new guy with a question

[chevyguy70]

I am a 17 Yr. old. Junior in High School and am considering the Marines after I graduate. I would like to become a diesel Mechanic but also would like to serve in the Marines. I wanted to get some advice from some people who have "been there and done that". I have heard that recruiter's often will tell you anything to "sell" you into the Marines. I'm not asking if this is true or not, what I am asking is:
What procautions should i take while talking to Recruiters?
What steps should I take to ensure that I go into the field i want to go in when I join the Marines? Thank you to all in advance. I am looking forward to being able to communicate with you all about this subject.

[Poolee08/09]

well if you are unsure of something a recruiter has told you, ask the Marines on this site, they will tell you all they can and try to help you as much as they can. my only unofficial advice that i can give is to join DEP its a start for getting teh job you want, but nothing is for certain just yet. Good luck

[StefanovicN]

chevyguy70, i'm also 17 and live in dallas (Lewisville) maybe we can get in touch and do this together would make it a bit easier on both of us?

[chevyguy70]

StefanocivN. Sounds good.

[Poolee08/09]

im also 17, but ive been on this site for a while now, about 2+ years they have helped me alot, they will help you, and esp now that im in the DEP. and soon enough ill be able to be on here helping out also!

[dep_baumy]

Go to the Marines and learn to be a mechanic in the Corps, and if it isnt for you do not re-enlist and go to the civillian world and apply the skills you learned, and to be honest, my dad owns a mechanic shop and i asked him and he said he would rather hire a person who learned his skills from the Marine Corps rather than in a college, so go Marines, the rest will come easy when you get out.

[dep_baumy]

BTW, dont be nervous about talking to recruiters, they will be honest and fair with you, they will probaly be the nicest person you talk to all day.

[tophor]

When you talk to the recruiter, just remember you are going in for what you want to, not what the recruiter wants you to. If you want to be a diesel mechanic, don't let him change your mind. Also don't be afraid or nervous about talking to them(recruiters) they have a job to do, just don't let them pick your job for you. SEMPER FI.

[foxman]

Son if you are interested in becomming anything in Life. Join The Corp. What you learn from Day One in The Corp will prepare you for anything you will encounter in Life. You may be able to learn Diesel Mechanics in The Corp and then again you may not. But what you do learn will be far more valueable in Life than knowning how to resrtoke an engine. If you don't lear Diesel work in the Corp you can get out and go to an acredited school and have it paid for plus you'll have a Head on your shoulders that is far more level than your classmates. Don't be a hurry to learn from some professor when you can learn from the best teachers in the world. Believe me, what you learn in The Corp will be worth more in ANYTHING you go into.

[Cpl C]

Chevy Guy,
My MoS in the Marine Corp is Motor Transportation Operatot but unfortunately on My base that MOS is not needed therefore I was placed in a Motor T sho with a bunch of diesel Mechs. I did that for just about 2 yrs. I learned alot and if you know somehting about engines and what not before hand it is alot of fun doing what you like to do while serving your country. Semper Fi.

[cjdoyle]

I agree with Cpl C I also am an operator and was working as a mech for three years and it was f***ing awsome. I also have always been in to building engines and such so it was up my alley.
Also most of the engines used in Motor T applicatoins are a basic chevy design which made the work allot easier.
Semper Fi
Cpl doyle

[Sixguns]

Just as you are skeptical about the recruiter and his offers, the recruiter has his doubts about you. If you are walking in to his office saying I want to be a Marine, he is thnking what is wrong with this guy/gal. The recruiter will need to determine your true eligibility and qualifications to join. Rest assured, he has a lot more at or to risk than you do. If he lies to you, he could be facing charges, separation from the Corps or worse. If you lie to him, he is still under the microscope as far as an investigation.

Remember, recruiters spend three years in an area or community. If he lies to you, do you think others in the area would find out? Do you think he will be able to be successful if others have the idea or it is proven that he is a liar? Put the shoe on the other foot for a minute.

Yes, being a recruiter does involve salesmanship. Mostly, selling yourself. Our recruiter school is very professional and is time tested. The Marines have the longest record of making its assigned recruiting mission. THe skills we learn as recruiters help to perpetuate that. But in all actuality, it is the Marine Corps image, Dress Blues and the men of honor that are the strongest recruiting tools we have.

You can be a mechanic anywhere. Why be one in the Marines? Maybe you don't qualify for it. Make a recruiter do his job. Let him show you all you are cpable of or qualified for before you settle on a career path. Recruiters are not just salesmen, but career counselors.

Good Luck.

SIXGUNS

[ridingcrops]

Keep in mind the only thing you can get in the Corps is aviation and then you have to go for 6. And be a high school graduate.
Other than that you go where the Corps thinks they need you.
You ,ay be able to retrain at a later date if the Corps feels they need you but that's all.
The Corps is the Corps and Marines are Marines and go where to do what they are needed for.
Semper Fi!

[jdh091284]

Originally posted by ridingcrops
Keep in mind the only thing you can get in the Corps is aviation and then you have to go for 6. And be a high school graduate.
Other than that you go where the Corps thinks they need you.
You ,ay be able to retrain at a later date if the Corps feels they need you but that's all.

This isn't true. You can get enlistment 'guarantees' for pretty much any MOS you're qualified for. Of course, if you at any point fail to meet the job requirements, you're out on 'needs of the Corps,' but that's the same for any job, aviation or not.

At boot camp and MCT I was with guys who'd gotten a guarantee of motor T, computer specialist, admin...if you have a preference and you meet the requirements, you should be able to get the guarantee in writing (and if it's not in writing, it's not guaranteed). You aren't guaranteed a specific job (I.E. CH-53 crew chief, data systems specialist) but you are guaranteed something in that MOS field (I.E. Aircrew, Motor T, comms, admin).

Also, aviation MOSes have a minimum of 5 years, not 6.

But, back to the original topic, the best best best thing you can do to ensure that you get what you want is to GET IT IN WRITING. If it's not on paper and in your file, it doesn't count. "My recruiter said..." doesn't count for crap. So that's my advice.

Also, recruiters aren't bad guys out to cheat you, so don't get that idea. Just don't simply nod and go 'uh-huh' to everything they say just because they're a recruiter. Make sure you get what you want.

[hound79]

i signed up for an orginizational automotive mechanic in the reserves, i got to meet my first sgt and the sgt in charge of me...looks like it will be fun. those 7.5ton trucks are huge...