I received orders to TopGun November 1978, after I&I duty Millington, Tn. Long story short, it was 8-5, M-F, I was bored with so much time off, attended College (high school counselors told me Mexican Americans were too stupid for college), I took 9 classes a semester while still doing my duties. Flight line ops, metal shop, seat shop, hyd shop. Operations and logistics when we had a class and we left Miramar. Officer saw what I was doing, they sent me to be back seat qualified. Dilbert dunker, swim qual, ejection seat etc. I flew back seat and got to experience the G’ and stick time. After I received my bachelor of science degree. I was offered to go to the board to become an Naval Officer. I passed the board, next I received a call from detailer telling me I had orders for the Drill Field. Great I said, I’ve wanted to go back 1074- 2-78. Oh you want to go, yes I said. “ oh you can’t go, where else, Recruiting duty, “ Nope, Embassy duty, Nope. I want to go where NO ONE wants to go! Ended up to Okinawa, and then aboard a ship to Lebanon.
Anyway being the Senior Marine of 15 enlisted and 3 Marine officers was great duty. Was back there again 1986-1988.
Navy Fighter Weapons school
Typical of a Marine SNCO continuing to advance his abilities instead of stagnate at a routine job. I hope you had the opportunity to return to your high school to let the stupid counselors know how wrong they were. Thanks for sharing your story.
Semper Fi,
Gio USMC 71 – 91