What they tell you and where I'll end up

[Sway]

I signed my papers and swore in at the local MEPS center (Portland, Maine) this past Wednesday. Because I am in college, about to enter my second semester as a freshmen I wont be going to boot camp until the 19th of May.
It sucks because all I want to do is go, and I would like to start off by stating that I have met a lot of supossedley "highly respected" people of society in my life time; when it comes down to it, you are the people I respect the most. I am just waiting to earn the EAG, but most importantly the title. While I am enlisted in the reserve, I plan on applying to the PLC with the hope of recieving the commision as a second lieutenant and hopefully an infantry officer (even though it is popular)

Sorry for that little introduction.

So I am a college freshmen at Hobart College, which is where I will remain but at the same time conducting my duties as a Marine in the USMCR, if/when I get through the island. I scored a 90 on my ASVAB and signed as a 0331. I have tried not to pose questions that are frequently asked on this forum so I apologize if this has been asked before.

Since I will go where the Corps needs me, what is the likely hood that I will stay at this position... even if the recruiter said I was guranteed this MOS? I joined the Marines to serve my country and uphold this tradition. I want to get into the ****. Please do not infer that I believe that administration, mechanics, and combat support arent critical to run the well oiled machine that is the Marine Corps. I just want to know what my chances are of being shifted based on "supposed intelligence". If I am correct ASVAB scores mean squat after you cross the causeway.

I know I am naive, but then again I am a poolee..

Thanks for all of your help and guidance.



Tim Robbins
Hobart College 2011'
CEPR, President
Hobart Student Government
HWS Debate Team

[LeonardLawrence]

Tim,
From what I am reading you signed up, enlisted, as an 0331 with a guarantee? I assume it is in writing in your contract?

The chances of you getting that position are very good and I don't think you would have to worry about things until you PLC'ed in the future which could change things.

[Sway]

Thanks a lot man,

yeah my recruiter told me that I was guaranteed the MOS because I was going into the reserves. I am also doing the split training program since I am in college.

[LeonardLawrence]

Sway,

Just to clarify... you do have it in writing right? Not to question anyone's intergrity but stuff happens and things go awry....in writing protects everyone..

[Sway]

Yes Sir I do.

I got it all in writing.

When you say writing you mean official docs correct?

[LeonardLawrence]

Yes, it will be in your enlistment package, either as part of the package or an addition to.

A verbal promise is great, but if you see the ink dry before your eyes....then you have a written contract. Although I am sure it does happen, I think it is pretty rare for a guarantee to get changed [barring such things as the MOS being closed, etc].

[TennysonUSMC]

Just for safe measure, and I'm sure you have, regardless if it is in written in the contract, make sure it is done correctly. A good Marine friend of mine, had two contracts for two seperate MOS's and by the time they got it sorted out at SigInt school in Pensacola, FL, he had to be on a plane to 29 Palms, CA for Elec. Technician.

So, just go over it carefully, that is all I'm saying.

[Brewer0311]

Basically the only way that you won't be 0331 is if YOU don't succeed. When/if you comeplete boot camp you'll go to SOI. You'll do common skills and get your "wish list" for MOS. You rank from your favorite on down to least favorite. I'd make sure to put a note beside 0331 saying your contract says you are to be that MOS. However, if you fall out on a hump (a hike) or fail a test they will move you to 0311 for someone who can carry the weight and learn the specifics of the MOS. Hope this helps you out. :marine:

[Sway]

Thanks man it does

I just know that if you do not know how to work the machine right you can get screwed