Military Hotrod Club - Working on joining USMC!! Have some questions... Update: 6/1/11

Hi fellas, well to start off, im 21 year old guy going on 22 soon, and pretty much been wanting to join either Army or Marines ever since high school, my bro was in the Army for 4 years so ive been wanting to get into the military as well, but something different with a bit more challenge (i know bootcamp will be brutal)... but then parents stepped in saying " no, go to college... blah blah" So i did that and obviously college is not my thing... and right now am very serious about joining USMC reserves (due to family situation) and my current job that pays me descently and has lots of great benefits.

I am pretty committed to this and feel like i should finally do this instead of just procrascinating with my life having no direction...

So i have a few questions:

I am about to take an ASVAB test on thursday and been reading a book but shit! there is a ton of material there, i mean i know my math and english but all that other mechanical/ electrical stuff seems pretty hard to me and guess what... those are the fields i want to get into in USMC, sort of like a mechanic or some job like that.

Based on my college credits, i will be going in as an E2 if i sign up, but last time ive been to college was 2 years ago and just been focusing on my current job

Anyone have any pointers on the ASVAB? what score would i need to get into a field that deals with mechanics, such as vehicles??????

Oh and on the side note, i did a quick pretest and physically qualify to join marines, the asvab is the one is the thing that kind of messing with me.


Any help appreciated, thanks! :usa:

I can't really offer you help on the ASVAB, I walked in and aced it. It's not that difficult to make a decent score, and for the jobs you're describing, you don't need very high scores. Motor T mechanic IIRC is cake to get into, so are most comm jobs. Is there a particular reason you want to do the mechanical / electrical jobs? You could get better training for that kind of thing at a community college or tech school. I'm asking because you will have a lot more fun and get more out of the Marines with more of a field MOS. I couldn't imagine going back as anything but artillery, and I turned down nukes and intel to stay with my howitzers. :nod: That's just my opinion.

Back to the ASVAB. General test taking tips apply. Don't read too much into the question. Go with your first impulse and don't change your answers. Use the process of elimination so that you can get it down to a 50:50 guess. ANSWER EVERY QUESTION!!! They'll be wrong one way or the other, and you may get a few lucky ones in.

Good luck!

asvab is a joke.dont even sweat it.

thanx guys, i will try my best, but im pretty much "one foot in" already... pretty stocked about joining!!!! Looking forward to that boot camp!!!!! I know imma hate it though :lol:

yeah marine boot camp is no picnic, but it's not the worst thing in the world. just do as your told and nothing more, move as fast as you can, and sound off. start running now also. we ran three miles every other day.

I aced it in 30 minutes. The mechanical as electrical stuff is basic, very basic. The math wasn't too difficult either. Since it's multiple choice it's easy to get a ballpark figure answer in your head and eliminate the 3 WAY OFF ones. I never touched my piece of scrap paper! Talk to your recruiter about a practice ASVAB. I also advocate for 0811 Artilleryman. We shoot the biggest guns on land, "if you can't truck it fuck it", and then still get some infantry play too. Artillery is a moto job! I'll post a pic for you when I get in my laptop later!

yeah marine boot camp is no picnic, but it's not the worst thing in the world. just do as your told and nothing more, move as fast as you can, and sound off. start running now also. we ran three miles every other day.

i run at least 4 times a week and at least a mile an a half at a steady "9 minute pace" without being tired. I mainly focus on upper body, mainly lifting. But thats where i will ease off on it and run run run... oh and did i say run? :lol: Especially after i sign that contract.

I aced it in 30 minutes. The mechanical as electrical stuff is basic, very basic. The math wasn't too difficult either. Since it's multiple choice it's easy to get a ballpark figure answer in your head and eliminate the 3 WAY OFF ones. I never touched my piece of scrap paper! Talk to your recruiter about a practice ASVAB. I also advocate for 0811 Artilleryman. We shoot the biggest guns on land, "if you can't truck it fuck it", and then still get some infantry play too. Artillery is a moto job! I'll post a pic for you when I get in my laptop later!

Yea, i have a book, i will skim through it and will not sweat it. Whatever happens... happens... fuck it

Here's the pics I promised! Oh and "God fights on the side with the best Artillery!" OOhRAH!!

99 ASVAB and 147 GT score and I still chose 0311... still kicking myself for that one

on that note, ask your recruiter and he'll let you take all the practice exams you want

also, as far as jobs, its really dependent upon whats available at your closest reserve unit... your recruiter should be able to see whats open and give you a list to choose from... not like you can say "I want to be a Cobra mechanic" when you're reporting in to an Infantry unit...

99 ASVAB and 147 GT score

DAMN!! :eek:

I was a 6114 which is a Huey/ Cobra flightline mechanic. I loved it and I now work on them as a civilian and still absolutely love it. I am also working on getting on orders to get up in the air on them. That would be a 6174 Huey Crew Chief. You get to hang out of a UH-1N and soon to be UH-1Y and shoot the 50 cal, 240 and the ever popular GAU-17(six barrel mini gun). I couldn't imagine being anything else.

http://youtu.be/WwYjNTNB2TQ

Being in SoCal you have the air station right there in Oceanside.

what changes in your life do you expect going into the weekend warriors? Regardless of the MOS you choose your still not going to be doing it day in and day out like the rest of the Active community.

Motor T doesnt need rocket scientists. The ASVAB is a joke. Bootcamp is no joke. Reservists dont get the same respect from Active. Go Active or stay home.

^ Right on. Govactive for at least an enlistment. If you still want to stay in you can or you can go reserves or even just GTFO. But do it for yourself and go active duty, you'll regret it if you don't.

I aced it in 30 minutes. The mechanical as electrical stuff is basic, very basic. The math wasn't too difficult either. Since it's multiple choice it's easy to get a ballpark figure answer in your head and eliminate the 3 WAY OFF ones. I never touched my piece of scrap paper! Talk to your recruiter about a practice ASVAB. I also advocate for 0811 Artilleryman. We shoot the biggest guns on land, "if you can't truck it fuck it", and then still get some infantry play too. Artillery is a moto job! I'll post a pic for you when I get in my laptop later!

Oh HELL no. 44's FTMFW! :pimp:

quick update: 2 years ago i applied for the army, was still in college and scored a measly 44, but today without studying or anything pulled off a 73 :)
Tomorrow is my physical and hopefully part of the IST...

Oh and im set on the reserves for now... i can always go active duty if i get fired from my job lol!

you can't always go from reserves to active. easily it depends on the needs of the Corps. and the Corps will be reducing it's numbers soon (next couple years)

quick update: 2 years ago i applied for the army, was still in college and scored a measly 44, but today without studying or anything pulled off a 73 :)
Tomorrow is my physical and hopefully part of the IST...

Oh and im set on the reserves for now... i can always go active duty if i get fired from my job lol!

You are doing it right. I did the opposite and went from active duty to the reserves. I really wasn't a fan of the reserves after doing active duty for 4 years. Good luck

you can't always go from reserves to active. easily it depends on the needs of the Corps. and the Corps will be reducing it's numbers soon (next couple years)

Yeah, I've heard they have already started reducing the number.

They started reduction last year. I was trying to return to active duty and go Counter Intel ( they never meet reenlistment mission) and couldn't get back in...and I fully qualify for CI. I wasn't so heartbroken from my 1st divorce.

Hey, i need your guys' opinion!!!
I am pretty much one foot in the marines already, about to do the physical and everything and sign the contract wednesday! The job that is available that is 3531 so i got locked into that position as of today. I misunderstood a bit and want a 3521 position. My recruiter told me that if i sign the contract with 3531 positon, i can filll out the form where as soon as 3521 becomes available, i can take that spot...

Can i do that??? I will take my bro who was EX army with me at the day of contract signing.

Oh, and 3531 is a vehicle transport with basic mechanic knowledge, but 3521 is an actual mechanic by the way.

I don't know if they would allow you to do that or not. I know that when I was in, it was 4 years of what you originally signed up for. After your 4 year contract, you can re-up and do a lat move. I don't think they will let you change jobs in the middle of a contract because they would have to send you through another MOS school. Maybe certain fields will though, I don't know.

Hey, i need your guys' opinion!!!
I am pretty much one foot in the marines already, about to do the physical and everything and sign the contract wednesday! The job that is available that is 3531 so i got locked into that position as of today. I misunderstood a bit and want a 3521 position. My recruiter told me that if i sign the contract with 3531 positon, i can filll out the form where as soon as 3521 becomes available, i can take that spot...

Can i do that??? I will take my bro who was EX army with me at the day of contract signing.

Oh, and 3531 is a vehicle transport with basic mechanic knowledge, but 3521 is an actual mechanic by the way.

The Marines doesn't enlist people to specific MOSs. For example, I enlisted for infantry but it was full. My second choice was tanks. Tanks falls under Combat Service Support which includes tank operators, low altitude air defense, and several 08** jobs like forward observer, cannoneer and fire direction controller. The Corps will then choose where you go. My first day of boot camp the DI read our MOSs off and I was a tanker. The last few days they did it again and I was 0811 cannoneer.

The Marines doesn't enlist people to specific MOSs. For example, I enlisted for infantry but it was full. My second choice was tanks. Tanks falls under Combat Service Support which includes tank operators, low altitude air defense, and several 08** jobs like forward observer, cannoneer and fire direction controller. The Corps will then choose where you go. My first day of boot camp the DI read our MOSs off and I was a tanker. The last few days they did it again and I was 0811 cannoneer.


...unless you're a reservist

Well, wednesday is my final day to face the contract! Im very excited actually and feel like i have fucked up by not doing this after high school...

Fucking did the physical today... damn that shit was dreadful lol! Fucking Duck walk hahahaha, all of the recruits and me were laughing our balls off, and many people couldnt take a piss test in front of the inspector lol!!! I was at MEPS from 4am to about 2 pm... fucking sucks! But i know i will face way waaaaaaaaaayy worse days in the basic hahah.

Oh and seems to me that a majority of people are signing for the army nowadays. Including me, there were like 4 other marine recruits with me that are graduating high school and going in lol. Even though at 21, i was the oldest marine recruit in my group there :lol:

You get used to peeing in front of other people. The first shower in basic is the worst lol. Have fun in the marines. I had a guaranteed job when I joined but I can't speak for you guys. That hardcore lifestyle just isn't for me but I will say that Camp Pendleton is a beautiful base. My cousin is stationed out there working on airplanes and he likes it. :chug:

Don't get married to the first chick you meet after basic, take a thing of baby wipes and if you get heat rash putting deodorant on it helps thats is the only advice I got. :D

You get used to peeing in front of other people. The first shower in basic is the worst lol. Have fun in the marines. I had a guaranteed job when I joined but I can't speak for you guys. That hardcore lifestyle just isn't for me but I will say that Camp Pendleton is a beautiful base. My cousin is stationed out there working on airplanes and he likes it. :chug:

Don't get married to the first chick you meet after basic, take a thing of baby wipes and if you get heat rash putting deodorant on it helps thats is the only advice I got. :D

thanx man! i thought i had a shy bladder and was kinda worried about that a bit lol, till today :lol: fuck it, i gotta get used to it anyway... Im honestly looking forward to joining and who knows, maybe ill sign up active.

About the chick situation, i actually started seeing a chick couple of weeks ago and been starting to get serious with her... But the thing is... i havent told her that im about to enlist lol... Imma have to break it to her 2 weeks before i ship out i guess...

To other marine members out here... Is the specific MOS training in the Corps. any good? By that i meant if i score my desired 3521 Engine mechanic position that is...
Will i learn how to rebuilt an engine? etc. etc.


TO get more technical, which is better for me?? 3521 or 3531?? Please fill me in MARINES!!!!!!

I really love driving AND working on cars!!!!! Cars are pretty much the reason i have a job as immature as it may sound! :lol:

thanx man! i thought i had a shy bladder and was kinda worried about that a bit lol, till today :lol: fuck it, i gotta get used to it anyway... Im honestly looking forward to joining and who knows, maybe ill sign up active.

About the chick situation, i actually started seeing a chick couple of weeks ago and been starting to get serious with her... But the thing is... i havent told her that im about to enlist lol... Imma have to break it to her 2 weeks before i ship out i guess...

Alright, I let it out. The saying in the Marine Corps is if the Corps wanted you to have a girlfriend, then they would issue you one. Dude, you might go to several different places, and meet several different people. I never tied myself up in a relationship because it's too hard to keep up with, especially a long distance relationship. Just go and enjoy yourself. Trust me, there will be plenty of women out there that you will meet.

To other Marine members out here... Is the specific MOS training in the Corps. any good? By that i meant if i score my desired 3521 Engine mechanic position that is...
Will i learn how to rebuilt an engine? etc. etc.


TO get more technical, which is better for me?? 3521 or 3531?? Please fill me in MARINES!!!!!!

I really love driving AND working on cars!!!!! Cars are pretty much the reason i have a job as immature as it may sound! :lol:

Fixed the word Marine for ya. Sorry, but the multiquote option isn't working for me for some reason.

The MOS schools are pretty basic teachings. You will learn more in the Fleet then you will in you MOS school. At least that's how it was for me.

For the Marine Corps sake could you atleast use the term "Marines" correctly and capital it. I mean you want to be one, please take pride and spell it correctly.

Thank you, sir! Def answered my questions!

aarrahh

also, you're not a recruit until you've stood on the yellow footprints. Until then, you're a poolee

^^ this is true.

For the Marine Corps sake could you atleast use the term "Marines" correctly and capital it. I mean you want to be one, please take pride and spell it correctly.

Sir, this poolee misspelled the word Marines, due to typing with his cellphone, sir! :usa:

:DTo other marine members out here... Is the specific MOS training in the Corps. any good? By that i meant if i score my desired 3521 Engine mechanic position that is...
Will i learn how to rebuilt an engine? etc. etc.


TO get more technical, which is better for me?? 3521 or 3531?? Please fill me in MARINES!!!!!!

I really love driving AND working on cars!!!!! Cars are pretty much the reason i have a job as immature as it may sound! :lol:

You are looking at operating or maintaining. As an operator you will drive and to bull shit maintenance that the mechanics are over qualified to do.... As for what you will do in school. You will not rebuild engines until you go to your intermediate school a few years after being in. I went to my advanced school and ripped a 903 cumins down to the block, rebuilt it and dynoed it as well as the tranny. The new reserve jobs for FY2012 are becoming available now so you should have no problem getting the 3521, which is the one I would do if you want to work on stuff.

:D

You are looking at operating or maintaining. As an operator you will drive and to bull shit maintenance that the mechanics are over qualified to do.... As for what you will do in school. You will not rebuild engines until you go to your intermediate school a few years after being in. I went to my advanced school and ripped a 903 cumins down to the block, rebuilt it and dynoed it as well as the tranny. The new reserve jobs for FY2012 are becoming available now so you should have no problem getting the 3521, which is the one I would do if you want to work on stuff.

Thank you for a great advice there!!! I will try to push for that on wednesday. Even though im pretty motivated, i still feel very pressured on joining by my rectuiters. They are pretty much telling me this " if you dont sign on wednesday, we will not be able to extend the contract any longer"... something along those lines. Is there anything i should watch out for in that fine print, sir?

get used to this...
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/3325/theurinal.png (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/theurinal.png/)

you will be doing this exact thing... and i hope you remember this post of me telling you this.
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/1230/falseadvertisement.png (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/falseadvertisement.png/)

you will look forward to thursdays...
http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/5958/fielday.png (http://img573.imageshack.us/i/fielday.png/)


do your self a favor and dont do this... if you do, remember... I WARNED YOU.
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2403/theartistrecruit.png (http://img38.imageshack.us/i/theartistrecruit.png/)

after boot camp... dont be this guy...
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8506/personalfinancing.png (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/personalfinancing.png/)

if you think any of this is bs, ask any Marine... if they are your true friends... they will warn you.

fully understood!

just watched Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click

Is todays Marine boot camp this way? Or even more intense?

well nowadays's its probably way more pussified than that ears,open movie you watched. marine corps has changed alot in just the 5.5 years ive been in. and not for the better i might add

The Sir sandwich will get you some time on the quarterdeck


Oh and my Plt Commander in ITB was one of the DIs in Ears Open Eyeballs Click

Thank you for a great advice there!!! I will try to push for that on wednesday. Even though im pretty motivated, i still feel very pressured on joining by my rectuiters. They are pretty much telling me this " if you dont sign on wednesday, we will not be able to extend the contract any longer"... something along those lines. Is there anything i should watch out for in that fine print, sir?

There is no "fine print" to watch out for. There is a Statement of Understanding that you initial and sign for your job, there are no gimmicks there, just read it. The reason you may feel pressured and the reason they are telling you to hurry is that there are only X number of reserve jobs available. Once they are gone they are gone until next year. Active duty is a different story. Those programs are a dime a dozen. Who is your recruiter?

First off, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING RIGHT NOW.

I hope you got a high ASVAB score...cuz if you did, excluding those jobs with certain physical requirements (I'm talking eyesight/hearing/color vision, not being out of shape), you should be able to go after whatever job you want. Go for something a bit more than Motor T. Look for whatever can land you a better job opportunity if you decide to get out; like, say, signals intelligence or crypto-linguist (also within the community). Command and control is another good one. Don't get caught in the whole Motor T/Logistics/Admin/Supply route...good on those guys and what they do, but it only supports, not directly interacts with combat operations. And while a lot of those guys have seen combat, it's not their primary job (if I hear one rifleman quote, I'm going to flip). A motor T operator isn't an 0311, as much as they might like to think so, and any 03 will tell them so.

That rant being said, you can sign up with a specific MOS FIELD on your contract, and when you sign the dotted line, it has to be for that specific field. Now the specialty won't necessarily be in your hands. Usually it's not. For specific high-end MOSes (such as Intel), you will usually have your pick of the specialty, but that's not guaranteed.
Don't think that whatever job you want is going to sound great, it usually isn't the case. Transitioning from military to civilian can usually lead to the fact that a lot of your experience in the military has nothing to do with a civilian job (which is why you'll see a lot of guys come back in), so it's important to be going to a MOS that you'll be gaining experience from that people in the civilian sector can use. A security clearance can really help out with this.

I hope I'm not too late sending this info out...


Oh yeah, one more thing...if you're given the chance to choose a MOS speciality, make sure you get councilled on what is used and what isn't. There are MOSes out there which aren't used, and if they are, only in specific places in very small numbers. Pick something where you'll have several opportunities to do the job you were trained in. I have experience in this; my primary MOS isn't used that much, so I pretty much cross trained in a couple other MOSes in my field to be of value to the community. It really sucks when you've got to start from scratch once you've already hit the fleet.

There is no "fine print" to watch out for. There is a Statement of Understanding that you initial and sign for your job, there are no gimmicks there, just read it. The reason you may feel pressured and the reason they are telling you to hurry is that there are only X number of reserve jobs available. Once they are gone they are gone until next year. Active duty is a different story. Those programs are a dime a dozen. Who is your recruiter?
Sounds good. Recruiter is Sgt. Rojas

Sounds good. Recruiter is Sgt. Rojas

No... there is fine print to look at. Once you're in the Marines, you're in the Marines. The UCMJ now applies to your life. With that comes your rank; with a PVT or PFC, they can place you wherever they want, especially if you're signing an open contract, and there's nothing you can do about it. This isn't a reenlistment; once you're at that point, you have options (though not really THAT much...) The reason why they're pressuring you is because they (your recruiter) have quotas to fill as well. Not only that, but programs for active duty aren't a dime a dozen, but there are several slots and MOSes that need to be filled over others. Its always best to wait out for what you want rather than go in earlier for a (lamer, and likely bad) another MOS. This is your life, and your career, not theirs. Don't feel pressured, and don't be pressured. You're only theirs once you've signed the dotted line. Get the job you want.

Thats some pretty good advice from Dreadnought. Some people love being in intel and others don't but there are several different jobs within the community and your TS lasts 5 years before you'd have to be reinvestigated. If you get out with your clearance it saves your future employer who requires one alot of money and hassle vs hiring someone with out one if that is the career path you want to go.

I thought on paper at meps my job sounded awesome but my job is mainly building power point slides and briefing :/

As of this morning, the recruiter called me today and it seems that i will get that 3521 position upon signing, they are just arranging the date for me to go to basic

No... there is fine print to look at. Once you're in the Marines, you're in the Marines. The UCMJ now applies to your life. With that comes your rank; with a PVT or PFC, they can place you wherever they want, especially if you're signing an open contract, and there's nothing you can do about it. This isn't a reenlistment; once you're at that point, you have options (though not really THAT much...) The reason why they're pressuring you is because they (your recruiter) have quotas to fill as well. Not only that, but programs for active duty aren't a dime a dozen, but there are several slots and MOSes that need to be filled over others. Its always best to wait out for what you want rather than go in earlier for a (lamer, and likely bad) another MOS. This is your life, and your career, not theirs. Don't feel pressured, and don't be pressured. You're only theirs once you've signed the dotted line. Get the job you want.

When did you earn the title Marine? You sound like you know something about recruiting other than being recruited yourself.....you obviously don't. What do I have to gain by giving this kid bad advice. I am a Marine on recruiting duty now..... I am in Texas. He is in Cali I have nothing to gain. There is no fine print!! Every job has a Statement of Understanding!! If you read it and dont like what it says, dont fucking sign it!!
Wow you just revealed the secret to the world ....recruiters have quotas..... they are one per month currently which means we are turning people away. The wait to go to recruit training for active duty is almost a year, we are really hurting for applicants...
Active duty programs ARE a dime a dozen, reserves are not. The only way you get a program you dont want is if you sign an open contract...and guess what........there are no open contracts in the Reserves.:bang:

Ok, so here is a little update... Im a little pissed off but please dont flame me...

SO today was supposed to be the BIG day for me... My recruiter, his boss and me agreed upon 3531 position upon signing. I was qualified for that position and i had it "locked in" on paper. Even if i didnt get my 3521 position in the future i would have still be happy with 3531 as a reserve.

So today i was pretty excited about joining the USMC... Got picked up today at 4am to go to meps for swear in and sign the contract....

After 8 hours of bulshit lines and waiting around, i finally talk to my career counselor and here what he tells me... "What job are you locked in at?" Me: "3531 sir". He replies, "ummmm, idk where you are getting it from, but your recruiter's boss put you in some artillery support position", gives me the code but i forgot... I replied "no sir, i have not applied on that, nor have i ever discussed that with both my recruiter and his boss".... Then the career councelor makes a call to my recruiter's boss, explains the situation and hands the phone to me...
My recruiter's boss: "Sup man, whats the problem?"
Me: "Sir, what happened to the position i was locked in for, sir?"
My recruiter's boss: "Oh, i gave it away a few minutes ago, so you have to go with the position provided on the contract".
Me: "sir, with all do respect, i have not even heard about that position, and was already looking forward to at least that 3531 position."
Boss: "What the hell do you want me to do, you said you wanted to join, so here is your only option, so you gotta sign up for this one, no other options"
Me: "Sir, I cannot do that because its not the position i am interested in and its the first time i hear about it, sir"
Boss: starts chewing me up and says that he is done talking with me so i hand the phone back to my career councelor...
At this point im lost and thinking "WTF?!"

Then, i start calling the recruiters, and they dont wanna pick up their phones, and after 2 hours later call back that supposedly their brand new 2011 fusion hybrids are broke down so they cant pick me up.... SO i had to wait an additional hour for another recruiter to pick my ass up...

FUCK that was a long ass day and now im kinda pissed that the day went to complete waste!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry for the rant but i feel like they completely wasted my time today and im afraid that i have to wait for another position that pops up now... :pissed:

I called my bro, explained the situation, and he completely agreed with me even though he is the one who is really pushing me to join up which is great. What do you guys think?

When did you earn the title Marine? You sound like you know something about recruiting other than being recruited yourself.....you obviously don't. What do I have to gain by giving this kid bad advice. I am a Marine on recruiting duty now..... I am in Texas. He is in Cali I have nothing to gain. There is no fine print!! Every job has a Statement of Understanding!! If you read it and dont like what it says, dont fucking sign it!!
Wow you just revealed the secret to the world ....recruiters have quotas..... they are one per month currently which means we are turning people away. The wait to go to recruit training for active duty is almost a year, we are really hurting for applicants...
Active duty programs ARE a dime a dozen, reserves are not. The only way you get a program you dont want is if you sign an open contract...and guess what........there are no open contracts in the Reserves.:bang:

True... there were so many kids who are graduating high school this year and going active and ALL of them signed an open contract with no locked in position... off course they dont know what it means and therefore all lost and excited about joining...

Sorry if there is a noob thread that I'm supposed to hit first but I need to comment. I'll hit it later...

black_phoenix: did you swear in? If you didn't you aren't obligated to anything at this point. If the NCOIC of your recruiter sold you something and then backed out he's a douchebag. Then again, if the reserve line numbers are all filled he could be in a tough spot himself. You might have to wait if you're still interested. Until you swear in, you don't owe the Marines anything. The issue is that you are now Q&E'd for any service. You could join any of them at this time now that you've suffered dealing with the MEPS weenies. If the Marine reserves are your choice and the unit is close you should hold out for MOS 3521.

Dreadnought: I'm pretty sure you were one of my Marines a lifetime ago. Knows everything and hated your decision to join the Corps the minute you stepped on the footprints. Couldn't get out fast enough because you were smarter than everybody. In case you missed the original post, this guy has been talking reserves. You don't go to bootcamp without a job. Period.

jarheadtex: I was at RSS Lubbock from 94-95 and then the NCOIC of RSS Roswell until 97. My son just left liberal-ass RS Seattle (probably where dreadnought hails). Anyway keep your head up and you'll be back in the fleet sweating your ass off in 29 Palms listening to your young Marines bitch about how much it sucks and then telling them to shut the fuck up. Things could be worse. You could be on recruiting duty.

(unless of course you're an 84 "wonderful"...)

Ooh rah!!!

Sorry if there is a noob thread that I'm supposed to hit first but I need to comment. I'll hit it later...

black_phoenix: did you swear in? If you didn't you aren't obligated to anything at this point. If the NCOIC of your recruiter sold you something and then backed out he's a douchebag. Then again, if the reserve line numbers are all filled he could be in a tough spot himself. You might have to wait if you're still interested. Until you swear in, you don't owe the Marines anything. The issue is that you are now Q&E'd for any service. You could join any of them at this time now that you've suffered dealing with the MEPS weenies. If the Marine reserves are your choice and the unit is close you should hold out for MOS 3521.

Dreadnought: I'm pretty sure you were one of my Marines a lifetime ago. Knows everything and hated your decision to join the Corps the minute you stepped on the footprints. Couldn't get out fast enough because you were smarter than everybody. In case you missed the original post, this guy has been talking reserves. You don't go to bootcamp without a job. Period.

jarheadtex: I was at RSS Lubbock from 94-95 and then the NCOIC of RSS Roswell until 97. My son just left liberal-ass RS Seattle (probably where dreadnought hails). Anyway keep your head up and you'll be back in the fleet sweating your ass off in 29 Palms listening to your young Marines bitch about how much it sucks and then telling them to shut the fuck up. Things could be worse. You could be on recruiting duty.

(unless of course you're an 84 "wonderful"...)

Ooh rah!!!


I am honestly interested in joining! Because of that inscident, i couldnt swear in... My mind is already set on this and perhaps i will wait for 3521 reserve position to pop up, there is no way im backing out of USMC, and my recruiter knows im committed, but decided to act like that and pretending like he's busy and that his brand new car broke down :eyes:, one thing i got out of this situation is that i will never trust their "I promise" statements again... I just cant beleive they fucked me like that :bang: I just dont want to redo my physical again... that shit just plain sux lol

Some recruiters are total shit-bags that aren't responsible enough to care for a house cat much less other humans then get promoted and stuck in recruiting to meet a "B billet" requirement to continue in their career. So now you know this asshole couldn't hold a promise to his mother to bury her face-up and 6-feet down much less help a fellow future Marine get his job. He'd probably bury his mother ass up with her feet under. If you can find another recruiter, do so. There's no point in this guy's office getting any credit for your successful entry. Another option is to wait it out until one of your two positions are open and try again. Your third option (and probably the one I'd do since you aren't a Marine yet and don't fall under any code of conduct) is to tell that Son of a Bitch exactly what you think of him. Tell him that if you knew a MARINE would stab you in the back, you'd have looked to a REAL branch of the military like the Army where they can respect a fellow man. Also tell him you're gonna tell every high schooler you know to avoid his office because he'll fuck every one of em over like he did you. Don't ever take any ass chewing from him. He ain't shit to you after treating you like this. After you tell him he's a piece of shit by Chesty Puller's standards go back to option 1.

Note: As a Marine myself I don't honestly believe ANY other branch is better than the Marines but I'd tell that recruiter anything to piss him off! :D

Some recruiters are total shit-bags that aren't responsible enough to care for a house cat much less other humans then get promoted and stuck in recruiting to meet a "B billet" requirement to continue in their career. So now you know this asshole couldn't hold a promise to his mother to bury her face-up and 6-feet down much less help a fellow future Marine get his job. He'd probably bury his mother ass up with her feet under. If you can find another recruiter, do so. There's no point in this guy's office getting any credit for your successful entry. Another option is to wait it out until one of your two positions are open and try again. Your third option (and probably the one I'd do since you aren't a Marine yet and don't fall under any code of conduct) is to tell that Son of a Bitch exactly what you think of him. Tell him that if you knew a MARINE would stab you in the back, you'd have looked to a REAL branch of the military like the Army where they can respect a fellow man. Also tell him you're gonna tell every high schooler you know to avoid his office because he'll fuck every one of em over like he did you. Don't ever take any ass chewing from him. He ain't shit to you after treating you like this. After you tell him he's a piece of shit by Chesty Puller's standards go back to option 1.

Note: As a Marine myself I don't honestly believe ANY other branch is better than the Marines but I'd tell that recruiter anything to piss him off! :D


Very very great option right there! :thumb:
As i was talking to him, and was getting chewed up, i felt like i had no right to talk back, so i kept my voice very mellow because i know what i would be up against in the future (i.e. bootcamp, station duty, etc.) and therefore cannot express such feelings to my superior, even though i was enraged :mad:... I dont wanna sound like a pussy, but i wouldnt want to threaten anyone like that because it might end up biting me in the ass sooner or later :lol: Worst case, i will just talk to someone other recruiter who can handle their shit or wait out for either those position.... Till this point, my recruits have not contacted me :lol: Probably phonecalls should pile up tomorrow haha

When did you earn the title Marine? You sound like you know something about recruiting other than being recruited yourself.....you obviously don't. What do I have to gain by giving this kid bad advice. I am a Marine on recruiting duty now..... I am in Texas. He is in Cali I have nothing to gain. There is no fine print!! Every job has a Statement of Understanding!! If you read it and dont like what it says, dont fucking sign it!!
Wow you just revealed the secret to the world ....recruiters have quotas..... they are one per month currently which means we are turning people away. The wait to go to recruit training for active duty is almost a year, we are really hurting for applicants...
Active duty programs ARE a dime a dozen, reserves are not. The only way you get a program you dont want is if you sign an open contract...and guess what........there are no open contracts in the Reserves.:bang:
^^^ Very right the Corps Is down sizing, and boy it's nice to see those fat, lazy fucks being canned. I hope you make the right choice bud. I thought I enlisted as a F/18 engine Mech. Ended up being a 6153 (airframes/hydraulics mechanic) on the CH-53D helicopter. Got the chance to be a door gunner, and I freaking love it, so you never know.

To mr jarheadtex and 1987bbc: in the order of your questions, 1) 2005, 2) Not a recruiter, 3) No, I don't know everything, despite learning from what my recruiters told and showed me, 4) my advice is for the man (he's not a kid if he signs the dotted line) to wait out for what he really wants, not sign up for a job quota.
Furthermore, I'm not one of those guys who can't wait to get out, I'm still in with a great MOS that I've excelled in. Missed that post, however. So, forgive my misspeaking on the matter (I'm not a reservist).

My point is: wait on the job you want, don't be bullied to sign for a job you don't want. And do a little research on the side on other MOSes. A lot of guys in my field typically get out and contract, or go to college; retention rates are down here (but the opportunities the MOS provides is amazing). But, thinking for the future is never a bad thing, whether you're doing a 4, 5, 20, 30+ year profession as a Marine. It doesn't last forever, which is why I'm stating to see where the job can lead you.

I went through several recruiters until I found one that understood my situation and went out of his way to take care of me and my family while I was away. AND I returned the favor by being Co Honorman and sure enough, he rubbed it in the faces of the other recruiters that wouldn't give me the time of day

keep your head up and find a recruiter that is willing to help you - they can easily monitor the open positions at the reserve units and tell you if/when the MOS you want is available

I went through several recruiters until I found one that understood my situation and went out of his way to take care of me and my family while I was away. AND I returned the favor by being Co Honorman and sure enough, he rubbed it in the faces of the other recruiters that wouldn't give me the time of day

keep your head up and find a recruiter that is willing to help you - they can easily monitor the open positions at the reserve units and tell you if/when the MOS you want is available

that sounds good, i will visit another recruiting station monday!

True... there were so many kids who are graduating high school this year and going active and ALL of them signed an open contract with no locked in position... off course they dont know what it means and therefore all lost and excited about joining...

Thats the way it works now. None of those kids will go to bootcamp with an open contract. They will get jobs before they go. Makes my job hard though, telling guys to trust me and they will get the job they want.

Sorry if there is a noob thread that I'm supposed to hit first but I need to comment. I'll hit it later...

jarheadtex: I was at RSS Lubbock from 94-95 and then the NCOIC of RSS Roswell until 97. My son just left liberal-ass RS Seattle (probably where dreadnought hails). Anyway keep your head up and you'll be back in the fleet sweating your ass off in 29 Palms listening to your young Marines bitch about how much it sucks and then telling them to shut the fuck up. Things could be worse. You could be on recruiting duty.

(unless of course you're an 84 "wonderful"...)

Ooh rah!!!

HAHA.... I cant believe I ever had something to bitch about in the fleet. I would gladly be sweating my ass of in Lejeune or where ever.

And for the 84wonderfuls.......well you know...haha
Semper Fi!!

joining the marines was the best thing that could ever happen too me. just wait until you are 100 percent certain you are getting what you ask for then sign up. until then enjoy your life as a civilian.!
SEMPER FI.!

Boot camp was a joke... I thought.

The asvab is also a joke.

As long as your good at following orders and good at running and pushups and shit, nothing is really hard. If your not good at running and doing physical training, then you will be....

I just got out after a 4 year term as infantry.

Before you enlist make sure you know what you want to do, from what I've seen Motor T Mechanics have ups and downs. On field ops they're pretty much on standby until something breaks so their either sleeping, playing cards or eating. Keep in mind that's only my unit.

Here's a list of the MOS's and a brief description of them:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/marinejobs.htm

I'm a 2311 with an Artillery Unit in Camp Pendleton, I can honestly say I haven't had one day where I hated the Marine Corps. Others will say different though

If you need help with the asvab PM me i got something that might be able t help you out.

As of today, I have signed an 8 year contract for 4 active 4 reserve. I ship out to basic on January 17th 2012 though... till then, intense physical training!

its Boot Camp

basic is the Army


oh, and I've had many days where I've hated the Corps but nothing beats the feeling of getting that EGA

its Boot Camp

basic is the Army


oh, and I've had many days where I've hated the Corps but nothing beats the feeling of getting that EGA

Roger Dodger!!!

its Boot Camp

basic is the Army

Actually devil...its Recruit Training, not Boot Camp

Actually devil...its Recruit Training, not Boot Camp

Ha! my mistake! I should've known better

Boot Camp is Navy, right?

As of today, I have signed an 8 year contract for 4 active 4 reserve. I ship out to basic on January 17th 2012 though... till then, intense physical training!

what MOS did you decide on?

what MOS did you decide on?

I signed up for open contract. I will pick my position after october when new positions arrive. Leaning towards a motor T mechanic.

I want a ham and cheese omlet....

I want a ham and cheese omlet....

Wrong section then...

Wrong section then...

what he's saying is with that open contract, theres a good chance you'll end up a cook... IMHO the worst job in the Marine Corps

I want a ham and cheese omlet....

:funny:

lol, hopefully cook won't be the only position available... if it is... then fuck it, time to serve the shit outta that chow!!!

Marines...The way we assign jobs is different then when you all came in. You are in the delayed entry program almost a year now...we are way ahead. Every new applicant that joins on the active duty side has to enlist on an open contract simply because there are no jobs to give someone going to recruit training a year from now. We get the jobs for the entire fiscal year in October. Now that being said....if you are going to recruit training on an open contract that is a different story. If you did well on the ASVAB and passed the color vision test you will get a good job.

SSgt Brumley/Current Recruiter (fml)

Marines...The way we assign jobs is different then when you all came in. You are in the delayed entry program almost a year now...we are way ahead. Every new applicant that joins on the active duty side has to enlist on an open contract simply because there are no jobs to give someone going to recruit training a year from now. We get the jobs for the entire fiscal year in October. Now that being said....if you are going to recruit training on an open contract that is a different story. If you did well on the ASVAB and passed the color vision test you will get a good job.

SSgt Brumley/Current Recruiter (fml)


Great response, sir :usa: Thank you!!!

Just a quick question, with my contract, would it be possible to do a "comp" change of contract to reserve BEFORE shipping to boot camp? Or is that a myth? What ive heard from my recruiter, its definitely doable....

Great response, sir :usa: Thank you!!!

Just a quick question, with my contract, would it be possible to do a "comp" change of contract to reserve BEFORE shipping to boot camp? Or is that a myth? What ive heard from my recruiter, its definitely doable....

Absolutely...at least in my area Reserves are more the priority than active duty. This means the command will gladly switch you to the Reserve Component to fill a Reserve job, because as I stated before active duty are a dime a dozen, meaning there are A LOT more guys that want to sign up for active than Reserves.

Absolutely...at least in my area Reserves are more the priority than active duty. This means the command will gladly switch you to the Reserve Component to fill a Reserve job, because as I stated before active duty are a dime a dozen, meaning there are A LOT more guys that want to sign up for active than Reserves.

That sound great, we'll see what happens!

I really hope you're studying up on the MOSes...if you've got any questions about them, fire away!

OP have you ever thought about Air Traffic Control? You could easily get into that MOS as there is always a need. Good training to get you a job on the outside immediately as well.

To tell you the truth, I will not be picky with any reserve position that comes around. I feel like if I start being picky, that's when I can piss off my recruiter's boss. But I will definitely look up on various position when time comes to choose.

Oh and I'm pretty happy with myself, ever since MEPS I got weighed in at 170 lbs being 5'8, and now slimmed down to 165. I will push for 150-155 by the time I go to recruit training. But due to my torn lower back caused by my bike accident, i m still taking it easy

To tell you the truth, I will not be picky with any reserve position that comes around. I feel like if I start being picky, that's when I can piss off my recruiter's boss. But I will definitely look up on various position when time comes to choose.

Oh and I'm pretty happy with myself, ever since MEPS I got weighed in at 170 lbs being 5'8, and now slimmed down to 165. I will push for 150-155 by the time I go to recruit training. But due to my torn lower back caused by my bike accident, i m still taking it easy

Don't worry about trimming down. It'll happen regardless.

Try the 26XX fields...and don't worry about pissing off your recruiter's boss. This is your job, this is your life, and this will be your next 4-5 years, and it's their job to get you a job. With a great ASVAB score, it's their job to get you an even better job.

Don't worry about trimming down. It'll happen regardless.

Try the 26XX fields...and don't worry about pissing off your recruiter's boss. This is your job, this is your life, and this will be your next 4-5 years, and it's their job to get you a job. With a great ASVAB score, it's their job to get you an even better job.

thanx for advice man, hopefully a good MOS will come along
But my concern is, i threw out my back 5 weeks back due to some heavy lifting and its not getting better... so i dont know how that will work out... Already visited a doctor who prescribed me some strong painkillers but they dont seem to work well...

My best advice for you would be to as best you can give your all to the Marines then get everything you can from them. Go to as many schools as you possibly can keep and scan all of your certificates try to find an MOS that would give you a clearance (trust me on this one).

My story....I was an 0331 and after two deployments was given the opportunity to spend my last year an a half in the S-4 as a part of training cadre. I became a coach and then during a the division shooting matches I guess I was good and won a medal ha ha.... went onto the Marine Corps Championships and did well and was offered onto the Marine Corps Shooting Team. I declined became a Marksmanship instructor got out and started contracting which is where the clearance came in and where I now sit.

So basically do not settle they will get theirs from you so you do the same. I am still pretty involved with my old unit as well as a local reserve one and have friends all over I know you are thinking 35xx but in all honesty all a 3531 is going to learn is 1st echelon maintenance and how to drive a MRAP/HUMVEE/7 Ton/ and maybe a LVS. a 3521 will have some skill set that would transfer over to the civilian sector as well be rewarding to learn personally. I did notice a bunch of Motor T Staff NCO's were prior drill field and that can be a pain as are many Staff NCO's from the 03xx field. The choice is up to you at the end of the day and only you know yourself the best just trying to toss a few pearls of wisdom from experience out there.

Boot Camp is a blast I went to P.I. and you will be a San Diego recruit which you will be a slightly less Marine but I will not hold that against you ha ha j/k but in all seriousness make be a leader and learn to be lead. WORK TOGETHER and you will get irritated but by both the instructors and fellow recruits do not let that overcome you see it as a leadership challenge and overcome it and bring that to the fleet. I will stop rambling get better with your back man and it will get better if not and you still wanna join get a big straw and start sucking my knees were a wreck from football and it never got better an certainly not while I was in.

OP have you ever thought about Air Traffic Control? You could easily get into that MOS as there is always a need. Good training to get you a job on the outside immediately as well.

NAS Pensacola was the best time I have ever had in my life. I was an "I" Level tech, my 2 room mates were ATC. Pensacola beach, Blackwater River, Panama Beach during Spring Break, good times.

Ears, Open. Eyeballs, Click. - good shit


there's a Drill Instructor in that movie, Sgt Marquez, who was 8th and I and shows off a little - if you go 03xx, there's a good chance he'll be your combat instructor in ITB. Good guy