engel556
07-30-11, 08:19 PM
Hello everyone. This is the first time I've posted on these forums but not the first time I've been here for information. The information I've gathered from various posts here has proved to be invaluable and I hope any insight I may receive from you Marines will prove to be equally invaluable.
First, let me give you some background on me. I'm 21 years old with two years of college credits. I dropped out because I never really wanted to go to college, I just did it to make my parents happy. I decided to enlist because I've always wanted to serve. I didn't care what branch, I just wanted to help. After speaking with a recruiter from every branch I realized that the Marine Corps was exactly what I was looking for.
The reason I'm posting here is ... well, I can't tell you exactly. It may be that I'm looking for justification for my decisions from you Marines or I may be truly seeking information. I honestly can't tell you which it is, but I would guess it's a little of both.
When I was in college (at North Carolina State University) I was majoring in English, but in the process from changing to Communications when I dropped out. I also scored a 98th percentile on the ASVAB. Ok, I'm going to stop typing and get to the point.
I understand that you have to fill out a form that says what your top five choices of MOS's are (to also include one occupational field). I'm planning on listing the following (in order): Public Affairs, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist, Infantry (don't know what particular MOS), Military Police, and I haven't figured out my fifth, or what ocfield I want to list.
The bottom line is I've always wanted to help people. In my eyes, if I can save a life or greatly improve one, that is worth my life. At this point I should also mention I'm not a DEP yet. I'm waiting for the results of my med read to come back, though my recruiter says it will all clear with no problems. Basically, I'm trying to decide what's right for me. I know, I know, only I know what's best for me and ultimately I have to make the decision; I'm hoping some of you may be able to offer me advice in the meantime, however.
The list of MOS's I gave above is tentative. I have Public Affairs as my number one right now simply because I'm good at it. I love reading, writing, planning, and hearing myself talk (lol). I've also heard this is an excellent MOS because you get to see all facets of the Marine Corps, rather than only seeing your own little corner.
I've listed Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist because that is a job I know I can help people in. I suppose I would be helping people in Public Affairs (i.e. so many people disrespect the military, I could help maintain a positive image and support, thus boosting morale) but that's not really the way I want to help people. I want to seriously, first-hand, make a difference in people's lives. With AR&FS I could do that by helping pilots and on-base military or civilian personnel survive close encounters with fire.
I'm also listing Infantry (again, don't know what particular MOS, but I do understand that you enter as a general infantry Marine, NOT the infantry MOS you list) as one of my top picks. I think this is apropos to my goal of helping people because I could make informed decisions and I react well under stress. If I could save one life in combat, I've accomplished my goal.
I've also listed Military Police because, obviously, police officers help people on a daily basis.
What I'm looking for is this: for what I want to do (help people), what do you think would be the best MOS for me? I will accept whatever MOS is given to me (as my primary goal is to serve), but I really prefer one that allows me to make a direct, positive impact on people's lives.
My cousin was a Sergeant in the Army (a tanker) and the advice he offered me was, and I quote, "the only thing you get from a combat arms job is cool scars and stories." This has made me lean away from Infantry MOS's, though I don't know if that is really an accurate summation of a combat arms job.
I sincerely thank all of you who 1) survived my giant wall of text, 2) can offer me your advice, whatever it may be, and 3) don't make a joke out of my situation. I know #3 sounds ridiculous but, believe it or not, I have been laughed at on other forums for asking these questions.
PS: (brace yourself this is really off-topic) I'm a lover. I long to find an amazing woman and spend the rest of my life with her. I would have to say that this would take precedence over any of my MOS choices. If there is an MOS that would allow me to help people, but also allow me to spend time with my woman and/or future children that would be excellent. Do note, however, in the case that my MOS is assigned and I have not found an amazing woman, I'm ready to go balls to the wall in whatever MOS. Semper Fi, mother******s!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Blaine
engel556@gmail.com
First, let me give you some background on me. I'm 21 years old with two years of college credits. I dropped out because I never really wanted to go to college, I just did it to make my parents happy. I decided to enlist because I've always wanted to serve. I didn't care what branch, I just wanted to help. After speaking with a recruiter from every branch I realized that the Marine Corps was exactly what I was looking for.
The reason I'm posting here is ... well, I can't tell you exactly. It may be that I'm looking for justification for my decisions from you Marines or I may be truly seeking information. I honestly can't tell you which it is, but I would guess it's a little of both.
When I was in college (at North Carolina State University) I was majoring in English, but in the process from changing to Communications when I dropped out. I also scored a 98th percentile on the ASVAB. Ok, I'm going to stop typing and get to the point.
I understand that you have to fill out a form that says what your top five choices of MOS's are (to also include one occupational field). I'm planning on listing the following (in order): Public Affairs, Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist, Infantry (don't know what particular MOS), Military Police, and I haven't figured out my fifth, or what ocfield I want to list.
The bottom line is I've always wanted to help people. In my eyes, if I can save a life or greatly improve one, that is worth my life. At this point I should also mention I'm not a DEP yet. I'm waiting for the results of my med read to come back, though my recruiter says it will all clear with no problems. Basically, I'm trying to decide what's right for me. I know, I know, only I know what's best for me and ultimately I have to make the decision; I'm hoping some of you may be able to offer me advice in the meantime, however.
The list of MOS's I gave above is tentative. I have Public Affairs as my number one right now simply because I'm good at it. I love reading, writing, planning, and hearing myself talk (lol). I've also heard this is an excellent MOS because you get to see all facets of the Marine Corps, rather than only seeing your own little corner.
I've listed Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Specialist because that is a job I know I can help people in. I suppose I would be helping people in Public Affairs (i.e. so many people disrespect the military, I could help maintain a positive image and support, thus boosting morale) but that's not really the way I want to help people. I want to seriously, first-hand, make a difference in people's lives. With AR&FS I could do that by helping pilots and on-base military or civilian personnel survive close encounters with fire.
I'm also listing Infantry (again, don't know what particular MOS, but I do understand that you enter as a general infantry Marine, NOT the infantry MOS you list) as one of my top picks. I think this is apropos to my goal of helping people because I could make informed decisions and I react well under stress. If I could save one life in combat, I've accomplished my goal.
I've also listed Military Police because, obviously, police officers help people on a daily basis.
What I'm looking for is this: for what I want to do (help people), what do you think would be the best MOS for me? I will accept whatever MOS is given to me (as my primary goal is to serve), but I really prefer one that allows me to make a direct, positive impact on people's lives.
My cousin was a Sergeant in the Army (a tanker) and the advice he offered me was, and I quote, "the only thing you get from a combat arms job is cool scars and stories." This has made me lean away from Infantry MOS's, though I don't know if that is really an accurate summation of a combat arms job.
I sincerely thank all of you who 1) survived my giant wall of text, 2) can offer me your advice, whatever it may be, and 3) don't make a joke out of my situation. I know #3 sounds ridiculous but, believe it or not, I have been laughed at on other forums for asking these questions.
PS: (brace yourself this is really off-topic) I'm a lover. I long to find an amazing woman and spend the rest of my life with her. I would have to say that this would take precedence over any of my MOS choices. If there is an MOS that would allow me to help people, but also allow me to spend time with my woman and/or future children that would be excellent. Do note, however, in the case that my MOS is assigned and I have not found an amazing woman, I'm ready to go balls to the wall in whatever MOS. Semper Fi, mother******s!!!!!!!!!!! :D
Blaine
engel556@gmail.com