Three questions for all Marines

[Schnip]

Hi, I just signed on this forum today, but I was curious if anyone could answer two questions I had bothering me. I recently finished MEPS and I'm in the 92 day Reserve contract.

1) I scored a 98 on my asvab and almost perfect on the other tests they had in the ASVAB (the mechanical and stuff) and the Gunnery Sargeant said he was impressed with my score so he wanted me to go for Bulk Field Specialist...I just said sure sounds cool. MY question is, what does a Bulk Field Specialist do?

2) I was really interested in maybe changing my MOS to intelligence and possibly counterintelligence, but I'm not too sure what the requirements are for counter-intel. Wondering if anyone could help me, because I couldnt find anything on google that clarified it in detail.

3) What the hell is the difference between Royal Marines and US Marines specifically? I have a friend in London who tells me Royal Marines are alot more highly trained, but they serve several more functions that US Marines do, which is why training is 6 months. Also is their boot camp harder than Parris Island?

Thanks for your time.

[killerinstinct]

well to me what bulk field specialist i think of the guys who drive around witha truck of jp-5 fueling. I think dont quote me on that but on the ship they are usually called grapes cuz they always wear purple.

Now im not an intel guy but have a lot of friends in S shops and intel when they arent briefing and depending on the command you are in they are on the internet.

there is a marine corps pub site that gives you all MCO ALMAR and any other marine publication used to look up mos descriptions its MCBUL 1200

http://www.usmc.mil/directiv.nsf/web+orders

[1stRad2671]

You must've made a lot of correct guesses. More like bulk FUEL specialist is what the recruiter is talking about. And if you're gullible enough to take that job with an ASVAB score of 98, well.........

Second, you won't be doing counter-intel on your first enlistment.

[Schnip]

....well thanks for the compliment. lol

I dont know what the hell that MOS means how was I supposed to know what the hell that job is? Don't they allow you to change it any time before you ship out to MOS training the summer after? Or should I do it before I go to boot camp?

[killerinstinct]

....well thanks for the compliment. lol

I dont know what the hell that MOS means how was I supposed to know what the hell that job is? Don't they allow you to change it any time before you ship out to MOS training the summer after? Or should I do it before I go to boot camp?

once you raise your hand your contract is in effect and the chances of changing it are close to none, unless you rock out of the school. i remember what made me pass my A school was being threatened with rumors of if you fail you go to eaf which is not the best thing.

So to answer your question yes, if you dont want to do that change it before you go not after.

[Schnip]

Roger that, thanks a lot for the advice.

[YLDNDN6]

I did well on the ASVAB and went in open contract, based on the idea that I wanted to be subject to the needs of the Marine Corps. When I got to boot camp, I was pulled aside and offered a couple of different fields based on the ASVAB scores. I was offered Presidential Support, 26xx Intel and 02xx Intel. I opted for the 26xx field because of prior radio experience, and linguistic skills. I enjoyed the crap out of the field, the cross-training to other areas in the field, and the travel. Your scores dictate that you might be able to get into one of these fields, and you really should try for it. Just my opinion.

[cplbrooks]

Hi, I just signed on this forum today, but I was curious if anyone could answer two questions I had bothering me. I recently finished MEPS and I'm in the 92 day Reserve contract.

1) I scored a 98 on my asvab and almost perfect on the other tests they had in the ASVAB (the mechanical and stuff) and the Gunnery Sargeant said he was impressed with my score so he wanted me to go for Bulk Field Specialist...I just said sure sounds cool. MY question is, what does a Bulk Field Specialist do?

2) I was really interested in maybe changing my MOS to intelligence and possibly counterintelligence, but I'm not too sure what the requirements are for counter-intel. Wondering if anyone could help me, because I couldnt find anything on google that clarified it in detail.

3) What the hell is the difference between Royal Marines and US Marines specifically? I have a friend in London who tells me Royal Marines are alot more highly trained, but they serve several more functions that US Marines do, which is why training is 6 months. Also is their boot camp harder than Parris Island?

Thanks for your time.


1. & 2. He is pushing you towards Bulk Fuel because that is what your closest reservist center mainly does. You might be able to get intelligence if 1) you want to drive to Washington DC on your reserve weekends and 2) if you give up the 92 day reservist program. Because you are a student in the 92 day reservist program you have to pick an occupational specialty that only has a 2 month school because you will have to go back to college in the fall. Intel's school is 4 months or more. There is nowhere to fit that in with your college schedule. I hope this answers your question. Your other option is to drop the 92 day reservist program and take a semester off of school and go to Boot Camp and your school all in one time block if you want the intel job.

Counter Intel is active duty only.

3. Your friend has not been a US Marine so i dont think that he would be qualified to speak intelligently about the US Marines. Just ask him how many times he has been to Paris Island or any Marine Corps Base? When you are done with that question then ask him what was the date he graduated from Marine Corps Boot Camp. Take his answer for what it is.

[cplbrooks]

....well thanks for the compliment. lol

I dont know what the hell that MOS means how was I supposed to know what the hell that job is? Don't they allow you to change it any time before you ship out to MOS training the summer after? Or should I do it before I go to boot camp?

yes you can change your contract before you go to boot camp. Your options are limited unless you get rid of the 92 day reservist option.

[PI82RLH]

I see your from NJ , bulk field specialist well lets just say the one job
of all marines is to kill , in bulk if neccesary. Practice with a 30-06
as much as you can before you ship out. One shot one kill !

[cplbrooks]

I see your from NJ , bulk field specialist well lets just say the one job
of all marines is to kill , in bulk if neccesary. Practice with a 30-06
as much as you can before you ship out. One shot one kill !


I wouldnt practice any marksmanship before you ship. You will develop bad habits and have to relearn everything. When it comes to Marine Corps marksmanship you must forget everything that you have ever learned.

The guys who qualify as rifle experts in boot camp generally have the least experience with firearms. It is easier to learn a new skill than re-learn an old one. This is not always the case but it seams to usually be the case.

On the other hand, i would say practice swimming. This is the one area in boot camp where experienced swimmers had a huge advantage over those who did not have much experience when it comes to swim qual.

[YLDNDN6]

Also, learn what a "mountain climber" is and start doing them. You can stop when I get tired! I think CPL Brooks has answered your questions dead-on regarding the MOS you have been pitched, and the constraints surrounding getting into the other fields. The rest is up to you. Prioritize.

[Schnip]

Wow...thanks for all the advice. I called in my recruiter and changed my MOS to open contract. I heard the swimming portion is difficult, especially if you are aiming for a higher qualification level. Will be swimming on my own time...and mountain climbers...ughhhhh. So far DEP has proven to help kick start my training on my own time as well.

As for the comment about Royal Marines and Marines I pretty much just figured out he told me that cuz hes from England...Im still trying to research online what they do in boot for the Royal Marines to get my own opinion...cant find anything so far. I'm pretty sure after alot of reading about USMC boot is pretty fckin' hard. The hardest out of all the branches, maybe the world if you really consider it. Still, my curiousity in studying the boot for our cousins across the sea is really itching me. NO ONE has anything on this **** anywhere online.

[Schnip]

I also forgot....do they give you running shoes at boot or should we bring our own pair?

[cplbrooks]

I would not leave your contract open. You should decide what you want to do with the 92 day reservist option and then pick an MOS that is available that you want to do within a reasonable driving distance.


Yes you can bring your own running shoes.

[Worsham]

if you bring your own, they will be bagged up with the rest of your personal belongings in receiving. all recruits are issued various series of New Balance, depending on those that may have different arches etc. However, even the running shoes are issued and no recruit will be allowed to be different by having their own pair from home.

[cplbrooks]

I was allowed to have my own running shoes. Maybe your DI just didnt like your shoes.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I was issued shoes, but then again, that was back when we wore Chrome Domes at PI so take it for what it's worth.

Bulk Fuel....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA.

No. No disrespect intended because it is a needed MOS, but no way I'd be doing that gig. That's just me.

I always felt kinda sorry for those in it since it just looked like it *ucked.

[Worsham]

They didn't even look at the running shoes we brought with us...any of us, male or female. Everyone had the same shoes during PT and PFTS down there. I suspect it's been a while since you went through...couple years at least. I went through in June of last year and that's protocol now.

[Schnip]

Wtf is wrong with bulk fuel? What other MOS could I do that is fun? I want to do infantry, but that just means I would get sent home earlier in the summer. I'm trying to stay away from home as long as possible in the summer, but I can only choose MOS's that are less than 8 weeks. (I think it's 8 weeks, I dont really know. Either way I'm going to switch to active duty once I graduate from college.)

[Schnip]

http://www.lee.army.mil/marines/Petroleum.html

...I'm looking at the other MOS lists...I'm thinking I might change my MOS. I almost did open contract, but changed my mind last second. Now I'm considering looking at anything under 9 weeks of training so I can go back to college. Bulk Fuel does not sound exactly interesting to me...

[Sgt Leprechaun]

You answered your own question, thank you.

Find out for sure about the 8 week thing. Then go from there.

[konman1]

Wtf is wrong with bulk fuel? What other MOS could I do that is fun? I want to do infantry, but that just means I would get sent home earlier in the summer. I'm trying to stay away from home as long as possible in the summer, but I can only choose MOS's that are less than 8 weeks. (I think it's 8 weeks, I dont really know. Either way I'm going to switch to active duty once I graduate from college.)

Heres an option for you, Go active and do what it is you want to do without the time limits, and finish your degree while your in. Thats what I did, but keep in mind I was in Garrison. Why just settle, go for what you want.

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Miss a semester and do whatever you want to do.

[slowrider]

I was issued shoes, but then again, that was back when we wore Chrome Domes at PI so take it for what it's worth.

Bulk Fuel....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHA.

No. No disrespect intended because it is a needed MOS, but no way I'd be doing that gig. That's just me.

I always felt kinda sorry for those in it since it just looked like it *ucked.


ahhhhhhhhhhh the old chrome dome, brings back memories

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Oh yeah! Being the packrat I am, I even still have my tape from the back of mine someplace....

[awb5711]

To go into counterintel you must be a Senior Corporal or a Sergeant. You need an ASVAB of 115 and have 3 years left on your contract. You must also be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance. It is a Lateral move only field and you CAN do it as a reservist.