Wannabe looking for general advice and help with MOS

[davewasmer]

Before I get started, I am sure you hear this plenty, but I want to thank all those service members and their families for the enormous sacrifice. Now that I am considering joining the Marines, I realize that even now my appreciation of that sacrifice is only scratching the surface of what is deserved.

I am looking for some general advice as well as answers to a few specific questions concerning possible MOS choices. Below these questions, I will elaborate a bit on my background beyond what is in my profile to help you answer.

- With regards to MOS choice, right now I think I would be most interested in Ground Intelligence Officer, although I am having a hard time finding out exactly what this entails day-to-day. Anyone have a more concrete description?

- Is it possible to recieve a guarantee of a Ground Intelligence Officer MOS (or any MOS besides Aviation related) in my enlistment contract?

Background:
I am 18 years old, a freshmen year college student. I am not certain I want to join the Marines yet, and if I do, it will almost certainly be through OCS after I graduate - I want to spend my college years enjoying college and that includes all the opportunites my summers might offer.


My reasons for my interest in the military are not for the money - not that money is necessarily a bad reason to join, it just isn't my reason. One reason comes from my college education - at my liberal arts school, I have read material from Thucydides and Socrates to Locke and Edmund Burke. I have read these ideas (like duty to the polis) and support them in discussion. But I don't want to be like some ivory tower elites with my beliefs - I want to implement them in action.

I also am interested specifically in the Marines because, from what I have read and heard, they are the most challenging in their training. Throughout my life, I have always challenged myself as much as possible - it was the only option for me.


My final major concern is this: while I think I could be a valuable asset in an intelligence or support role, right now, I don't think I could lead men into infantry battle (i.e. Infantry Officer). It is difficult for me to admit something like this, as like I said, I am used to accepting the greatest challenge. But with other men's lives at stake, I have to be honest - I don't think I am the right man for the job. Would this essentially preclude me from service in the Marines? Again, I have almost 4 years until I would enlist, so that belief could change.

I greatly appreciate all your help, and for taking the time to read my post. I am looking for someone (not a recruiter) to talk to about this who has first hand experience with the subject, and this seemed like a good place to go. I also would welcome any general comments or advice relating to my situation that you feel like contributing.

Dave

[Zulu 36]

All Marine officers are trained as infantry officers first and foremost. Every Marine a rifleman, and every Marine officer a leader of riflemen. If you are not prepared to do that, the Corps is not for you.

As far as being a ground intel officer, you would be leading Marines in hostile territory and possibly having to direct those Marines in a firefight. Ground intel is not a way-back in the rear-with-the-gear job for junior officers.

[yellowwing]

OCS? How did you do in sports? It seems that the wrestling team is real popular with Officers. Builds good confidence and aggression.

[thewookie]

My final major concern is this: while I think I could be a valuable asset in an intelligence or support role, right now, I don't think I could lead men into infantry battle (i.e. Infantry Officer). It is difficult for me to admit something like this, as like I said, I am used to accepting the greatest challenge. But with other men's lives at stake, I have to be honest - I don't think I am the right man for the job. Would this essentially preclude me from service in the Marines? Again, I have almost 4 years until I would enlist, so that belief could change.

Honestly Dave, I would think about something else, perhaps another branch? Marines, especially Marine Infantry Officer's are expected to be able to lead Marines into battle. Other Marine Officer's are also, while they may not be specifically charged with leading Marines into combat, if called upon they will be expected to. Marines fight and win battles, all Marines.

Don't worry Dave, you might not be the right man for the job, our job, but you can still join another branch and fill your desire to serve and do something. Be realistic though.

Good Luck

[davewasmer]

Thanks to all your responses, I appreciate your honesty and fowardness.

I understand your concerns about my interest in the Marines, and they are the same concerns I have currently. However, like I mentioned, I do have nearly 4 years until I would enlist, and a lot can change in that time span. Your answers have helped me see more clearly the nature of Marine service, but I was also wondering if anyone knew the answers to my more specific questions. I think my ability to lead in combat is a question that I must ultimatley answer when the time to decide whether and where to join comes.


Thanks again for all your help!

[rvillac2]

What were your more specific questions?

To be correct, you are not thinking about enlisting, you are thinking about applying for an officer's commission.

I've met a lot of liberal philosophers in the Corps. One thing about them in common besides their intelligence; they can turn into some hyper aggressive highly motivated killers when necessary.

Unless you can lead and set an example for our band of highly motivated warriors, you should pursue another career. If you have doubts, the OCS instructors will discover it and end your pursuit for you.

[Covey_Rider]

It's understandable that you are not ready to lead Marines into combat right now. You're not a Marine. And as far as officers go you to not get to choose what you do for a job. You will be able to put in a wish list and you will be placed accordingly. (Any other Marines more knowledgeable correct me if I'm wrong)...I would say that if being an officer of Marines is something that you are determined to do then go for it. Your leadership skills will be instilled in you by those that lead you. You take pieces of leadership styles from everyone you meet and you build your own style. It's all your choice of what you want to do with your life.