The switch from Army Rotc to Marines Advice

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Jun 9, 2017
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Hey All, Some people have been messaging me personally about whether or not they should switch from Army Rotc to Marines plc.

First a little background, I dropped an Army Rotc 4 year scholarship to go marine plc cause I wanted to do fixed wing flying.
Do I regret it? No, I am much happier with the Marines and I have also been selected for a plc slot this summer.

That being said, people have been messaging me about dropping Army Rotc to marines simply because “marines are better” “marines are tougher” “marines are sea, air, and land capable while Army is not”,I just want to make it clear that all branches are tough. If you want to drop Army simply because of those reasons above then you should think twice.

All branches are tough and have their own purposes. If you already have a 4 year scholarship with the Army, be humble and stay with it. That is unless you want to fly fixed wing other than that, Army would give you more options on land.

Remember Marines isn’t for everybody. Pt wise the Marine workouts have been 100 times harder than Army.
 
I am heavily considering doing marine PLC during college. Am I allowed to apply as an incoming freshman, or do I have to apply after freshman year? Also, how competitive is a fixed-wing spot?
 
Getting a fixed wing spot can vary by class to class at flight school. You can contract aviation (if you pass the requirements) in PLC. Hurricane is probably the most recent Marine Aviator on this board. She can probably provide some insight into what she saw on the break down for fixed vs rotary and the demand for each.
 
I am heavily considering doing marine PLC during college. Am I allowed to apply as an incoming freshman, or do I have to apply after freshman year? Also, how competitive is a fixed-wing spot?
One normally attends PLC the summer's after sophomore and junior years if doing it in 6 week stints (or whatever amount of time it is). Freshman year wounds early but it can't hurt to start talking to an Officer Selection Officer. DS's college had a Recruiting station nearby with an OSO. You might find the same but be sure to speak to an OSO.
 
I am heavily considering doing marine PLC during college. Am I allowed to apply as an incoming freshman, or do I have to apply after freshman year? Also, how competitive is a fixed-wing spot?
Yea once you are a freshmen in college you can start applying and talking to an Oso Officer selection Officer. A fixed wing slot or you mean a flight slot via plc wasn’t to competitive. You need at least a 235 minimum to get into plc but aviation slots weren’t as competitive as ground slots where your pft needed to be much higher. But you also need to meet the health requirements for a pilot like good eyesight etc.
 
An aviation spot has generally Beene aside to her than a ground contract. Remember you have to also pass the ASTB to get an air spot. And there is no guarantee of fixed wing.
 
Bottom Line Up Front: It's all based on needs of the Corps once you get past initial flight training.

If you do secure an aviation contract, keep this general guideline in mind:

From some OSO documentation....granted it is dated, but it's generally in the ballpark.

Intermediate platform selection based on ranking in class and the needs of the Marine Corps

 Intermediate and Advanced Flight Training:
 45-55 weeks for jet aircraft (NAS Kingsville, TX or NAS Meridian, MS)
 28-32 weeks for Rotary aircraft (NAS Whiting Field, FL)
 35-40 weeks for Multiengine aircraft (NAS Corpus Christi, TX)
 Receive Pilot or NFO Gold Wings upon completion
 Specific airframe selection is based on ranking in class and the needs of the Marine
Corps

Selection breakdown:
Jets: 20 %
C-130’s: 12 %
Helos: 49 %
Tilt Rotor: 19 %

Selection breakdown for jets: <already dated>
Hornets: 55 %
Harriers: 34 %
Prowlers: 11 %
JSF: TBD

Selection breakdown for helos:
Cobras: 39 %
Hueys: 24 %
CH-53: 37 %
 
So the difference in tuition assistance between PLC & a AROTC 4-year scholarship wasn't a factor for you (in-state school?)
 
So the difference in tuition assistance between PLC & a AROTC 4-year scholarship wasn't a factor for you (in-state school?)
The tuition assistance was no factor in my decision. Although AROTC has better tuition assistance, Choosing what I want to do in life was the most important factor which is being a pilot. I went out of state with the AROTC scholarship but then had to transfer to in state since plc offers less tuition assistance.
 
Hey All, Some people have been messaging me personally about whether or not they should switch from Army Rotc to Marines plc.

First a little background, I dropped an Army Rotc 4 year scholarship to go marine plc cause I wanted to do fixed wing flying.
Do I regret it? No, I am much happier with the Marines and I have also been selected for a plc slot this summer.

That being said, people have been messaging me about dropping Army Rotc to marines simply because “marines are better” “marines are tougher” “marines are sea, air, and land capable while Army is not”,I just want to make it clear that all branches are tough. If you want to drop Army simply because of those reasons above then you should think twice.

All branches are tough and have their own purposes. If you already have a 4 year scholarship with the Army, be humble and stay with it. That is unless you want to fly fixed wing other than that, Army would give you more options on land.

Remember Marines isn’t for everybody. Pt wise the Marine workouts have been 100 times harder than Army.
Hi, I realize its been a few years since your post. I am a senior in AROTC and I am looking into the PLC/ OCC aviation option. When you left AROTC did you owe the Army? How did that exchange work?
 
Hi, I realize its been a few years since your post. I am a senior in AROTC and I am looking into the PLC/ OCC aviation option. When you left AROTC did you owe the Army? How did that exchange work?
Great question and appropriate resuscitation of a zombie thread. I believe the OP still frequents this forum.
 
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