Marine option - ASTB-E

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Sampia

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Mar 6, 2014
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My DS told me there is a new policy that they will all be required to take this test. He said before it was for those who were interested in becoming pilots but now all Marine options must take the test before the end of this semester. I was just curious if this is something that comes up periodically based on the needs of the Marine Corps or if it's something new. I have read recently that the military is having a difficult time getting enough drone pilots and retaining them so I was wondering if it was related to that. He said he was not particularly interested in being a pilot unless he could get promised a "cobra slot". He sent me a picture of some kind of machine and said that thing is "Hell on wings"
 
Hmmm. I could understand requiring the math, reading and mechanical comprehension portions of the test but not the entire thing. Then again, what the hell do I know? I'll have to check with DS to see what he has heard in a couple weeks, already used my allotted "dad phone call" this month!
 
sampia: Back in my day, every Marine Officer took an "aviation option" type test during TBS. This test was meant to identify those with the aptitude to succeed at flight school. As you can see by my moniker, I didn't do so well! Point is, all of us took the test. In today's NROTC MO process, it seems that they are moving the testing to the NROTC unit. At least that is my guess. Like kinnem, I will check with my DS.

Here is information about the test: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/Pages/ASTBFrequentlyAskedQuestions.aspx
 
It dawned on me I hadn't used up my allotment of "Dad texts". So here's what DS said:

"Nothing we've heard about, with the push for pilots it makes sense, but I doubt we'll see it any time soon."

So I suppose the jury remains out. I suspect Sampia is correct and any move in this area is related to the need for drone pilots.
 
My DS has his semester advising meeting with his MOI today. I'll see if he hears anything.
 
Well that is odd. They were told to contact someone at the MCRC which he did, so now he is ready I guess to begin the process. Maybe one of his buddies sent him a prank email trying to trick him into becoming a pilot LOL. But he told me the whole battalion got the letter.
 
I don't doubt you. Just thinking perhaps he misunderstood something... but my suspicion is that he's correct and word just hasn't come down everywhere yet.
 
DS said his MOI never mentioned anything about the ASTB in his advising session. DS said he knows an upperclassman that is taking it, but maybe of his own request.
 
At USNA we were all required to take the ASTB. Heck even the guys with vision that didn't qualify for pilot had to take it (and this was before PRK was allowed, so they definitely were not going to be fly boys). I honestly really wouldn't worry about it. Could the USMC force branch someone pilot, sure why not, but I wouldn't count on it. Not sure about now, but the USMC ASTB scores were higher than the Navy's to qualify for pilot and NFO. When I went through TBS we were undermanned on pilots and we had three air contracts drop them for ground MOSs (BTW... none of them got grunts in MOS selection).
 
According to the email my DS's group received, The deadline for this now mandatory test is April 17. I cannot help but believe that something must have gotten messed up somewhere if no one else has been told about this. Perhaps a misunderstanding. He told me the email is quite specific giving them directions on who to contact where to contact them and links to study information. In any case, he is started the process so he will be taking it, mandatory or not. LOL
 
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