Military requirements

[JasmineDreamz]

Ok, I need the help of you military persons out there. Here's the story: I have a 14 year old son who is starting high school this year. He's told us that he's interested in joining the Marines and becoming a helicopter pilot. He says he's tried talking with recruiters about it, but they all tell him he's too young (of course). What he wants to do now is set up his high school years to his best advantage to obtain his goal. He's very headstrong (stubborn) and has had some problems with authoriy.Hopefully it will be better this year than in the past. Before this he wanted to become a SEAL. But one thing...he is definitely interested in enlisting in the military after high school. Any advice from you all out there? I told him I'd ask and see what type of advice we'd get and any ideas. He's wondering about the requirements and such for enlistment. He's also taking JROTC. Thanks!

[Freak]

Well, I wish I could help, but I only know about the nuclear field in the Navy. If he is technical minded, I can fill ya in.

[shotglass]

If he intends to fly anything, he will need to go into the officers ranks. That means college. Eagle can fill you in on what a pilot needs to know, but math (especially trig) will be a must.

Good grades...obvious. He will need to keep at least a 3.0 average. That looks real good. He will need to keep in mind that a lot of people have the same dreams as he does, so he will have a lot of competition for the few spots Uncle Sam has allotted for pilots.

Trouble with authority won't look good. Criminal record may wipe his chances completely, due to security reasons. Yeah, he will need to undergo a thorough security check, too depending on his qualifications and what he is gong after. The Secret Service can be real anal about those things...

If he intends on joining the Marines, he will need to be in good physical condition. It's not like the Navy, where they'll take any ol' slob that walks in the door mostly upright....:Poke:

[Eagle3]

Originally posted by shotglass
..
If he intends on joining the Marines, he will need to be in good physical condition. It's not like the Navy, where they'll take any ol' slob that walks in the door mostly upright....:Poke:

Hey! You mean the Army, right Wrecker and Pei Pei? :Poke:

All of what Shotty said is true (except the recruitment standards of the Navy http://bushwhacked.net/forum/images/smilies/34.gif )

He will need 4 year college degree and he will need to shine above average. Any gimmicky programs he hears about how he doesn't need college is just that.. a gimmick.

To become an officer requires a lot of dedication and sacrifice. Doing a lot of things you have to do and not things you want to do. He better get over the authority issues fast. Being a "Burger King" (wanting everything his way) will get him tossed out on his ass faster than he can "bullshit".

As far as the pilot requirements go... becoming an officer will be the easy part. If the Marine Corp training is anything like the Navy training it's a tough row. A HS buddy of mine went through Navy flight training as a NFO (non-flying officer) to become a navigator/weapon systems officer until a burst eardrum washed him out. He was a little more than halfway through the training and every flight *EVERY* flight was an opportunity to wash out and get sent packing to the fleet to finish out your obligation. It is survival of the fittest, so the dedication and sacrifice is even greater once you reach this level. I'm sure it's worth it but it's kinda like becoming a doctor.

As far as physical requirements, be in good shape, 20/20 vision, and there are height/weight requirements which I don't remember, but I'm sure you can find them online.

Like Shotglass also said, there are a lot of people wanting the same thing, so it's easy to pick the best. He's got a lot of work ahead of him.

[Freak]

Originally posted by shotglass
If he intends on joining the Marines, he will need to be in good physical condition. It's not like the Navy, where they'll take any ol' slob that walks in the door mostly upright....:Poke:

:rolleyes:

A sailor in a bar leans over to the guy next to him and says, ''Wanna hear a MARINE joke?''

The guy next to him replies, ''Well, before you tell that joke, you should know something. I'm 6' tall, 200 lbs, and I'm a MARINE. The guy sitting next to me is 6'2'' tall, weighs 225, and he's a MARINE. The fella next to him is 6'5'' tall, weighs 250, and he's also a MARINE. Now, you still wanna tell that joke?''

The sailor says, ''Nah, I don't want to have to explain it three times."

[shotglass]

:laugh:.....hey, waitaminnit...:nolike:

[JasmineDreamz]

Thanks for your input guys. I've showed him the replies and he actually seems to be mulling them over. At least you've given him food for thought. :Peck:

[shotglass]

You're welcome, Jaz. A visit to the local recruiters is probably a good idea at this point, too. And there are alot of them, unless you're in a small town. If a recruiter is dodging questions (and some do, they have quotas to meet) go down the road and visit another one. Any large city will have lots of recruiters, so if the Navy/Army/USMC/Air Force recruiter rubs him the wrong way, there are plenty more around.

[groovehouse]

Originally posted by JasmineDreamz
He's very headstrong (stubborn) and has had some problems with authoriy.

he won't have these problems after joining the Marines.

[Texan]

Originally posted by Freak


The sailor says, ''Nah, I don't want to have to explain it three times."

:laugh: :Poke: :thumbsup:
Good one.

[wrecker05]

I would check into the USMC web site. On the Army website, they list all of the MOS' . That might help a bit. Also I think there are other websites that list the general requirements for aviation.

In the Army, alot of Warrant officers fly helicopters. My last flight had a CWO2 as pilot and WO1 as co-pilot.

Being a SEAL was a great goal also. I would warn him that(Eagle may know more) that they only take certain MOS' from the Navy. So in one year they may need a lot of Operation Specialists and the next year they may not.

The Army offers a lot of enlistments where they are guaranteed to go Airborne right after AIT, and if they pass can be considered for Ranger school. If he chose this route he better be in top shape (a 300 on his PT test) and well disciplined.

JROTC is a good idea. The more years he completes, the higher rank he will recieved if he joins as enlisted.

I would try another recruiter. But don't be too down if they keep saying "he's too young". They are not being rude, they just generally are looking for immediately qualified applicants.When he's 17 you can sign a waiver and put him into the delayed entry program.Or you could go down to the Recruiting Stations with your son and ask for the major requirements for whatever jobs you are looking for.

I would start with a websearch, that might be your best option as a first step. If you need any more help post here and I'll find any information I can for you.

[Freak]

Originally posted by wrecker05
Being a SEAL was a great goal also. I would warn him that(Eagle may know more) that they only take certain MOS' from the Navy. So in one year they may need a lot of Operation Specialists and the next year they may not.

Any rate may become a SEAL, but once you get chosen, you have to cross rate over. You can avoid that by choosing a SEAL rate from the start. There actually is a broad spectrum of SEAL rates though.

[Eagle3]

Originally posted by Freak
Any rate may become a SEAL, but once you get chosen, you have to cross rate over. You can avoid that by choosing a SEAL rate from the start. There actually is a broad spectrum of SEAL rates though.

I thought as a SEAL you maintained your original rate? We had a BN (bombadier/navigator) in VA-115 that was a SEAL. He alternated TOD's (tours of duty) between a SOG and a squadron. Maybe it's changed since I got out. I do remember you could be any rate to try out for UDT/SEAL.

[Freak]

I had to check because it was buggin' me.:rolleyes:

SEAL Source Rates (http://www.sealchallenge.navy.mil/seal/bec_sourcerates.asp)

The SEAL program is open to all enlisted Navy active duty members (with exception to established requirements) regardless of their rating. Once you are in the SEAL program you will be required to change your rating to one of the rates listed below, if applicable.

[Eagle3]

Weird, you can be an ET, but not an AT. http://www.tejanoloco.com/smilies/werd.gif

[JasmineDreamz]

Update: he's received some info today from the Marines. He knows he's too young now, but he's trying to do some long-range planning for his high school years. The info today told him to strengthen his mind and body and live a healthy lifestyle for now. The kid scares me now. He loves to take things apart and put them back together and he'll take the strangest stuff and make things out of them. He's only 14 and at the bottom of his growth rate for his age, but I keep telling him he'll get a growth spurt any time now. I'd like to talk him into doing some weight training. His upper body strength is pretty good now. He's concerned about the height requirements too. That's just nature though. Thanks again guys.

[Dave]

Be careful with weight training if his body isn't fully developed yet.


http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/TeenBodybuilding.htm

Check that link out, it might be helpful.

[Laurie]

I'm just glad we have brave men and women who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the hard work it does take.

I, for one could never be in the military. I have a huge problem with authority.

[Mando]

Here are some options that I don't think were listed and ones that I would recommend from experience.

First off, you don't need to necessarily be an officer to be a chopper pilot, the Army has tons of enlisted aviators, but all those guys are Non Commissioned Officers (NCO's), along with Warrant Officers (2 year degree) and Commissioned Officers (4 year degree). But if your son is serious about this here is the track I would recommend.

All the services have Guard and Reserve forces in the aviation field. He could join one of them as an enlisted aviator (I recommend the Air Force of course :)). Theses enlisted fields vary, but there are a bunch of them. This will give your son a chance to see what it is really all about without being stuck for a 6 year hitch as an enlisted aviator or 10 years as a commissioned aviator. If he doesn't like it, he is only stuck for a weekend a month and 2 weeks somewhere throughout the year (unless he is activated that is). If he really likes what he is doing, he could go active duty at the snap of a finger. It also gives him some extra money for school if he does want to become a commissioned officer. At the end of his schooling he could elect to become a full fledged Commissioned Officer in the active duty forces or remain with his Guard/Reserve component, or just get out and seek greener pastures.

As far as high school...the enlisted aviator fields require excellent grades throughout school and a high score on the ASVAB (when I entered it was the 97% or better). Also, there is the dreaded flight physical; he will have to be in top health and chemical free. For commissioned officers this is about the same except there grades need to be exceptional through collage also.

Just a few thoughts, I think this is the most flexible path to a military career there is.

[shotglass]

Jaz, as far as his height goes, I don't know where he will wind up, but in my case:

15 y/o - 5'2

16 y/o - 5'9

First day of boot camp, 17 y/o - 5'11.

Ya never know....:shrug:

[Sister Zombie]

Originally posted by JasmineDreamz
He's only 14 and at the bottom of his growth rate for his age, but I keep telling him he'll get a growth spurt any time now.

Savor the moment Jasmine. Pretty soon there will be a time when you'll say something along the lines,"What do you mean you need NEW SHOES? I just bought you a pair three weeks ago!!" And when you go to the shoe store, sure enough his feet will have outgrown the pair of shoes he's in within the past three weeks. Along with shoes, will come the never ending trips for new clothes not to mention to the grocery store. By that time it will seem normal for your son to say he's 'starving' ten minutes after dinner and he 'has' to make a sandwich. My son will be 15 next month and he's already 5'11" and wears a size 14 shoe. When your son starts to 'grow' all I can say is hold onto your pocket book. ;)

[gopsdragon]

Originally posted by JasmineDreamz
He's only 14 and at the bottom of his growth rate for his age, but I keep telling him he'll get a growth spurt any time now. I'd like to talk him into doing some weight training. His upper body strength is pretty good now. He's concerned about the height requirements too.

That could be to his advantage - there are height limits to becoming a pilot.

At 14 don't have him start squats yet. Maybe for another year put him on a push-up, sit up, and arm dip regimen. Starting too early with weights and without the proper trainer will really screw him up. Our football coach did not allow kids to do squats before age 15. He was so concerned about it he even told us to not let our kids do it when we had them.

What he can do now is look at the requirements for the U.S. Naval Academy. If he can meet those, he should be eligible for any NROTC program scholarship. If he is looking at those kind of programs, extracurricular activities add a big advantage.

[wrecker05]

Originally posted by eagle3
Hey! You mean the Army, right Wrecker and Pei Pei? :Poke:

:nolike: Quiet down Semen.:hehe:

[Eagle3]

Originally posted by Mando
Here are some options that I don't think were listed and ones that I would recommend from experience.

...

The reason I didn't mention the Army's CWO program is its one of those "too good to be true" deals. The chances of going from boot to flight school are extremely slight. Most of the people getting picked up for that already have 2-6 years in as an enlisted. My nephew is interested in this and he and I researched it and talked to recruiters about it. A good recruiter will admit that you're going to need to do some time before you get to fly. Most candidates are picked from the people wrenching on the helicopters. He still wants to try it so he's going in next month. I forget the MOS, but he'll be working on the Apache weapons systems. Whether he ends up flying or not I'm sure he'll have a good experience.

[Freak]

Originally posted by JasmineDreamz
He loves to take things apart and put them back together and he'll take the strangest stuff and make things out of them.

Sounds like he might be a good nuclear field candidate. Imagine having to report to the ship a couple days prior to leaving and before everyone else does to start up the reactor! Also, you get to stay and shut it down when everyone else gets to go see their loved ones!

The Persian Gulf is great. What fun it will be to be in an engineroom with an ambient temp of 125F working on a 500F main steam system. Throw in some general quarters with gas masks, etc. and what a party! Sometimes you can even put on fire fighting equipment and pretend to put out a huge oil fire down there.

Can't forget that while in port, you get to sleep on the ship every 3 or 4 days, when those topsiders (intel spec, radiomen, deck hands, etc) have to deal with the agony of staying every 5 or 6 nights.

:rolleyes:

Did I have it really bad? Doesn't even compare to the guys on the front lines, and thats not my point. I just thought I would attempt to throw in some humor.

Like everyone else said, encourage good grades, and as much as I hate to say it, try for some kind of commisioning program.

[Ty]

I thought about the Navy's nuclear program while midway through college. They loved my test scores and my gpa but not my asthma. They were about to just sign me up until I mentioned my asthma. I tried for a few months to get it under control and put myself through my own personal boot camp but couldn't get it under control. Methinks that could have been a good thing.:D :scary: I don't do well in confined areas anyway.

[Mando]

Eagle, what I was getting at is if one would like to be a commissioned officer, enlisting in a Guard or Reserve component would:

1 Get the individuals feet wet in military culture.
2 Relieve the $ burden on Mom and Pop for school cost.
3 Give the person a little extra $ when they do get commissioned by having a few years in service.
4 They could still join an ROTC component at the school of there choice.
5 Get an idea of the track that they may want to pursue (rotary wing, fixed wing, support, etc.)
6 If it isn’t there bag, they could either get out on a 1288 or only be stuck for 2 days a month and 2 weeks a year.

In this case I see only positives. The days when the commissioned corps shunned prior enlisted officers is over. As a matter of fact, the prior enlisted officer is becoming more the norm than the exception.

I’ll stop babbling now. :)

[wrecker05]

I would avoid going into the Guard as a commissioned officer. Quite often they are just "honorary" titles.I would recommend the Reserves for that route. Sometimes a commissioned National Guard officer cannot go active duty as an officer.

[gopsdragon]

Originally posted by Freak
Can't forget that while in port, you get to sleep on the ship every 3 or 4 days, when those topsiders (intel spec, radiomen, deck hands, etc) have to deal with the agony of staying every 5 or 6 nights.

What about the FCs? You forgot the FCs.:sure: For you non-military types, NO, FC does not stand for farting Cuda.

[cuda]

Originally posted by gopsdragon
What about the FCs? You forgot the FCs.:sure: For you non-military types, NO, FC does not stand for farting Cuda.

...:nolike:

[Eagle3]

Originally posted by Mando
Eagle, what I was getting at is if one would like to be a commissioned officer, enlisting in a Guard or Reserve component would:...

What you said all sounds great Mando. I was just saying that the Army's "High School to Flight School" program will lead you to believe that if you sign up you could go right to flying Apaches after boot camp. While it is possible, it rarely happens, so I consider that a "too good to be true" program and would not seriously consider it an option if you want to be a pilot. They fill a lot of those billets with active duty non-coms, which they should IMO. Let someone prove themself as a top notch enlistedman first and then give em a crack at being a CWO. If you know you want to be a pilot and that's the only thing that's going to make you happy then you should go the hard route and get your 4 year degree with the best grades you can muster and keep yourself in top physical shape.

If the military is a career choice you're unsure of then yea, definitely check out the reserves. It's a deal you can't beat.

Something your son can consider now JasmineD is the Civil Air Patrol. It's certainly not the Marines, but it will give him a taste of what the military is sort of like. The command structure is similar (it is an auxilary of the Air Force) and he can join now. Here's a couple links to get him thinking.
http://www.capnhq.gov/nhq/cp/cp2.htm
http://cap.gov/

Mando, I knew several mustangs during my active duty and they were some of the finest officers I had the pleasure of working for. :)

[JasmineDreamz]

Great news Shotty! My youngest (14) has decided on the Marines. He wants to be a chopper pilot, doorgunner, engineer, or infantry. At least he has a list of options here.

[shotglass]

Cool! :thumbsup: Tell him them grades of his need to stay top-notch, especially if he decides on the pilot MOS. He will have to be an officer to do that (read: college graduate).

Does he already plan to go to college?

[JasmineDreamz]

At the moment he is planning on it. It's his first year in high school jrotc and he's planning on staying in it all 4 years to help him with college. At the moment let's say his grades have room for improvement. But I gotta say this for him: last year he eked by in middle school in math. This year so far he has an A in math and has been doing algebra and actually likes it! The rest of his grades are average and I've already told him he has to bring them up. He'd better get his ass in gear with U.S. history (D). Totally unacceptable.