Son Enlisting in Marine Corps or Air Force

[philly]

I need some advice on aviation jobs within the Marine Corps and Air Force. My 17 year old son is talking to a Marine Recruiter right now regarding enlistment in the Marine Corps for Aviation Mechanics. I have asked him to also consider speaking to an Air Force Recruiter.

One question I have is would the Air Force have more extensive training in Aviation than in the Marine Corps?

Which branch would be more beneficial to enlist in for this particular field?

Does our Military prepare and pay for the A & P licensing? My son's recruiter didn't know.

I have other questions, but I guess this is a start. Any input would be welcomed.


Thank you,

Philly

[JB Bouscher]

I would have to say that the Marines have a very good aviation program. However they are limited to the types of aircraft they have. The Air Force has all types. If he desides on the Air Force the best way to go if he is wanting to get his A & P License is either Jet Engine Mechanic or Aircraft Mechanic Specialist Crew Chief). Both would give him a head start towards his A & P License. However he will still need to go to a certified school to complete the requirements for his license. With the educational programs the military offers, he should have no trouble obtaining his license. My back groung is Air Force so that is where I am coming from. He has to deside what type of Aircraft and what life style he wants to live while in the service. While the benefits are the same for all services. The main mission of the services is national defense. The services have to practice these skills to make sure they are ready in case needed. So the life style makes the big difference between the services. But all have something to offer. It really depends on what the person is looking for. I wish him luck.
JB

[philly]

Hi JB,

Thanks for the info. My son has decided to enlist in the Marine Corps. He is going on the Delayed Entry Program. I just hope and pray he receives the training he is being promised.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Philly

[Seascamp]

Philly,
Looks as if your Son is going to have an interesting time ahead. Perhaps a bit more interesting than what he is now aware of. Marine and Navy Aviation have a tremendous amount of overlap and so they share schools and the like. Last I heard the schools for engines, airframe and avionics are all one in the same and the Sailors and Marines all attend the same classes, same instructors, etc. At least some of these schools are located in Memphis, Tenn.

Depending on what kind of aircraft your son gets assigned to, he could deploy with the Aircraft Carrier Battle Groups or if he gets selected for helicopters, could be assigned to an LPH helicopter assault ship. So all in all, your Marine Son will possibly learn to become a passable fleet Sailor as well. That?s just something a bit extra that can come along with being in Marine Aviation.

Scamp

[philly]

Seascamp,

I don't know. I'm scared for him. It's different when you go into the Military and serve your country. When it comes to your sons/daughters, it's hard to let go. I know he feels strongly about serving his country. I have never told him not to because that would be against everything I believe in. I have told him to attend college before enlisting. That's like trying yank a stubborn mule up from sitting on it's backside..there's no way he's going to budge. So I must support his decision and give him my blessings.

Philly

[Seascamp]

I raised my second daughter to be an Engineer and she got to the Masters degree level in Mechanical Engineering. Presently, she?s going through the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va, to become an FBI Agent. I?m certainly not a whole bunch happy about this turn of events but ya just go with the flow I reckon. I don?t see that my having a temper tantrum would change anything anyway. Ornery kids seem to get a mind of their own and go for it. Sure glad I wasn?t that way, no of course not, not innocent I.

Scamp

[philly]

You must be very proud of your daughter. I certainly am proud of her accomplishments. Being a woman, you always want to see other woman excel, especially, in fields dominated by men.

[Seascamp]

Sure I?m proud of my daughters, as they have all done very well. Their Ma is an Attorney as well as my eldest daughter and they?re always crabbing about the ?guys world? and are competitive as all heck. But alas, I have my guy things to do that they aren?t all that interested in, so the playing field is usually flat, sometimes and maybe. But forever now I just figure out what they want to do and set about facilitating as best I can. That seems to work, but the end results can really be a big, big surprise-especially true with the Ma. From the time she graduated from Emery Law over ten years ago it has just been one ?say what?? after another until I?ve thrown in the towel and let her just go on surprising others but not me. :ek: That works best for me, boy howdy.

Scamp

[philly]

Sounds like you two are a nice combo.

When the mother is happy everyone's happy.

Get mom upset, the entire household is upset.

Mothesr are usually the one's who are the pillars of their families.

[Seascamp]

Well, sort of but not really. The Ma and I are not together anymore and haven?t been for quite a while and I'm OK with that.

Scamp