Non-conventional vs. Conventional Career Paths

Abstract : Can a Marine officer have a successful career at the junior officer level and still not be promoted in the future? Captain Smith finished a successful five-year tour in the operating forces as a CH-46E pilot. His multiple deployments included several "floats" with a Marine expeditionary unit and combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While in the fleet, he obtained every flight leadership designation and instructor qualification and accumulated over 1700 flight hours. Senior aviators and peers would consider him to be extremely qualified. Captain Smith would like to apply for the prestigious presidential helicopter squadron, HMX-1. He is currently due for review by board for promotion to major. Smith knows that HMX-1 has more majors than a fleet squadron and his chances for a department head tour are slim. Guidance from senior officers and the career counselor tell him HMX-1 is not a good idea because it may stall his career, leaving him a terminal major. Smith meets or exceeds the standards and requirements, wants to apply, and has proven himself to be in the top twenty percent of his peer group, why should he not apply. As he considers his career options he asks himself, "Should I do what I want to do and risk not being selected for lieutenant colonel down the road, or keep on a conventional career path? In the end does it matter?" Current career progression for high potential officers who choose specialized or non-conventional career paths must be reassessed because the requirements limit their career opportunities and create potential manning dilemmas for these special areas.