By Charlie Aftel (#0010)

Major James McBride of the United States Marine Corps. came to Boys State on June 29 to speak to the citizens about aspects of his life and his career. Major McBride earned a bachelor of science in Aerospace Engineering at Boston University and soon reported for flight training in Pensacola, Florida. Throughout his career, Major McBride has had many positions and jobs in the Marines, but he now is the Aviation Assistant for Officer Procurement with the 1st Marine Corps District. 

‘I just always wanted to fly’

One of the topics Major McBride talked about was why he became a marine. When a citizen in the audience asked Major McBride what sent him down this path in his life, he said he saw the movie Top Gun when he was in the second grade, which inspired him to want to fly airplanes. 

Major McBride was motivated to fly, and he was able to do exactly that by joining the United States Marines.

“Since second grade, I just always wanted to fly,” McBride said. “[The Marines] guaranteed me an aviation spot, which no other service could offer.” 

A look into what being a Marine Fighter Pilot entails:

Major McBride also talked about how to become a fighter pilot in the Marines. He gave a presentation on what one needs to become a Marine fighter pilot. 

According to Major McBride, there are different ways of being able to become a Marine fighter pilot. To fly, you have to be a commissioned officer and go to flight school. When you are in training, you need to pass many different tests and physical examinations, including eye tests. 

Nonetheless, if a person successfully completes everything that is required, that person will earn flying wings and be able to pilot military planes. Once a Marine is eligible to fly, they could be stationed around the United States or even outside the country, such as in Japan. 

A look back at Boys State

During an interview after the event, Major McBride was asked about his Boys State experience, when he was a delegate 2002.

“I just remember it being a good time,” McBride said. “No regrets, it was a good time.”