Uncertain about what MOS to attempt
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  1. #1

    Uncertain about what MOS to attempt

    Howdy yall.
    So, to lay down some info, I am 27 turning 28 in November. Ive always wanted to be a military career man, but have always let others tell me it was unsafe and stupid to join any branch because of how dangerous it is. I understand where they are coming from and I understand the dangers involved. But Im at the point now where I just dont care and I wanna live my life the way I see fit. I also dont wanna be 50 plus years old like my step dad regretting that I never served.
    As I understand it, the Marines cut off is 28, so if Im gonna do it now is the time to attempt it.
    Im just having a hard time deciding what MOS to attempt. I realize that some MOS are trained and then end up being used as Infrantry regardless, and that they have the discretion to change my MOS based on the needs of the service. But regardless, Id like to have some sort of rough idea of what Id like to do.
    I keep reading on every MOS that catches my eye. But really cant decide. I can see myself doing nearly any job because I know with theyre guidance Id be damn good at it. But Id like to travel and get education and serve my country with honor and pride like every Marine and military person. I want to go to my grave knowing my life meant something because the work I did saved lives or helped a cause bigger then myself or made sure our people didnt get hurt or worse.
    So I realize that is a long preface to this whole thing, but I want those who read it and reply to understand where Im coming from.
    So Im torn, the jobs Id like are far and varied.
    Part of me just wants to be a Rifleman and get extemely good at it so that I can work alongside other Marines in doing what Rifleman do best. But I understand the risks, and though Im not afraid to die cause I know that Ill be going to heaven, and I understand the psychological effects well enough. But Im not sure if that would be best for me.
    Next I was looking at Combat Engineer. Im good at manual labor and building, and I think itd be bad ass to blow doors down for entry. Again I understand the risks and I accept them.
    Next I was looking at Recon cause Im good at being sneaky and stealthy and I would love to be able to get info on the enemy to assist the main assault in its duties.
    Then I was looking at Intelligence Analysts. I dont really like the whole idea of probably being behind computers all the time, but I understand its a very critical job and Id love to make aure I get the best intel to support the men so maybe injuries and casualties can be reduced or even avoided. Plus the career options after military seem like good paying ones.
    Next is Mortar/Artillery/machine gunner and such. Cause I know like and field position it is high risk but rewarding in the fact that your good work can result in reduced or stop casualties and injuries. Plus I cant lie and say that shooting a big ass gun wouldnt be enjoyable. Again I understand the effects both physical and psychological that can have.
    The last position is Military Police as a Dog Handler. Im extremely good at training dogs and love them, I trained my dog extremely well and like the idea of after service working for Police as a K9 unit.

    But its after the military part of me would like to become extremely proficient in martial arts to one day open my own training center to teach others how to defend themselves. And be proficient in shooting a variety of weapons for my own personal enjoyment and hunting. And I know a combat position would possibly prepare me more for that.
    Another part of me likes the idea of working for CIA or NSA or something like that. Sounds like a rewarding career.
    Basically I wanna serve my country to the best of my ability, and I know I may not even get a say in my MOS depending on what happens IF i even pass boot. But I do want to try. I dont wanna be old and regret not giving it a chance despite the risks. I wanna do something honorable for my country.
    Sorry for the long ass **** I just wrote. And if you made it through all that and can offer me insight or advice of any kind, your a hero of a whole different kind. Haha.

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  2. #2
    Understand your desire to serve and not feel any regrets for not doing so. I hear that all the time too.

    As far as jobs, you're all over the place. One thing that could narrow your choices for you will be your ASVAB score. Certain MOS's require a minimum score, don't make that score, and you're not eligible for it. Certain MOS's also require specific security clearances. Depending on your police record and background, a security clearance can also affect what job you ultimately end up with. There are certain jobs, like guarding nuclear submarines, even grunts (infantry) need a Top Secret security clearance for.

    First step is sitting down with a recruiter. You're past the point of asking for advice on a forum like this. Your biological clock is running out fast - will be June in just a few more days and November is right around the corner. In fact, you may not find a recruiter who will appreciate you walking in off the street and saying "I'm here, but I'm a special case because I'm late, so you need to drop everything now and focus all your attention on me". Maybe you'll get lucky and find a recruiter who needs to write a contract REALLY badly (and maybe you won't). Average recruiter is extremely busy, juggling several poolees, as well as running poolee functions, and going back-n-forth to MEPS (some go multiple times a week).

    Bottom line. You cannot waste another day. You need to be at your recruiter's office tomorrow morning waiting for them to open - IF you're serious. The recruiting process does not happen in just a couple days - it takes time (more so if any type of waiver is involved).

    Good luck. Let us know how your meeting with the recruiter went. If you have more detailed questions based on that meeting, come back and we'll see if we can help. There are no recruiters here so we can't help with specific questions regarding the recruiting process.


  3. #3
    Thank you Tennessee Top.
    Yeah I need to buy study material. I also really need to get my GED, which is another concern of mine. As I understand it they only allow a very small percentage of people in with GED, but I also have college credits. I think around 12-15. Its been awhile since Ive seen my school record.
    As for security clearance, as far as Im aware it shouldnt be a problem. Ive had no criminal past, clean record except a couple of tickets in my past that have been paid for.
    And yeah I figured the chances of things going well are slim. I know theres a deadline and Im not sure how exactly itd work, and I know finding a recruiter who can work with me may be difficult. My plan was go this week and talk to a recruiter from every branch, and see what they say about my situation and see when cut off times would be for me. If anything I may have to end up going into Army or Navy. I do like the fact that Navy could get a chance to travel more and if I could go for a Gunners Mate position. I also like the idea of being on the sea. Who knows I may go in to a recruiter and theyll tell me theres no way Ill make it through all the paperwork and testing before my age cuts off.
    I am a bit worried about being a soldier though. Part of my brain says Id be fine, but **** does happen when your soldier. From being wounded or worse, to simple accidents and freak disasters. But another part of my mine reassures me that theres been countless Marines throughout the current conflicts who have served in combat and made it out virtually unscathed. I just would hope I was one of the lucky ones.
    On an off note, one of my dream positions is Counter Intelligence Specialist. Which I understand isnt an entry level MOS and Im not sure what sort of soldier Id need to work as to get that position later on when I reached the rank to do so. I also know Army has counter intelligence specialists too which I wouldnt mind doing.


  4. #4
    Talking to all the different recruiters is going to add even more time to the process (they all have schedules and priorities of their own). You need to prioritize who you talk to first, have your questions written down, and don't waste time where it's not necessary.

    Don't know anything about the GED process. But if you don't already have one, doubt you can attain one before November. Besides seeing a recruiter tomorrow, you'd better go and get enrolled in a GED course. To say you're behind the eight ball is the understatement of the year. You better get your a$$ in gear.


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