Any way to practically guarantee an MOS selection ?

[Shipley]

Hey again Marines.

My question today is about my MOS selections. My first choice was infantry, second being combat correspondent, third being tank and amphibious assault vehicle. But I really have no desire for anything but infantry. I want to know how to jobs are determined for an applicant based off their 3 selections, and if I am allowed to wait for an opening in infantry, or how all this works?

Thanks again Marines

[Marine1011]

Jobs. Jobs? Youre joining the Marine Corps right? We dont do no jobs in the Marine Corps. We have MOSs. And if you want to know what a Marine does in an MOS google it. Infantry isnt a job, its a way of life. If you filed out that dream sheet of your top 3 choices then what you get is based on the needs of the Marine Corps at the time.

[Shipley]

Thanks for the response Marine. That was my mistake, I do know that it is MOS that was an error on my behalf as a result of me being in a hurry as I was on break and strapped for time. I apologize. I have heard of people/poolee waiting for there preferred MOS selection to open up and then having it offered to them. Is that possible ?

[MOS4429]

Shipley, your question would be a good one to ask of your recruiter. Most of the answers here will be speculation, unless a recruiter answers, and there were a few on this site, but I haven't seen them around in ages.

Here is an interesting post at military.com close to the subject:

http://forums.military.com/eve/forum.../1150051982001

You recruiter is busy, but he is YOUR recruiter. I think the simple answer to your question is, yes, it can be done, but the reality is in the process you might end up a creek without a paddle, if you know what I mean. Read that thread at the link above.

[Shipley]

Thank you MOS4429. That post helped and answer my question on how to handle the situation. Thanks so much for even more advice lol

[fl1946]

Can you write? Know what a style book is? Know how to compose a story? Any experience in photography (not point 'n shoot stuff)?

If you can honestly answer "yes" to the above, "maybe" you can become a combat correspondent (CC). Being a CC is not always a picnic. Try standing up in a hail of bullets for at least 10 seconds filming. Or, getting the story without a weapon...maybe a pistol that's like a slingshot against an AK. Good luck. If you become a CC, you will be a part of a very exclusive group. In Vietnam CC KIA casualties higher than WWII. Good luck.

S/F
Member Board of Directors
USMC Combat Correspondents Assn