AVIATION OPTION

     - THE WINGS OF GOLD!

The Marine Corps operates the fifth largest air force in the entire world, yet also its most elite.  Much of that has to do with our aviators.  Marines are the tip of the spear, and our aviators are its gleaming and lethal point.  Our primary objective is to clear the way for our ground troops.  In fact, pilots are in constant contact with the Marines on the ground in order to ensure pinpoint precise troop support.  Although each branch of the military has a flying force, none is better trained than the Marines to cover hostile territory at Mach 1 and only 500 feet off the ground.

We built our legacy storming beachfronts, but long range, inland flights to airlift Marines in and out of combat zones are now the norm.  Our diverse fleet of airplanes and helicopters also allows us to accomplish many other difficult missions and get Marines home safely.  If becoming a pilot is your ambition, this is your opportunity to be among the best in the world.

After training for up to sixteen-months at flight school in Pensacola, FL, you'll be assigned to an aircraft based on your performance.  Whether you fly a fixed-wing, rotary-wing or tilt-rotor aircraft, you'll be at the controls.

FIXED WING AIRCRAFT:

• F/A-18 HORNET

• KC-130 HERCULES

• AV-8 HARRIER (VERTICAL SHORT TAKE OFF LANDING (VSTOL) AIRCRAFT)

ROTOR WING AIRCRAFT:

• AH-1 COBRA

• CH-53E SUPER STALLION

• CH-46 SEA KNIGHT

• UH-1 HUEY

TILT ROTOR AIRCRAFT:

• MV-22 OSPREY