Aviation Supply Officer
Aviation Supply Officers make critical decisions concerning budget, inventory management, deployment, personnel and other support matters. Working as an Aviation Supply Officer allows you to develop mid-level management skills right out of your MOS school. It provides you an opportunity to lead as many as six to 40 Marines on your first assignment. Regardless of the division you are working in, you will face a myriad of problems on a daily basis that often require on-the-spot decisions.
Specialized Training
- Aviation Supply Officer Basic Qualification Course
Newport, RI
14 weeks
Within the MAGTF
Aviation Supply Officers serve in the Aviation Supply Department at any one of the 11 different Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons (MALS), all dedicated to keeping Marine aircraft ready and safe.
Beyond Your First Tour
After your first fleet tour, you can do another fleet tour. If you want to do something different, you can take a B-billet. You will probably be a senior first lieutenant or junior captain when you complete your first tour. After your second tour, wherever that is, you should consider attending a school, such as Expeditious Warfare School (EWS) or Command and Control Systems Course, or you may seek an advanced degree in Monterey, CA. If you attend AWS or Command and Control, you should consider going back to the fleet.
MAGTF
MAGTF refers to the unique four-part structure that organizes Marine Corps operating forces. This framework brings together Aviation, Ground and Logistics Combat elements under a central Command element. The result is a flexible, combined-arms unit with the capabilities to conduct the Marine Corps' full range of operations, from humanitarian aid and disaster relief to projection of power from the sea.
Many Roles. One Mission.
The Marine Corps is only as capable as each and every Marine. That's why all Marines have a specific role for which they are optimally trained, in support of the overall mission.
MAKEUP OF A MEU
A MEU, or Marine Expeditionary Unit, is the smallest type of MAGTF, often providing the most substantial response in the shortest amount of time. 2,200 Marines that are trained in hundreds of areas of expertise serve on a MEU. Here is the breakdown of a MEU's makeup:
Command Element – Approximately 200 Marines. Responsible for command and control of the entire MEU.
Ground Combat Element – Approximately 1,200 Marines. A Battalion Landing Team that includes three rifle companies, a weapons company, a battery of artillery and platoons of the following: combat engineers, light armored reconnaissance, tanks, Force Reconnaissance and amphibious assault vehicles.
Aviation Combat Element – Approximately 500 Marines. A MEU's ACE is built around a medium tilt-rotor squadron, reinforced by CH-53E heavy lift helicopters, light attack helicopters and Harrier attack jets. The result is a squadron of 25 to 30 aircraft.
Logistics Combat Element – Approximately 300 Marines. Provides supply, transportation, maintenance and additional support for the MEU.
READY AT SEA
MEUs deploy aboard an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG): Three naval ships specifically designed to provide the Marines with a mobile base of operations. See here what serving aboard a MEU entails.
