MOS Selection Clarification

[September]

Recently, I signed my contract away from comms to artillery support (I think that's the name for it, 0842, 44, 47, and 61), which includes a bunch of seemingly random MOSs, that from my untrained eye, have nothing to do with each other save a bunch of of math. My recruiter, who has thus far been rather straight forward with me, made the statement that the majority of people he had seen got 0844, a purely anecdotal statement I'm sure, but probably likely. What turned me on to the MOS, however, was the forward observer side of things.

Now, my question does not relate to either or neither MOS, as I'm fairly certain I've got a decent grasp on the concept, but rather, at what point is the MOS given, or selected, for me to end up in any of the above MOS fields, and do I have any say over the matter? Or is it 'needs of the Marine Corps?' Or, alternatively, some combination of testing scores, 'needs of the Marine Corps,' and selection?

I wouldn't mind 0844 from what little information I've gathered, but what I really love is watching things explode (which is why I jumped on the MOS, maybe not the best idea).

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[USMC 2571]

Welcome to the site. Three guys in particular usually wander in here pretty often, but just in case they don't, and you want (as you do) good info and advice, PM munkyvsrobot, LCPL1341, and josephd

[Tennessee Top]

Primary MOS's are assigned the day before graduating from Marine Combat Training (MCT), School of Infantry, East or West coast, based on a combination of your ASVAB line scores, and the needs of the Marine Corps (you have no say other than what you sign on your contract the day you ship to bootcamp). Along with your primary MOS assignment, you'll receive your travel orders to your MOS school (artillery goes to Fort Sill, OK, Army base). It is common for Marines to be disappointed because they did not receive the MOS they THOUGHT they signed up for (happens every MCT graduating class). Makes one wonder if they even bothered to read their contract BEFORE signing it.

[devilbones2]

Did you sign the CK (FIRE DIRECTION AND CONTROL SPECIALISTS): 0842, 0844, 0847, 0861 contract?

[September]

I figured it would be something along those lines. I doubt they would ever get anyone into necessary but boring jobs if they let everyone pick every detail of their contract (lol).

I did sign the CK contract, yes.

[devilbones2]

Good luck. You are you going to have a blast.

[USMC 2571]

Oh for a return to yesteryear when MOSs were handed to you and you had no input whatsoever. It sure made life easier. What decisions did we have to make as would-be Marines? Just whether to sign on the dotted line or not.

[USMC 2571]

No reflection on the OP's questions, those are quite legitimate. I'm just thinking back, is all, noting one of the many sharp contrasts between "back then" and now. And there are indeed many.

[USMC 2571]

Just one more thing---you'll find these guys extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Devil Bones, josephd, munkyvsrobot, LCPL1341 and others. Some or most of them are IN the Corps as we speak, and know their stuff......and when it comes to admin, Kegler300 is unsurpassed as far as good and accurate info goes.