Marine Corps
AVIATION

MOS

7523

Pilot VMFA F/A-18 Qualified

Description

F/A-18 VMFA pilots conduct complex fighter-attack and close air support missions in all weather, day and night. They bring expertise in advanced avionics, mission planning, risk management, and high-stress decision-making in joint and dynamic environments.

Core Skills

  • complex systems operation
  • mission planning and execution
  • sensor and weapons systems employment
  • tactical communications
  • situational awareness and decision making
  • checklist and procedure discipline
  • systems monitoring and fault recognition
  • debriefing and after-action reporting
  • risk management under stress
  • team coordination and leadership
  • technical instruction and mentoring

Common Certifications

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
  • Aircraft Type Rating (F/A-18 or civilian equivalent)
  • FAA Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Civilian Career Paths

  • COMMERCIAL AVIATION
  • AVIATION MANAGEMENT
  • UNMANNED SYSTEMS
  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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Data sourced from official Marine Corps publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.