While other nations and services had tried variations of this technique, Marine Corps pilots were the first to embrace it and make it part of their tactical doctrine. The shop is regularly cleaned and maintained, and hazardous materials are properly disposed. Mechanics may handle refueling operations for the motor pool to assist other members of the battalion. Consequently, Marine Corps Mechanics often work in high risk circumstances, especially in combat situations where quick yet effective repairs are essential. Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) operates the VH-3D Sea King medium-lift and VH-60N Nighthawk light-lift helicopters in the VIP transport role, previously planned to be replaced by the cancelled VH-71 Kestrel. Required fields are marked *. MAWs are designed to provide units in support of MAGTF or other operations. Other aircraft types are also used in a variety of support and special-purpose roles. He deployed to Iraq in 2008 where he convoyed heavily around the Anbar province with a myriad of units. [19] During the war, and for the next fifty years, the Guadalcanal campaign would become a defining point for Marine Aviation. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Marine Corps Mechanics (MOS 3521) must score Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 95 or higher on the ASVAB in order to qualify for the MOS. During World War II, the Marine Corps' air arm expanded rapidly and extensively. There, plans for all aspects of aviation are created and managed, including acquisition of new aircraft, training, maintenance, manpower, etc. [4], As the number of Marine Corps pilots grew, so did the desire to separate from Naval Aviation,[5] an objective realized on 6 January 1914, when First Lieutenant Bernard L. Smith was directed to Culebra, Puerto Rico, to establish the Marine Section of the Navy Flying School. [12] Even prior to the events in the Caribbean, pioneering Marine Corps aviators such as Alfred Cunningham had noted in 1920 that, "the only excuse for aviation in any service is its usefulness in assisting the troops on the ground to successfully carry out their missions. However, in terms of mission and training, the assignment of two Marine scouting squadrons as component units of the Pacific Fleet carriers would be one of the greatest advancements for Marine Corps aviation. All Marine Corps aviation falls under the cognizance of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation (DCA) at Headquarters Marine Corps, with the cooperation of the United States Navy. Your email address will not be published. The Corps operates its own aerial refueling assets in the form of the KC-130J Super Hercules. The work you perform as an Marine Corps Mechanic (MOS 3521) is essential to the daily functions of the military branch. Salary for the United States. [20] Just prior, in 1939, the Navy's General Board published a new mission for Marine Aviation, which stated: "Marine Aviation is to be equipped, organized and trained primarily for the support of the Fleet Marine Force in landing operations and in support of troop activities in the field; and secondarily as replacement for carrier based naval aircraft. After selection, student aviators are assigned to Advanced Flight Training in their particular field (strike, mutli-engine, rotary, or tilt-rotor). The CH-53E Super Stallion will be replaced by the CH-53K King Stallion. Their active strength fell from 116,628 personnel and 103 squadrons on 31 August 1945 to 14,163 personnel and 21 squadrons on 30 June 1948. [11] Marine Corps aviation in Nicaragua developed the skill of air resupply of outposts dropping bundles from Fokker F.VII tri-motors. However you will not receive pay in the military based on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). The great takeaways were the debilitating effects of not having air superiority, the vulnerability of targets such as transport shipping, and the vital importance of quickly acquiring expeditionary airfields during amphibious operations. [10] The United States embraced its role of global power, and the Marine Corps became the preferred force for military intervention; where the Marines went, so went Marine Corps aviation. This assignment enabled nearly 60% of active duty aviators at the time to be exposed to a disciplined training syllabus under a clearly defined mission. It also doesnt hurt to have some college credits under your belt as many Marines join the force with an average of 15 credits. Upon successful completion of Primary Flight Training, they select which type of aircraft they would like to fly, in accordance with the needs of the Corps. Mechanics (MOS 3521) are one of the many jobs under Marine Corps Occupational Career Field 35 Motor Transport. [18][19] This also saw the establishment of Aircraft One and Aircraft Two to replace the old Aircraft Squadron, East Coast and Aircraft Squadron, West Coast that had supported operations in the Caribbean and China as part of their expeditionary duties. [1] The Corps operates rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and fixed-wing aircraft mainly to provide transport and close air support to its ground forces. Marine motor vehicles receive quite a punishment in the field and mechanics are what keep them operable under intense conditions. Related Article Marine Corps Cyber Network Operator (MOS 0651): 2019 Career Details. Trucking companies and airlines also will actively seek former military because of the unique skills and expertise of its mechanics. They maintained another 30 squadrons in the Marine Air Reserve. There is a need to establish a tactical motor pool when the situation calls for the procedure. Marines with rank E-4 (Corporal) and E-5 (Sergeant) can receive skill enhancement training through the Motor Transport NCO Course. Five years experience working in Naval and Marine Corps aircraft flight operations as an Flight Equipment Mechanic. Mechanics, or Automotive Maintenance Technicians, serve a high priority MOS within the Marine Corps. From that point, they are trained at a Fleet Replacement Squadron for the specific aircraft they will be flying. After surviving boot camp you can begin to focus on your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). United States Marine Corps Aviation (USMCA) is the aircraft arm of the United States Marine Corps. Aviation units within the Marine Corps are assigned to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, as the aviation combat element, by providing six functions: assault support, antiair warfare, close air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance. This changed on 1 July 1941 when all existing squadrons were redesignated to a three-digit system. [53] After completion, aviators are assigned to their first squadron. [16] Marine Aviators deployed to the Middle East for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, then to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The series of tests determines eligibility for a variety of Military Occupational Specialties, including MOS 3521. "[3] On 20 August 1912, he became the first Marine aviator when he took off in a Burgess Model H given to him by the Burgess Company in Marblehead Harbor , Massachusetts. Pilots in combat have a chance to become flying aces. However, the skills and experience you receive in the Marines will not only suit you well for a military career, but also civilian life after finishing service. Automotive Maintenance Technicians also conduct convoy operations and assist with movement control. Marine Mechanics are not your average grease monkey and are exceptional at diagnosing and making timely repairs. Enlisted aircrew also serve on some aircraft (mostly helicopters). Aircraft mechanicsalso called airframe mechanics, power plant mechanics, and avionics techniciansservice, repair, and inspect airplanes for commercial airlines, private firms, and the military. The Corps has transitioned all East Coast CH-46 squadrons to the MV-22, which has made its first combat deployments and Marine expeditionary unit deployments. Therefore, combined with the training and experience you receive in the Marine Corps, you are well prepared for civilian employment as a mechanic. [55] The F/A-18 can only be flown from land or aircraft carriers. All Rights Reserved. [25], During the course of the war, Marine Aviators were credited with shooting down 2,355 Japanese aircraft while losing 573 of their own aircraft in combat, they had 120 aces and earned 11 Medals of Honor. [21] " The mission of the MAW is to conduct air operations in support of the Marine Forces to include offensive air support, anti-aircraft warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and the control of aircraft and missiles. Arizona has MCAS Yuma, and Hawaii has MCAS Kaneohe. Marine Corps Mechanics (MOS 3521), or Automotive Maintenance Technicians, work on motor transport equipment. United States Marine Corps Aviation (USMCA) is the aircraft arm of the United States Marine Corps.Aviation units within the Marine Corps are assigned to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, as the aviation combat element, by providing six functions: assault support, antiair warfare, close air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance. Worked on several platforms including MV-22's, UH-1Y's, and AH-1Z's . Fixed wing and tilt-rotor aircraft squadrons are denoted by the letter "V", which comes from the French verb "Voler" (to fly). The course also takes place at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. [5] Their numbers included 282 officers and 2,180 enlisted men operating from 8 squadrons,[9] with Second Lieutenant Ralph Talbot being the first Marine Corps aviator to earn the Medal of Honor, for action against the Luftstreitkrfte air arm of Imperial Germany on 8 October 1918. It was in Haiti that Marines began to develop the tactic of dive bombing and in Nicaragua where they began to perfect it. There they receive instruction in aerodynamics, aircraft engines and systems, meteorology, navigation, and flight rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of Marine Corps Mechanics to ensure all vehicles used in the field are inspected and maintained in top condition. [6] By the end of the war, several Marine Aviators had recorded air-to-air kills, and collectively they had dropped over fourteen tons of bombs. All new Marines must complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). [17] This shifted Marine doctrine to focus less on expeditionary duty and more on supporting amphibious warfare by seizing advance naval bases in the event of war. Prior to this, Marine Corps squadrons were loosely controlled with regard to doctrine and training. [48] Marine squadrons are noted by the second letter "M." Squadron numbering is not linear, as some were numbered in ascending order, and others took numbers from the wing or the ship to which they were assigned. Though the majority of your time as a Marine Corps Mechanic is spent working on engines you also have other job duties. [49] From 1920 to 1941, Marine flying squadrons were identified by one digit numbers. West Coast: California has aviation units in Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms and MCAS Miramar. Where do aviation structural mechanics get stationed? All Marine Corps aviation falls under the influence of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, whose job is to advise the Commandant of the Marine Corps in all matters relating to aviation, especially acquisition of new assets, conversions of current aircraft, maintenance, operation, and command. Rotary wing (helicopter) squadrons use "H." Squadrons flying lighter than air vehicles (balloons), which were active from World War I to 1943, were indicated by the letter "Z" in naval squadron designation. With the F-35 replacing the F/A-18 Hornet by 2030, the Marine Corps is no longer accepting new Naval Flight Officers. Marines are required to have a high school diploma or GED in order to enlist in the military branch. Marine Corps Mechanics (MOS 3521) are responsible for the service, inspection, maintenance, and repairs of all related motor transport equipment. Marine attack squadrons (VMA) fly the AV-8 Harrier II; while Marine Fighter-Attack (VMFA) and Marine (All Weather) Fighter-Attack (VMFA(AW)) squadrons, respectively fly both the single-seat (F/A-18C) and dual-seat (F/A-18D) versions of the F/A-18 Hornet strike-fighter aircraft. [20] They reached their peak number of units with 5 air wings, 31 aircraft groups and 145 flying squadrons. A single Marine Corps C-130J "Fat Albert," is used to support the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team, the "Blue Angels". Upon completion, students are designated as Naval Aviators and are awarded the Naval Aviator Insignia. You can get an average idea of what you will earn each month by studying the following table based on Marine Corps rank: The U.S. Armed Forces is known for the benefits provided with a monthly salary, including: There are a variety of job reviews about what it is like to serve the Marine Corps as a Mechanic/Automotive Maintenance Technician on Indeed.com: The common term many former MOS 3521 use is fast paced work environment and challenging. Marine Transport Squadron One (VMR-1) utilizes several aircraft to transport VIPs and critical logistics, to include the UC-35C/D Citation Ultra/Encore, C-12B/F Huron, and C-20G Gulfstream IV. All Marine pilots and flight officers are trained and qualified as naval aviators or naval flight officers by the Navy. [6] The Marine Aviation Company was commissioned on 17 February 1917 as the first official Marine flying unit, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard.[7]. [57][58][59] The Marines will test for acuity, color, field of vision, and depth perception. [44] Unmanned aerial vehicle programs will be upgraded in tiers, with the RQ-7 Shadow replacing the RQ-2 Pioneer and the RQ-11 Raven. While not mandatory it helps if you have a background in mechanics especially experience working on vehicles. [26] Immediately following the war, the strength of the Marine Corps flying arm was drastically cut as part of the post war drawdown of forces. [30] Several others would receive certification,[31] though eventually all nuclear weapons were turned over to Navy and Air Force responsibility. HMX-1, the first Marine helicopter squadron, was commissioned on 1 December 1947. The first major expansion of the Marine Corps' air component came with America's entrance into World War I in 1917. Education: Marines can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus annual stipend for living expenses. [23] The New Georgia campaign saw the first real close air support provided to Marine ground forces by Marine Air; the Bougainville campaign and the campaign to retake the Philippines saw the establishment of air liaison parties to coordinate air support with the Marines fighting on the ground,[24] and the Battle of Okinawa brought most of it together with the establishment of aviation command and control in the form of Landing Force Air Support Control Units. Marine heavy helicopter (HMH) squadrons fly the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter for heavy-lift missions. MOS 3521 Mechanics must have normal color vision (no color blindness). In 1919, the 1st Division/Squadron 1 was formed from these units and still exists today as VMA-231. Marine Wing Support Group (MWSG): previously, the ground support element for a Marine Air Wing, usually consisted of four Marine Wing Support Squadrons. The Marine Wing Support Groups were disestablished in 2012, with headquarters personnel and Marine Wing Support Squadrons distributed to the Marine Aircraft Groups. Soldiers must have a minimum height of 59 inches and not exceed the height of 75 inches. The Marine Corps designates minimum and maximum height requirements in order to operate on vehicles. [13] ", It was not until 3 May 1925 that the Marine Corps officially appeared in the Navy's Aeronautical Organization when Rear Admiral William A. Moffett, Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics, issued a directive officially authorizing three fighting squadrons. Prospective aviators receive their commissions and attend The Basic School just as all other Marine officers do, then report to Marine Aviation Training Support Group 21 to attend Aviation Preflight Indoctrination at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Mechanics (MOS 3521) service, inspect, maintain, and repair motor transport equipment for the Marine Corps. By the end of the Vietnam War, the Marine Air-Ground Task Force had grown dependent on its multi-mission inventory of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, which could operate from land or sea bases to support Marines on the ground. Your email address will not be published. During the Banana Wars, while fighting bandits and insurgents in places like Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, Marine Corps aviators began to experiment with air-ground tactics and making the support of their fellow Marines on the ground their primary mission. [64] Serving in Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare (VMAQ) Squadrons until it's retirement in 2019, the EA-6B Prowler was the main tactical electronic warfare aircraft left in the U.S. inventory, until Navy squadrons replaced it with the EA-18G Growler. The NAS China Lake Marines are responsible to DCA for the test and evaluation of all weapons and weapon systems and for electronic warfare development. 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