Originally Posted by MrFish
Sounds like the background check is no gimme. Alright, so from what I've read on these forums and other forums online, intel specialists do a fair share of map-reading, analyzing, presenting, etc. The second thing I've learned about 02xx's is that it's hard to find any other consistant information on them, most likely due to the TS clearance combined with the broad spectrum of tasks they perform.
In this day and age, with the war in Iraq appearing to slow down, but tension with Iran seeming to build, what might you say the chances of an 0231 seeing combat are, or even of deploying to a combat zone, in the next 4 years? It undoubtedly depends on the unit you're attached with, but I'm curious to find out how far "behind the lines" the 02's tend to be in your experiences.
Half of me wants the job skills, TS clearance, and responsibility, and the other half of me just wants to fight. For now, I'm letting the responsible half win. I made a 97 on my ASVAB, so maybe my class standing will be enough to get me over there. I realize I could just be an 03xx, but if fighting is slowing down, I don't want to spend 4 years being completely bored. But then, what do I really know about that stuff?
In any case, as MackMaster pointed out, it will be enough just to be a Marine... the rest will be details.