Commision Program Questions, and some more.

[Dunkel]

Let me start off saying that I've tried to look up as much as I could by myself. I've spent about an hour or two each day looking at my options.

I read the rules of the site when I just signed up, but did not see any "post rules". I'll dig around after I submit this but hope I do not offend any of you or break any rules.

I'm meeting my recruiter on Monday, and we spoke for the first time today on the phone.

At first I was very sure I wanted to do NROTC. The problem I have is I was looking at other peoples posts and seeing their statistics and grades compared to mine, and also looking up 1/2 of the colleges that have NROTC programs requirements and having selective acceptance. One question with NROTC is I saw you can request scholarships other than four year- So I could request 2-3 year scholarships if I am not awarded a four year?

I then saw PLC info and I looked in to it.

The questions I have are can you do PLC at any college of your choosing then do the class in the summer, or is it still certain colleges? Also is PLC as selective as NROTC scholarships?

My second question is I've read that for NROTC you get a "wish list" after you earn your commision of preferred MOS's. Does this work the same way for PLC?

The ones I am looking at are Artillery, Logistics, Intelligence and I also saw that the most in demand jobs includes Counter intelligence. I am not sure but from one source I read that Counter Intelligence you have to do a lat move and cannot request/be assigned with your commision. The MOS I am the most interested in is Intelligence but I see how many people want that MOS as well, so it will be competitive.

I also consider enlisting just because you can pick the MOS, and have the insurance you will not get something you are not interested in at all.

I will end this post because I realise it is getting long. I'm sure I got some info wrong and I apologize for any misinformation I have. I try to get the most accurate possible, but I can only look up information on websites for so long.

By the way, I'm a Senior in High School, and do not have above average grades, but I do take AP classes and I am about to get my Eagle Scout in BSA, and volunteer a lot. Don't know if those will help for NROTC acceptance.

(Also, should I take the ASVAB soon, or the AFOQT?)

Thank you!

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[Tennessee Top]

One cannot enlist for a guaranteed MOS (except for reservists). Best you can do is enlist for a MOS category (infantry, intelligence, etc). The Marine Corps will decide which primary MOS you end up with - within that particular category. Talk to your recruiter about this when you meet them. Make sure you understand how enlisted MOS selections work. MOS assignments, promotions, reenlistments, etc are always decided, based on the needs of the Marine Corps - needs of the individual are secondary...at best.

Every graduating class at Marine Combat Training (MCT), after bootcamp, has a group of frustrated and disappointed Marines in it. Because, they are not headed to the MOS school they "thought" they would be going to. This is due to either not reading/understanding their contract before signing it (too many just trust their recruiter), or, not understanding what their recruiter explained to them about how enlisted MOS's are assigned.

Don't know if Eagle Scout helps with NROTC acceptance. But, pretty sure it'll get you guaranteed PFC out of bootcamp (that's an automatic pay raise and puts you ahead of your peers promotion-wise). Ask your recruiter about this (it'll be in your contract).

Enlisted wise. These are just a few of the most sought after jobs in the USMC today (considered critical MOS's):

0211 Counterintelligence/human intelligence specialist
0689 Cyber security technician
0651 Cyber network operator
0241 Imagery analysis specialist
0261 Graphic intelligence specialist
3044 Contract specialist (logistics)

There are more in the infantry and aviation fields. None in artillery. Our current commandant has placed a high priority on increasing our cyber capabilities for now, and the foreseeable future. Talk to your recruiter about this.

Good luck. Ask your recruiter about the ASVAB. Let us know how the meeting went.

[madsox]

Only one thing I can add here is that if you do go for a commission, PLC is available for any college, because it's summer trips to Quantico (the training isn't done in connection with any university program). Also you'll be talking to an Officer Selection Officer, who may be in the same office as your enlisted recruiter, but that's not usually a huge deal.

Check in and let us hear how things go, and welcome to the forum.

[Dunkel]

I had the meeting last night, and It went well. I took the practice test ASVAB and got a 61, but I also did not finish 3 questions because I ran out of time, so I need to work on that for one of the sections. Other sections I had a lot of time left.

We talked for a while about the Corps and qualities and why choose the Corps, over other things.

After I brought up NROTC and PLC he mentioned going into reserves after bootcamp, and then go to college while in reserves and after I graduate I can go to OCS and earn my commision, and then recieve 4 years of E-2 pay (eagle scout promotion out of bootcamp.)

I'm interested in the PLC program, but unsure if I should go reserve or just college to PLC.

Meeting with parents and recruiter on Thursday, and wants us to sign then.

[Tennessee Top]

Sounds to me you're basically still in the same place as before. Officer or enlisted (albeit enlisted reserve). Once you make that decision, the rest will fall into place.

[Dunkel]

After doing some more research, with a large agreement on what I have read that going into the reserves does not benefit your ability for OCS, I will be telling my recruiter that I am interested in the PLC program, if I am not accepted to NROTC.

Do I need to ask my recruiter about seeing an OSO?

[Tennessee Top]

Sure. But, OSO's only work with college students as far as I know. You may have to wait till you're on a college campus to actually meet with one. Let us know what you find out.

[03Mike]

Again - the Top is correct.

As far as PLC - it is correct that you can apply for PLC from any accredited college. Generally, you do not do the first summer of PLC until after your sophomore year of college. PLC is competitive to get into, but not as competitive as NROTC. However, PLC has a much higher washout rate than NROTC. If you meet the standards to attend PLC, they'll evaluate you there for you leadership potential and your potential to lead Marines. A significant number of people who start PLC do not complete PLC, and not everyone who completes PLC is offered commission.

It wouldn't hurt to start talking with an OSO - they'll have more up to date information.

[Dunkel]

Hello Marines,

Checking in to give an update- I was set on doing the PLC program and once I got to school I decided I wanted to enlist instead. I went to MEPS and swore in with a 03 contract last week. I leave January 22nd for San Diego.

Thank you for all the information regarding my questions on all the different subjects. Being a Marine has been the biggest goal of all- whether it be enlisted or commissioned.

[USMC 2571]

Congratulations! and also on being an Eagle Scout, itself a very high honor. Please keep us updated here. Good luck.

[Dunkel]

Hello Marines.

Giving an update- I graduated MCRD SD yesterday!(Ship date was switched to Jan 8th). I'll report to ITB on the 17th less I get RA.
Thanks for all the help you all have provided and looking forward to the future.

[crazymjb]

Congrats. ITB is way more fun than boot camp. Boot Camp is the strangest thing you'll do in the military.

Mike

[MunkyVsRobot]

If you are set on going to PLC you must be an NCO minimum in order to go. A buddy of mine did that as soon as he got promoted to CPL, make sure you can get decent letters of recommendation it isnt guaranteed. Good luck to you if that is what you wish to achieve.