3381 units, how exactly do they work?

[Draco771]

So after my recruiters gone over all my paperwork and I work to get back into standards he says 0811 is no longer an option because the PULHES I'm most likely going to end up getting.

So what he brought to my attention is a detachment being stood up at Ft. Lewis comprised of several 3381s, 3302. But what throws me the hell off is that the unit has senior NCO level infantry MOSs and has several senior Intel MOSs.

Which makes me very confused what a detachment of cooks would be doing with infantry and intelligence NCOs. My recruiter was utterly clueless and curious about the same thing.

By default I'd be entering as an Private First Class because there isn't any Privates in the detachment, just Private First Class through Staff Sergeant with the exception of the Infantry and Intelligence NCOs.

I thought maybe it was because of the units mission like if it was a civil support team or something but the only issue with that is it's just numbered HQSVC CO CLB 23 CLR 4 DET 3-19Z

I know it's Combat Logistics Battalion under Combat Logistics Regiment, but the DET number is what throws me off because it's not a traditional Marine Detachment number, and my recruiter couldn't find additional information on it beyond a POC number of the Commanding Officer who's a 3302.

So mainly speaking, anyone know what these kind of detachments do that warrant senior infantry and intel NCOs as being organic to them?

And 3-19Z does that mean there is a 3-1 through 3-18 somewhere as well? And what is the "Z" identifier at the end mean?

Again, recruiter has no idea so wondering if someone can shed some light on this kind of a detachment role. What myself and the recruiter are speculating is it's some kind of CST type unit, or some kind of disaster relief unit based on food supply to indigenous or something. But that's just speculation.

They've got a total of 18 3381s with 1 3302, 5 0369s and 3 0211s and 1 0291.

I mean personally it's not THAT big of a deal to me, I'll take the 3381 slot, but just really puzzled by a very bizarre composition.

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[josephd]

those 0369's you're seeing are probably Master Sergeants and they are just filling an operations chief billet there, not really doing anything "infantry" wise.

I actually just got done doing a training exercise in 29 Palms, CA working with HQ Co. CLB-23....got to know their Co. CO, Co. 1st Sgt, and Co. Gunny real well.

[Draco771]

those 0369's you're seeing are probably Master Sergeants and they are just filling an operations chief billet there, not really doing anything "infantry" wise.

I actually just got done doing a training exercise in 29 Palms, CA working with HQ Co. CLB-23....got to know their Co. CO, Co. 1st Sgt, and Co. Gunny real well.

SGT. D, I apologize for the late reply, I wasn't aware anyone had replied. I would love to learn more about what their command says about the detachments mission.

So far talking to the detachment commander (recruiter got POC for me) Captain D. is pretty chill, it was amazing getting lunch with him last week and taking the time to talk to me about the unit.

I've come to learn the Detachment is in fact a Marine Corps variant of a CST, only the primary emphasis is training culinary skills to indigenous military outfits, and they deal with diplomatic missions and events related to the USMC and host nation political and high ranked military officials.

Sounds quite interesting and quite fun. Although I kinda wish it wasn't as much of a "Pretty Boy Marine" outfit (Captains words, not mine. He said he spends more time in culinary uniforms or the Marine dress blues than MARPAT)

I also found it interesting such units are put in the reserve and not active duty. I guess after talking to the Detachment CO, all Marine CSTs related to emissary and diplomatic emphasis are all reserve units. He couldn't tell me how many units like the Det. there are, but what he could tell me is that there is a significant number of them. With more than half being airborne slotted.

Although sadly, the Det I plan to serve in will not be airborne, but I still have to pass tryouts. Each month recruits wanting into the Det have to attend tryouts, with every six months attending a drill weekend with Marines from the Det who give a Go/No Go for that six months cycle to let you in or not.

So quite frankly this will be quite interesting, and a hell of an achievement getting into.

[josephd]

SGT. D, I apologize for the late reply, I wasn't aware anyone had replied. I would love to learn more about what their command says about the detachments mission.

So far talking to the detachment commander (recruiter got POC for me) Captain D. is pretty chill, it was amazing getting lunch with him last week and taking the time to talk to me about the unit.

I've come to learn the Detachment is in fact a Marine Corps variant of a CST, only the primary emphasis is training culinary skills to indigenous military outfits, and they deal with diplomatic missions and events related to the USMC and host nation political and high ranked military officials.

Sounds quite interesting and quite fun. Although I kinda wish it wasn't as much of a "Pretty Boy Marine" outfit (Captains words, not mine. He said he spends more time in culinary uniforms or the Marine dress blues than MARPAT)

I also found it interesting such units are put in the reserve and not active duty. I guess after talking to the Detachment CO, all Marine CSTs related to emissary and diplomatic emphasis are all reserve units. He couldn't tell me how many units like the Det. there are, but what he could tell me is that there is a significant number of them. With more than half being airborne slotted.

Although sadly, the Det I plan to serve in will not be airborne, but I still have to pass tryouts. Each month recruits wanting into the Det have to attend tryouts, with every six months attending a drill weekend with Marines from the Det who give a Go/No Go for that six months cycle to let you in or not.

So quite frankly this will be quite interesting, and a hell of an achievement getting into.

I didn't understand a word of that really...

most reserve units are "pretty boy outfits" as you said(supposedly this Capt said). reserve units do alot of PR and community service work which means they spend alot of time in their blues and service uniform. Other than wearing my cammies/FROG gear on deployment, I have worn by blues and chucks more often than I have ever worn my utilities.

[Tennessee Top]

I didn't understand it either. Why in the hell would Marine cooks (reserve or active duty) be serving emissary's and diplomats anyway? And, why would they be airborne? Cooks with jump wings now? But, this is a new Marine Corps. I barely recognize it anymore. The Marine Corps I remember only existed to fight and win battles. Hard to figure out what this one does as it certainly does not fight (except for a few pilots).

[josephd]

I didn't understand it either. Why in the hell would Marine cooks (reserve or active duty) be serving emissary's and diplomats anyway? And, why would they be airborne? Cooks with jump wings now? But, this is a new Marine Corps. I barely recognize it anymore. The Marine Corps I remember only existed to fight and win battles. Hard to figure out what this one does as it certainly does not fight (except for a few pilots).

Hahaha Top...I wasn't even going to jump into this and entertain some these inquiries as I don't even understand the logic and the purpose

[LCPL1341]

I decided to check OP out, he's been posting similar threads since 2011... Yes, 2011; asking about how units are structured, MOS responsibility in specific capacities, etc. Dude, you're either a spy, a big time procrastinator, or just a guy who likes to hear himself talk but won't actually take any action to become a Marine. Instead of having lunches with Captains (Lol, seriously? Only time I see my OIC is when he promotes us/gives us safety briefs....and I've been in over a couple years), maybe you should, you know, actually enlist? As for your question, a cook in the reserves does the following:

1) PFT, CFT, Marinenet courses, regular annual training every Marine does.

2) Play f*ck f*ck games because there is really nothing else for them to do.

3) clean weapons.....every drill weekend.

4) Around 1130 each day, they open MRE's, heat the main meals up in huge pans, and serve them to the Marines on cardboard trays....unless the VFW or Marine Corps League drop by, the they bring us boxed lunches (which are a huge improvement over the MRE's).

That being said, I doubt your experiences will be like Forest Whitaker's in Le'Daniels the Butler with a tuxedo and white towel on your arm.....you'll be more like a glorified lunch lady one weekend a month (except you're serving something, which in my opinion, is worse than the public school lunches I've endured).

[Tennessee Top]

Are you saying, we have a serial poster on our hands?

[LCPL1341]

Lol. I won't make that assertion Top...but anything is possible.

[Draco771]

I wish this site had a notification set up for when replies are made.

To the Marine NCOs: The Detachment in particular has an O3 (Captain) as CO, and a 1st Lieutenant as XO, with the bulk of Enlisted and rest of the detachment being "top heavy".

As for the mission all I know is what my recruiter and the Captain he got me into contact with has told me. Marine Corps Reserve apparently has a lot of detachments identical to this one.

I still have not figured out how the hell the detachments designation works, as it's got no actual parent unit, and makes no sense. (at least to me as the guy on the outside)

As far as the how long these kind of detachments have been around, they've been around apparently since 2004. Mission is dominantly building relations, as far as "pretty boy Marines" comment, most deployments for this detachment from what I am told are dominantly to NATO or UN nations to build relations with local, and host government.

In the last deployment in 2012 they went to Thailand and toured the country for seven months training the Thai Military at their culinary schools, and hosting events for high ranking Thai Soldiers, Sailors, etc. and government officials.

Deployment before that in 2009 was to Afghanistan but the bulk of the deployment was in Kabul doing the same as they did in Thailand. At least from what was allowed to be told or cared to be told, that is what I have been told.

Detachment is more like an Army CST rather than a combat unit, and I guess has very little if any combat emphasis beyond required drills and qualifications. As far as airborne school requirements, airborne is needed because they work with Civil Affairs units between the Army and Marine Corps.

[Draco771]

Also there is no guarantee I can get into the detachment 100%, I still have to tryout and compete for a slot. I've been going to training drill weekends they host to get ready and gear up for the schooling/training. Still dropping weight I gained, but so far I'm at 6/7 lbs a month which I'm working to increase that.

At tryout drill weekends it's all just PT 8hrs a day and the obstacle course on Ft. Lewis each Sunday. My performance vs others competing is quite poor in comparison, but humbling.

[Draco771]

As far as food comments, food they make is quite amazing actually. At Drill Weekend tryouts they give us half a serving each of the food that they make for themselves during "pitty time" to let us try the kind of food we have an opportunity to learn how to make.

Overall it's food you'd expect from Gordan Ramsey's or Bobby Flays restaurants in Vegas. Despite the crappy trays and plastic utensils, it's by far the best food I've ever had in my life.

The detachment makes the same kind of food they give to Generals, Admirals, the President, the CIA Director, NSA Director, etc. The food is very high end, and totally destroyed any stereotypes I've ever thought of military food.

But than again I don't know if that's from additional military culinary schools they've been to, or if that's because of where most Marines in the detachment work civilian side. To my knowledge each NCO who's spoken to the tryout weekenders have said they work at high end places all across Washington. But per the two NCOs that gave us their background, it's typical to find the cooks in the detachment in higher end eateries, and the same food they give us is the same food they expect us to provide overseas.

[josephd]

what you just said in the last 3 posts sounds nothing like the Marine Corps(active or reserves).

Airborne is an Army term, this unit is NOT "airborne"...they may be an active jump status unit.

tryout drill weekends?.....never heard of that

PT for 8 hours a day?.....ummm I doubt it, that isn't even good for you.

I am having a hard time believing any of this to be honest

[LCPL1341]

8 hours of PT a day? In the reserves? They don't even PT 8 hours a day in the MARSOC or Recon communities, so I doubt the reservist food service specialists do it. Much of the training schedule in the reserves is dedicated to basic requirements like annual training, PFT, CFT, etc. Then you have the rifle ranges, swim quals, etc. You shouldn't post anymore until you actually graduate bootcamp.

[Draco771]

Sorry for the late replies, so my doctor cleared me last week. I have NADA as a physical hinderence, and got in writing I am 100% recovered with no limitations of anykind, recruiter said since there are no pins and bolts I wont need a waiver at all!!!!!!!!!!!

EVEN BETTER:

The CST is opening up a Mortar Section for 0341s and 0861 and 0621. All get jump school at Ft Benning!!! XD AND I QUALIFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just have to make cut in tryouts! Recruiter told me this after I gave him the news and copies of the paperwork! Just need to meet:
12 miles with 60lb ruck in 3 hours.
5 mile run in 45 minutes
20 Pull Up - 2 minutes
100 crunches - 2 minutes
And get "Advanced" on Swim Qualification event.
And 0341 will be mine!!!!! XD All guys going through tryouts have to meet the above, but hell to be one of the first 0341s for this detachment? **** YEAH!!!

Guess I wont be a cook after all! Best news I've heard all day, and if I don't make cut by March my Recruiter will toss me in as an 1812 in Yakima or 0811 in Spokane, but by February's Tryouts I should definitely be above or beyond the baseline standard.

So stoked!