I feel like an idiot. (MOS related)
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  1. #1
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    I feel like an idiot. (MOS related)

    First off i'd like to say my first choice was to become a Marine, because of everything they offer. But since they have no medical MOS I looked toward the Army. So for the past 6 months i've been preparing myself for the sole purpose of becoming a 68W (Health care specialist/Combat medic). I would like to be a Physician Assistant in my post-military life so that MOS seemed to fit almost perfectly.

    Last week I went to my recruiter (Army) and asked him for admission papers and if 68-whiskey was still an open MOS. The only thing holding me back from entering was when I was 18 I had a possession charge for marijuana (expunged) so they couldn't do anything for me.

    It's safe to say I walked my ass back over to the Marines recruiter and asked them, all problems aside I leave for MEPs next week. The only thing is there are "no" infantry 03xx jobs available, and since I have an expunged possession charge and have smoked within the last 3 years it's safe to say I can't qualify for any security clearance.

    What i'm asking is, since i'm relatively stuck with the MOS I get I want to make sure i'm happy doing it for the next 4 years. I don't mind that i'm getting no post career experience, as I plan on finishing my BA in medicine soon as I get out.

    Any good recommendations? If you read all that thanks in advance I know that was a lot!


  2. #2
    When you say your first choice was the Marine Corps because of "everything they offer", what do you mean by that? Because unless you're talking about the intangible "brotherhood", they offer the exact same things as any other branch (pay, leave, healthcare, education, housing etc, etc). Have you looked into the Navy? You know they provide all the medical care for both the Navy and Marine Corps.

    The Air Force has a top notch medical field as well, but it might be the hardest branch to get into right now... especially if you only want a specific job.


  3. #3
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    If you're interested in both the Corps and the medical field why not enlist in the Navy and apply for MOS 8404, Hospital Corpsman. When you're through with with your initial training you can apply for FMF and do your service with the Marines

    Of note is Field Medical Training Battalion (FMTB), with locations at Camps Pendleton and Johnson where sailors bound for service with USMC operating forces earn the NEC HM-8404, Field Medical Service Technician. FMTB provides specialized training in advanced emergency medicine and the fundamentals of Marine Corps life, while emphasizing physical conditioning, small arms familiarity, and basic battlefield tactics. As of 2010, this rigorous training is eight weeks long. Training for the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) familiarizes Navy Corpsmen with the Marines. A bond and mutual respect is often formed between Marines and their assigned Hospital Corpsmen, earning respect apart from their Navy shipmates. FMF Hospital Corpsmen wear the uniforms of the Marine Corps while on duty with the Marine Corps.


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    If i'm not mistaken the Marines are the best at what they do, they offer the same benefits but the training you receive is by far better in every aspect. I'm assuming since the Army won't write me a waiver for the possession charge, the AF and Navy will just tell me the same thing


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    Quote Originally Posted by Lotek View Post
    If i'm not mistaken the Marines are the best at what they do, they offer the same benefits but the training you receive is by far better in every aspect. I'm assuming since the Army won't write me a waiver for the possession charge, the AF and Navy will just tell me the same thing
    Well much do you want it??? Give it a try, not going to cost you anything


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    Good point i'll check with them tomorrow, in case they say no, I'm still looking for MOS idea's on what to go for, any ideas?


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    Quote Originally Posted by Lotek View Post
    Good point i'll check with them tomorrow, in case they say no, I'm still looking for MOS idea's on what to go for, any ideas?
    Here's the whole list, knock yourself out. BTW good luck and stay away from that cr$p in the future

    http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlis...marinejobs.htm



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    Much appreciated, thank-you!


  9. #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Lotek View Post
    If i'm not mistaken the Marines are the best at what they do, they offer the same benefits but the training you receive is by far better in every aspect. I'm assuming since the Army won't write me a waiver for the possession charge, the AF and Navy will just tell me the same thing

    Well, you are right, but, not to stretch a point too far - the U.S. Navy is the best in the world at what they do. Same for the U.S. Air Force and the same for the U.S. Army. Point being, if we all did the same thing, why have four different services. True, there is a lot of inter-service rivalry, but let's not forget that each service, and each service member, has a specific role to fill.


  10. #10
    HEY CODY BECOME A NAVY CORPSMAN WE ARE LEGENDS IN THE MARINE CORPS. doc john bradley raisedf the flag on IWO JIMA BELIEVE IT OR NOT THE CORPMAN BEEN WITH THE MARINES FOR 250 years SO BECOME A DEVIL DOC OOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRAAAAAAH SEMPER FI

    STEPHEN DOC HANSEN HM3 FMF


  11. #11
    CODY ONE MORE THING THE LEGENDARY CHESTY PULLER STATED "THERE ARE NO BETTER DOCS THEN THE NAVY CORPSMAN"

    SEMPER FI

    stephen doc hansen hm3 FMF


  12. #12
    Nothing wrong with being an Army medic either if it doesn't work out for you.


  13. #13
    If your score is high, you can always go in Open Contract.

    I was given a placement test whenever I was in boot camp that landed me as a welder. Best job I ever had, and I knew nothing of the welding MOS (1316).


  14. #14
    It appears to me that you are implying that you want to be an 03XX. If you really want that, a good time to get it would be the beginning of the new fiscal year (in October). Many specialties will open up then.


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