps can deliver. else in the Marine Corps can deliver.

102 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.

TRAINING

As a Military 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 Police Officer, your have the unique opportunity to work with your Army counterparts. From school you will either be assigned to a Division, Force Service Support Group job is to ensure (FSSG), or base Provost Marshal’s Office (PMO). You will be a Platoon Commander and will be in charge of enlisted Marines. that you and the DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY

Marines in your Military Police, whether in the field with FSSG or on base, are responsible for maintaining order. command work If assigned to Division or FSSG, you will perform the Military Police’s fourfold both mission: Battlefield Circulation Control, Area Security, Enemy Prisoner of War Control, and Law and Order. You will accomplish the mission with your platoon, independently and 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 as a team to 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. effectively 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. maintain good While performing BCC, Military Police permit traffic to flow as smoothly and naturally as possible. order and discipline. 103 Military Police Officer

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 Military Police, and/or drugs), criminal investigators, and a special reaction team. You are the base Commanding General’s direct representative when you are on duty — whether in the even as a Second Lieutenant. You will gain experience in responding to a wide range of criminal activities, from field with FSSG or domestics to DWI to fights to larcenies. on base, are As a Military Police Officer you will responsible for have numerous challenges to preserve the law and order of Marine Corps installations and aid in maintaining order. the fight abroad. If this is the type of challenge that you find interesting, you should talk with a Marine Corps Officer Selection Officer. 104 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

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, Many 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 Communications systems in both tactical and garrison environments.

Officers deploy to DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY

distant countries As a Communications Information Systems Officer, your first Fleet Marine Force (FMF) assignment will most likely be as a Platoon Commander in a and coordinate communications company or as an officer in charge of an Information Systems Management Office.

efforts to install, 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. operate, and 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. maintain local and Within that 1200-Marine unit will be smaller units of 15–200 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 wide area will need Very-High Frequency Bands (VHF) in order to communicate in mountainous areas, and will need “relays” in place to allow for better networks. communications. Still others will need satellite communications to speak with national command authority.

105 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. You will be part of 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 a field that Ground Task Force (MAGTF). changes rapidly 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 and is critical to advanced training in the Command and Control Systems Course or by earning your Master’s degree in the Special Education Program (SEP). support the fighting units.

106 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

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 A dynamic 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 environment to 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 help the public and the nation will affect the morale of your unit. understand what DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY External information, commonly called media relations, offers Officers an the Marine Corps opportunity to interact with news organizations. New Lieutenants assigned to a media section work with local, is doing and why. 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 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 As any good 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 neighbor does, capture a reader’s attention is the goal of every journalist. The Press Officer’s job is to make that happen. Marine bases and As a command’s Public Affairs Officer you will have experience in all three areas stations and advise the Commanding Officer on public affairs matters. Public Affairs Officers are stationed at all Marine Corps bases and stations. throughout the 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 world strive to basis. If these descriptions sound interesting, Public Affairs may be a specialty you might want to research further at The Basic School. maintain good relations with the surrounding communities.

108 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

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 Within the accounting, budgeting, disbursing, computer literacy, management reports, and comptrollership skills. Marine Corps is a 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 dedicated group Monterey, California.

of Marines who DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY enjoy the prestige Once you’ve graduated from FMOC, you will be assigned to one of two areas. that comes with 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 understanding with the Combat Service Support element, to ensure that Marines attached to the MEU continue to be paid correctly while deployed to foreign countries. and controlling 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 how the money United States. The Financial Management Officer ensures they are taken care of while that Marine is away. is spent.

109 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 As a Budget between 10 and 40 Marines and civilians with a background in finance who help you accomplish your responsibilities. Officer, you are responsible for formulating and executing your unit’s budget.

110 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.

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 The opportunity 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 to prove your called to deploy.

ability to lead TRAINING Marines and 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 manage their the fundamentals of supply distribution (procurement of repair parts, supplies, and equipment), warehouse management (stock/inventory control), financial equipment in a planning and budgeting, and property control. The curriculum will cover automated data processing, material expediting, and customer support challenging and operations. dynamic specialty.

111 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 As a Supply Officer 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 you will be placed 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 in charge of account and should be the person with whom you work most closely. millions of dollars 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 of equipment and 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 supplies ranging readiness remains at desired levels. from trucks and 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. machine guns to Without your dedicated and determined support, the rest of the unit cannot achieve peak performance. As a Supply Officer you will definitely be challenged. highly sophisticated The question is: “Are you up to it?” satellite communications equipment.

112 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY

The Adjutant is Adjutants work to formulate and supervise the execution of the command’s administrative policies. You will normally command one Staff NCO with not a “desk approximately 10–14 years of administrative experience and approximately 6 – 8 Marines with the rank of Private through Sergeant. You will also be the legal expert jockey.” You will 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 be part of the Adjutant handles.

battle staff, As the Adjutant you will work with higher ranking Officers who have responsibility for the larger unit. Typically the Executive Officer of your unit supporting the (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 unit’s mission in 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, garrison and in processing personal military awards, directing the functioning of the Unit Mail Room, and providing Casualty Assistance when required. the field — during peace and in times of conflict.

113 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 Adjutants work to 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 formulate and the challenges of an Adjutant? supervise the execution of the command’s administrative policies.

114 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 “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 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.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIALTY As a Marine 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 Corps Judge disrespect to murder. As a defense counsel you are solely responsible for representing your client at a court-martial or administrative discharge hearing. Advocate you 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 have a specialty 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 unlike any other in cases before a military judge or before a jury of Marines. the Marine Corps or any other service.

115 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 As a Marine 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, Officer and Judge powers of attorney, financial matters, consumer rights issues, and a host of others. Using your negotiation and personal counseling skills, you will assist Advocate you will your clients in resolving problems. Legal Assistance attorneys provide direct support and assistance to Marines and their families. do everything 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 within your ability 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 to take care of 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 your Marines and 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 their families. 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!

116 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.

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 If you are 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.

interested in the Marine Corps attorneys set themselves apart by finishing the same screening and training that other Marine Officers receive. The small, elite group of road less traveled, 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 and wish to taking tougher mental and physical challenges than your peers, the OCC LAW or PLC LAW program could help you reach these goals. 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 CAREER JOBS FOR CAREER OFFICERS

Special Support

Aviation

Infantry

Field Artillery

Air Control Engineer Aircraft Maintenance

Legal Tracked Vehicles Data Processing Supply Communications

118 Find us online... www.usmc.mil

and... www.marineofficer.com

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

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 THE SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

As a post-graduate student, you may attend the Naval Post-Graduate The Special Education Program School, the Air Marine Officers interested in expanding their knowledge by pursuing a post- Force Institute of graduate degree in such disciplines as engineering, communications, computers, management, and many other disciplines are offered that opportunity through this valuable program. Technology, or a

Officers receive their regular pay and allowances while attending school full- designated civilian time, 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, institution, full- longevity, and retirement.

As a post-graduate student, you may attend the Naval Post-Graduate School, the time, to receive Air Force Institute of Technology, or a designated civilian institution, full-time, to receive your degree. your degree.

ELIGIBILITY ̈ Officers in the grade of First Lieutenant through Lieutenant Colonel.

120 ADVANCED DEGREE PROGRAM

The Advanced Degree Program and the Special Advanced Degree Program Education Marine Officers who wish to pursue post-graduate degrees in such disciplines Program help as chemistry, computers, education, engineering, history, international relations, management, mathematics, and many other disciplines are able to through the Marine Officers Advanced Degree Program. Officers receive regular pay and allowances while attending school full-time. The pursue post- Advanced Degree Program requires that Officers pay for tuition and educational expenses themselves. graduate degrees. 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 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. Sharp minds ELIGIBILITY make sharp ̈ Officers with two to eight years of commissioned service are eligible. Marines.

122 MONTGOMERY G.I. BILL

Montgomery G.I. Bill — Active Duty Education Assistance Program

All Officers have the opportunity to receive $15,403.32 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.

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 Education builds work on their degree, regardless of where they are stationed. your future.

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

124 SPECIALTIES FOR ADVANCED DEGREE HOLDERS

Education Officer

Officers who receive graduate degrees through the Special Education Aeronautical Engineer Program or Advanced Degree Program specialize in the occupation in which they received additional training. For example:

Chemical Engineer Education Officer Education Officers serve as base/station/staff education specialists or as systems approach to training (SAT)/instructional systems development (ISD) specialists Electronics Engineer 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 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 Ordnance Systems Environmental Engineering Management Officers develop and apply a variety of Engineer 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 Computer Engineer innovative environmental management technologies, compliance through pollution prevention integration, and environmental information for military reservations and major commands. Industrial Engineer Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers work as consultants to senior Marine Corps Officers in Environmental matters relating to nuclear technology and weapons capabilities and are the Engineering primary points of contact and advisors for actions pertaining to tactical and strategic nuclear force policies. Management Officer

Electronic Warfare Systems Officer Nuclear Engineer Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems Officers supervise and coordinate design, development, testing, procurement, modification, and improvement of EW systems and equipment. Electronic Warfare Communications Engineer Systems Officer Communications Engineers supervise and coordinate design, development, testing, procurement, modification, improvement, and repair of telecommunications equipment. Communications Engineer

126 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

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 Manpower methodology and concepts for optimum utilization of automatic data processing Management Officer 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 Financial and ADPE capabilities are maximized. Management Management, Data Systems Officer Specialist Management, Data Systems Officers manage system development activities, including assessment of feasibility, detailed system design, testing, conversion, implementation, and post-implementation review. Data Systems Specialist Operations Analyst Operations Analysts participate in the analysis of military operations or weapons systems, cost effectiveness studies, program management, and war gaming or Management, Data other simulations activities at operational units of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF). Systems Officer Defense Systems Analyst

Defense Systems Analysts participate in studies and analyses of force structures, Operations Analyst weapons system mixes, and cost effectiveness comparisons, which then influence resource allocation decisions at top management levels.

Defense Systems Analyst

127 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. Contracting Officer Material Management Officer

Material Management Officers analyze, review, and seek to improve information Systems Acquisition procedures, techniques, and systems as they relate to Marine Corps logistics functions. They provide a comprehensive background in scientific, managerial, Management and administrative methods, procedures, and techniques applicable to logistics (SAM) Officer systems used in the Marine Corps.

Space Operation Officer Command, Control, Space Operations Officers manage and supervise the Marine Corps’ active and Communications participation in the development, operation, and use of space systems for the (C3) Systems Officer accomplishment of Marine Corps missions, to include support for strategic defense.

Statistics Officer Material Management Officer Statistics Officers instruct, supervise, and coordinate the analysis and presentation of statistical data. Space Operation Officer

Statistics Officer

128 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

Marine Corps Historians function as coordinators of historical activities and participate in a military historical writing program of military historical institutions.

Public Affairs Human Resources Management Specialist Management Officer 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. International Relations Officer Master of International Law

Masters of International Law provide specialized skills in technical areas of international and operational law. Historian Master of Environmental Law

Masters of Environmental Law provide specialized skills in technical areas of Human Resources environmental and land use law. Management Specialist Master of Labor Law Masters of Labor Law provide specialized skills in technical areas of civilian personnel and labor law. Master of International Law

Master of Environmental Law

Master of Labor Law

129 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 The Marines have landed and the situation is well in hand. 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 Guatemala City, Guatemala Rome, Italy Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Sanaa,Yemen Havana, Cuba Stockholm, Sweden Tel Aviv, Israel Kingston, Jamaica The Hague, Netherlands SECOND TOUR OPPORTUNITIES

Your second tour is your opportunity to advance in your career as you take a leadership role 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 to meet new and technical knowledge. A brief description of some of the challenging and exciting second tour opportunities follows. exciting challenges Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion as a seasoned Your second tour will begin with additional training in the handling and guarding Marine Corps of special munitions. From there you will either command a Fleet Anti- terrorism Security Team (FAST) or be stationed at a facility the United States Officer. 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 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 post- assault 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 Second Tour Opportunities

Officer Candidates School

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.

Marine Security Guard

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 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 Second Tour Opportunities

Test Pilot

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 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 1999. See the Education section in this book for more information on the opportunities for post-graduate education as an Officer of Marines.

136 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 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 Once a Marine, always a Marine

Walter Anderson Armory Houghton Editor, Parade Magazine Republican Representative from New York Rene Anselmo Andrew Jacobs, Jr. owner of Alpha Lyracom Space Democratic Representative from Indiana Communications. Pioneered Spanish broadcasting in U.S. James B. Longley Republican Representative from Maine James Baker III Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury Robert Lutz under President Ronald Reagan President of Chrysler Corp. Jesse Brown Thomas J. Manton United States Secretary of Veteran Affairs Democratic Representative from New York Dale Bumpers Matthew G. Martinez Democratic Senator from Arkansas Democratic Representative from California Conrad Burns Zell Miller Republican Senator from Montana Governor of Georgia John H. Chaffee Tom Monaghan Republican Senator from Rhode Island founder of Domino’s Pizza Ronald V. Dellums Charles S. Robb Democratic Representative from California Democratic Senator from Virginia Lane Evans Bernard Shaw Democratic Representative from Illinois Cable News Network (CNN) Wayne T. Gilchrest Fred Smith Republican Representative from Maryland founder of Federal Express Congressman John Glenn Craig Thomas 1st American to orbit earth in space capsule Republican Senator from Wyoming Howell T. Heflin John W. Warner Democratic Senator from Alabama Republican Senator from Virginia Frederick K. Heinenman Republican Representative from North Carolina Prominent Marine Olympians

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

Once a Marine, always a Marine.

FINANCIAL SECURITY ̈ Regular pay raises ୴ January 1st of every year ୴ Pay raise with each promotion ̈ Additional money for Officers to rent or buy housing off-base ̈ Cost of living increases ̈ Retirement ୴ After 20 years receive 40% of your salary ୴ After 30 years receive 65% of your salary ̈ Educational opportunities ୴ Post-graduate studies at little or no cost ̈ 30 days’ paid vacation each year

143 Life in the Corps

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

ADVANCEMENT ̈ Promotion based on job performance ̈ Increased responsibility

144 United States Marine Corps Officer Selection Stations

59 60

43 31 24 28 35 38 34 25 61 27 36 26 47 20 46 37 17 44 32 56 19 41 45 4 7 16 40 10 11 18 29 23 57 30 21 58 39 5 8 49 6 33 42 9 2 3 48 15 1

55 50 52 12 51 54 22 14 13 53

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

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

1 10 12 2 3 14 15 6 13 11 4 5 16 18 7 8 17 9

Japan

19 20 CONTACTS

Alabama California (continued) Officer Selection Station Tuscaloosa Officer Selection Station San Bernardino 225 University Boulevard East, Suite #107 155 West Hospitality Lane, Suite #255 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 San Bernardino, CA 92408 Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 15 then ext. 15 or Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1641 or (202) 758-0277/2019 (909) 383-1130/1814 [email protected] [email protected] Alaska Officer Selection Station San Diego 2221 Camino Del Rio South, Suite #204 See Officer Selection Station Corvallis, OR San Diego, CA 92108-3610 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1340 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1640 or Arizona (619) 294-2174/2175 [email protected] Officer Selection Station Phoenix 1 North 1st Street, Suite #302 Officer Selection Station San Francisco Phoenix, AZ 85004 620 Central Avenue, Building #2F/201 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1240 or Federal Center (602) 257-0310/0420 Alameda, CA 94501-3406 [email protected] Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1740 or (510) 865-7284/7285 Arkansas [email protected] Officer Selection Station Little Rock Officer Selection Station San Jose 425 West Capitol Street, Suite #730 84 West Santa Clara Street, Suite #330 Little Rock,AR 72201 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 607 or Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1741 or (501) 374-3257 (408) 971-3791/3792 [email protected] [email protected] California Colorado Officer Selection Station Los Angeles Officer Selection Station Denver 5051 South Rodeo Road 1600 Sherman Street, Suite #500 Los Angeles, CA 90016-4749 Denver, CO 80203-9860 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1140 or Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 407 (213) 294-3736/3730 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Connecticut Officer Selection Station Orange County See Officer Selection Station Boston, MA 2302 Martin Street, Suite #400 Phone (617) 753-3012/3009 Irvine, CA 92782 OR Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1940 or (949) 261-7323/7950 Officer Selection Station New York,NY [email protected] Phone 1-800-435-9860 Officer Selection Station Sacramento Delaware # 3870 Rosin Court, Suite 110 See Officer Selection Station Hyattsville, MD Sacramento, CA 95834 Phone (301) 394-0519/0520 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1440 or (916) 646-3788/3789 OR [email protected] Officer Selection Station Philadelphia, PA Phone 1-800-531-1878 145 Contacts

Florida Illinois Officer Selection Station Jacksonville Officer Selection Station Champaign 8011 Phillips Hwy, Suite #4 302 East John Street, Suite #1401 Jacksonville, FL 32256 University Inn Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 14 then ext. 15 or Champaign, IL 61820-5698 (904) 731-4747/4868 Phone 1-800-258-7207 or [email protected] (217) 384-3088/6482 Officer Selection Station Orlando Officer Selection Station Chicago 5888 South Semoran Boulevard 800 South Wells Street, Suite #120 Orlando, FL 32822-4817 Chicago, IL 60607-4529 Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 17 then ext. 15 or Phone 1-800-945-3088 or (407) 249-5873/5874 (312) 431-0742/0743 [email protected] Officer Selection Station Chicago [email protected] 1700 South Wolf Road Officer Selection Station Tallahassee Des Plaines, IL 60018 2121 West Pensacola Street, Suite #C Phone 1-800-945-3088 or Tallahassee, FL 32304 (847) 803-0142 Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 14 then ext. 16 or (850) 574-4377/0866 Indiana [email protected] Officer Selection Station Indianapolis [email protected] 9152 Kent Avenue Building #401, C-200 Georgia Indianapolis, IN 46216 Officer Selection Station Atlanta Phone 1-800-878-0241 or 6855 Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Suite #2600A (317) 554-0515/0516/0517 Norcross, GA 30071 Officer Selection Station Lafayette Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 11 then ext. 15 or 134 West State Street, Suite #C (770) 246-9432 West Lafayette, IN 47906 [email protected] Phone (765) 743-8359/8762 OR Iowa Officer Selection Station Tuscaloosa,AL Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 15 then ext. 15 Officer Selection Station Des Moines 2419 University Avenue Hawaii Des Moines, IA 50311-4501 Phone 1-800-822-4531 or See Officer Selection Station (515) 255-4523/4535 Orange County, CA Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1940 Kansas Idaho See Officer Selection Station Kansas City, MO Phone 1-800-531-1885 See Officer Selection Station Salt Lake City, UT OR Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1540 Officer Selection Station Norman, OK OR Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 807 Officer Selection Station Spokane,WA Kentucky Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1841 Officer Selection Station Louisville 1806 South 3rd Street Louisville, KY 40208 Phone 1-800-858-4086 or (502) 636-4224 [email protected] 146 Contacts

Louisiana Minnesota Officer Selection Station Baton Rouge Officer Selection Station Twin Cities 5555 Hilton Avenue, Suite #202 808 Washington Avenue Southeast Baton Rouge, LA 70808-7922 Minneapolis, MN 55414 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 707 or Phone 1-800-247-7584 or (504) 928-4705/4709 (612) 379-7584/0550 [email protected] Mississippi Maine See Officer Selection Station Baton Rouge, LA See Officer Selection Station Portsmouth, NH Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 707 Phone (603) 436-0974 OR Maryland Officer Selection Station Little Rock,AR Officer Selection Station Hyattsville Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 607 6525 Belcrest Road OR Metro III, Suite #425 Hyattsville, MD 20872 Officer Selection Station Tuscaloosa,AL Phone (301) 394-0519/0520 Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 15 then ext. 15 [email protected] Missouri [email protected] [email protected] Officer Selection Station Kansas City 10302 Northwest Prairie View Road Massachusetts Kansas City, MO 64153-1350 Officer Selection Station Boston Phone 1-800-531-1885 or 495 Summer Street, Room #107 (816) 891-7633/7256 Boston, MA 02210-2182 [email protected] Phone 1-888-753-8762 or Officer Selection Station St. Louis (617) 753-3012/3009 1222 Spruce Street, Suite #10.306 [email protected] St. Louis, MO 63103-2817 Officer Selection Station Springfield Phone 1-800-469-9531 or 105 East Street (314) 331-4557/4561 Chicopee, MA 01020 Montana Phone 1-800-255-8762 or (413) 594-7729/9781 See Officer Selection Station Spokane,WA [email protected] Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1841 Michigan Nebraska Officer Selection Station Ann Arbor See Officer Selection Station Des Moines, IA 2500 Packard Road, Suite #107 Phone 1-800-822-4531 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone 1-800-892-7318 or (734) 973-7070 Nevada [email protected] See Officer Selection Station Phoenix,AZ Officer Selection Station East Lansing Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1240 1 507 /2 East Grand River Avenue, Room #201 OR East Lansing, MI 48823-4404 Phone 1-800-362-7592 or Officer Selection Station Sacramento, CA (517) 351-5515/5516 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1440

147 Contacts

New Hampshire New York (continued) Officer Selection Station Portsmouth Officer Selection Station Syracuse 879 Greenland Road 344 West Genesee Street, Suite #200 Orchard Park, Suite #A9 Syracuse, NY 13202 Portsmouth, NH 03801-4123 Phone 1-800-962-2992 or Phone 1-888-877-8762 or (315) 474-0606/4223 (603) 436-0974/431-7188 [email protected] [email protected] North Carolina New Jersey Officer Selection Station Raleigh Officer Selection Station New Jersey (Iselin) 5000 Falls of the Neuse Road, Suite #402 485A U.S. Route 1 South Raleigh, NC 27609 Koll Corporate Plaza, Building A Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 18 then ext.15 or Iselin, NJ 08830-3099 (919) 790-3053/3052 Phone 1-800-627-8762, then press 1 or [email protected] (732) 750-9405/9406 North Dakota [email protected] See Officer Selection Station New Mexico Twin Cities,Minneapolis, MN Officer Selection Station Albuquerque Phone 1-800-247-7584 505 Marquette Avenue Northwest, Suite #801 Albuquerque, NM 87102-2160 Ohio Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 207 or Officer Selection Station Columbus (505) 248-5284/5285 1335 Dublin Road, Suite D, Room 209-2 [email protected] Columbus, OH 43221-3496 Phone 1-800-338-0741 or New York (614) 486-0389/7118 Officer Selection Station Albany [email protected] 6 Automation Lane [email protected] Albany, NY 12205 Officer Selection Station Kent Phone 1-800-342-2408 or 1100 East Summit Street (518) 438-2861/2839 P.O. Box 710 [email protected] Kent, OH 44240 Officer Selection Station Buffalo Phone 1-800-842-2771 or (330) 678-4290 5500 Main Street, Suite #262 [email protected] Williamsville, NY 14221 Phone (716) 633-1403/1406 Oklahoma [email protected] Officer Selection Station Norman Officer Selection Station Manhattan 103 West Boyd, Suite C 170 Broadway, Suite #1601 Norman, OK 73069 New York,NY 10038 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 807 or Phone 1-800-435-9860 or (405) 447-4809/4846 (212) 385-8646/8647 [email protected] Officer Selection Station New York Oregon 605 Stewart Avenue Officer Selection Station Corvallis Garden City, NY 11530 572 Northwest Van Buren Phone 1-800-435-9860 or Corvallis, OR 97330-4824 (516) 228-3682/5942 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1340 or [email protected] (541) 758-0835/0836 [email protected]

148 Contacts

Pennsylvania Tennessee Officer Selection Station Philadelphia Officer Selection Station Nashville Robert N.C. Nix, Sr. Federal Building 2519 Perimeter Place Drive 900 Market Street, Suite #313 Nashville,TN 37214 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 16 then ext. 15 or Phone 1-800-531-1878 or (615) 736-5185 (215) 238-0400/0477 [email protected] [email protected] Texas Officer Selection Station Pittsburgh 107 Meyran Avenue Officer Selection Station Arlington # Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3308 604 Doug Russell Road, Suite D Phone 1-800-742-7960 or Arlington,TX 76010-2545 (412) 683-3293/3294 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 307 or (817) 275-3616/3625 [email protected] [email protected] Officer Selection Station State College 242 South Fraser Street Officer Selection Station Austin State College, PA 16801 P.O. Box C Phone (814) 237-8578 Austin,TX 78713-8903 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 907 or [email protected] (512) 477-5706/5707 Officer Selection Station Wilkes-Barre [email protected] 100 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard Jewelcore Center, Suite #110 Officer Selection Station College Station Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702-5235 113 Boyett Street Phone 1-800-544-2259 or College Station,TX 77840-3751 (717) 823-4131/4132 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 507 or (409) 846-9036/0273 [email protected] [email protected] Rhode Island Officer Selection Station Corpus Christi See Officer Selection Station Boston, MA 5151 Flynn Parkway, Suite #310 Phone (617) 753-3012/3009 Corpus Christi,TX 78411 Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 914 or South Carolina (512) 852-4904/28/42 Officer Selection Station Columbia [email protected] 1101-D Harden Street Officer Selection Station El Paso Columbia, SC 29205-9016 1900 North Oregon Street, Suite #430 Phone 1-800-270-9874 ext. 12 then ext. 15 or El Paso,TX 79915 (803) 256-9015/9016 Phone (912) 542-0409/0424/0425 South Dakota [email protected] See Officer Selection Station Des Moines, IA Officer Selection Station Houston Phone 1-800-822-4531 701 San Jacinto Street, Room #225 U.S. Custom House OR Houston,TX 77002-3622 Officer Selection Station Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 508 or Twin Cities,Minneapolis, MN (713) 718-4289/4290 Phone 1-800-247-7584 [email protected]

149 Contacts

Utah Washington, DC Officer Selection Station Salt Lake City See Officer Selection Station Hyattsville, MD 2709 South State Street Phone (301) 394-0519/0520 Salt Lake City, UT 84115-1421 OR Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1540 or (801) 483-1146/1147 Officer Selection Station Richmond,VA [email protected] Phone (804) 752-6807 Vermont West Virginia See Officer Selection Station Springfield, See Officer Selection Station Pittsburgh, PA Chicopee, MA Phone 1-800-742-7960 Phone 1-800-255-8762 OR OR Officer Selection Station Roanoke, Salem,VA Officer Selection Station Albany, NY Phone 1-800-542-5851 Phone 1-800-342-2408 Wisconsin Virginia Officer Selection Station Milwaukee Officer Selection Station Richmond 310 West Wisconsin Avenue, Suite #480 100 Arbor Oak Drive, Suite #106A Milwaukee,WI 53203-2216 Ashland,VA 23005-2221 Phone 1-800-878-1063 or Phone 1-800-552-9548 or (414) 297-1933/1934/1935 (804) 752-6807 [email protected] [email protected] Wyoming Officer Selection Station Roanoke See Officer Selection Station Denver, CO 306 East Main Street Phone 1-800-858-8762 ext. 407 Salem,VA 24153 Phone 1-800-542-5851 or OR (540) 387-1942 Officer Selection Station Salt Lake City, UT [email protected] Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1540 Washington Officer Selection Station Seattle 820 Northeast 45th Street, Suite #3 Seattle,WA 98105-3012 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1840 or (206) 632-0140 [email protected] Officer Selection Station Spokane 516 East Francis Avenue, Suite #1 Spokane,WA 99207 Phone 1-800-967-8762 ext. 1841 or (509) 353-2953 [email protected]

150