From the Corps to the Corp.
Many former generals have become executives, consultants or lobbyists for the companies that build Marine aircraft. Former Marines in pinstripes:
 | TERRENCE R. DAKE Corps: Retired as a four-star general in 2000 after serving as assistant commandant and heading Marine aviation. A 34-year veteran, Dake flew the Osprey in 1997 and called it an important step "in modernizing Marine Corps aviation for the battlefields of the 21st century." Corp.: Senior vice president for U.S. government and international programs for Bell Helicopter, including the Osprey program. | |
 | ||
 | RICHARD D. HEARNEY Corps: Retired as a four-star general in 1996 after serving as assistant commandant and chief of Marine aviation. A 34-year veteran, he was a member of the first Harrier squadron and one of the plane's major proponents. His son was killed in a British Harrier in 1994. Corp.: Three years as vice president in Boeing Co.'s business development office, where he worked closely with the firm's Washington lobbyists. He remains a consultant to Boeing. | |
| ||
 | FRED McCORKLE Corps: Retired as a lieutenant general in 2001 after serving as the chief of Marine aviation. A 35-year veteran, McCorkle flew about 6,500 hours in helicopters and jets and became an ardent defender of the Osprey program. Corp.: Joined the board of Rolls-Royce of North America last year. | |
| ||
 | MICHAEL D. RYAN Corps: Retired as a major general in 1998. A 31-year Marine veteran, Ryan flew the Harrier for 25 years and served as a Marine wing commander. Corp.: Executive vice president of government business for Rolls-Royce of North America. Rolls-Royce makes the Harrier's engine as well as components for the Osprey and Joint Strike Fighter. Ryan runs the company's Washington office, including its lobbying efforts. | |
| ||
 | CHARLES H. PITMAN Corps: Retired as a lieutenant general in 1990. A 38-year veteran, Pitman flew jets and helicopters before becoming chief of Marine aviation. Though a supporter of vertical flight, he criticized the Harrier's safety record and stalled the purchase of the last planes. Corp.: Has worked as a consultant for various defense firms, including Bell Helicopter. Has advised Bell on the tactical importance of tilt-rotor technology. | |
|
Sources: Congressional Quarterly's "Politics in America," "The Complete Marquis Who's Who," lawmakers' official biographies, lobbying disclosure reports and interviews.Researched by Times staff writers Alan C. Miller and Kevin Sack and news researchers Janet Lundblad and Robert Patrick
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
