Reserve or Active Duty Recon?

[thewookie]

Oh so if he doesn't make Recon would he be placed in another job?
Or would he still be infantry?

Thank you all so much!

Assuming he went in on an 03XX (Infantry) contract then he would be sent to the grunts, yes, if he doesn't make it. Then he can learn the basics of what it takes to make it to RIP. It might take a couple of years before he's ready for that.

There are guys that can make it right from the get go, but they are far and few between and born dolphins. The rest spend a while learning to be dolphins that can also run like a gazelle wearing 100 lbs of gear. And,, they need to be real freaking smart, too.

[zx6rdr]

Assuming he went in on an 03XX (Infantry) contract then he would be sent to the grunts, yes, if he doesn't make it. Then he can learn the basics of what it takes to make it to RIP. It might take a couple of years before he's ready for that.

Actually Sgt, they have changed it. When I went in ('99) I had the 0321 contract and like you said before all it was just a guaranteed "try-out". I was under the impression at the time if I didnt make it I would go back to SOI and complete the rest of my contract as a 03XX (which is what I wanted to do anyway). That was not the case, once I did not make the cut I was informed that I was now assigned as "open contract" and was going to be placed in any MOS other than 03XX. So, I went and got my new MOS-0411.. The rest is history.

[Mikewebe]

Hmm never heard of that before, but you were there not me.

And Mom of the soon to be Marine. Wookie has good advice and things change up often. But as I stated earlier if he goes into the reserve he will be placed in a unit that your state has. For example the only Marine unit in Montana is Infantry. And there are a limited number of spots for other jobs such as Admin and Motor T. SO if you live in a state that only has an Engineer unit lets say thats what he will most likely be

[thewookie]

Actually Sgt, they have changed it. When I went in ('99) I had the 0321 contract and like you said before all it was just a guaranteed "try-out". I was under the impression at the time if I didnt make it I would go back to SOI and complete the rest of my contract as a 03XX (which is what I wanted to do anyway). That was not the case, once I did not make the cut I was informed that I was now assigned as "open contract" and was going to be placed in any MOS other than 03XX. So, I went and got my new MOS-0411.. The rest is history.

Well, just goes to show I don't know jack!

0411 - MIMMS clerk? I OJTed that MOS on my first tour because I was the only fool in the motor pool to volunteer one day. I got my first NAM out of doing it, but it was way too much paperwork for me. I'm sure it's much different now. SF Marine

[PittsMom]

Anyone still out there? Big day tomorrow...selecting MOS & signing on Friday (which is technically tomorrow I guess, at this point).

[DAMNPROUD]

From what ive read going recon i kind of like being a great football player in highschool and going on to the NFL.it happens but not often!

[zx6rdr]

Well, just goes to show I don't know jack!

0411 - MIMMS clerk? I OJTed that MOS on my first tour because I was the only fool in the motor pool to volunteer one day. I got my first NAM out of doing it, but it was way too much paperwork for me. I'm sure it's much different now. SF Marine

Sgt, I didnt mean to imply that you dont know jack!

Yes, MIMMS clerk. Hahaha funny story- Right after I was assigned that MOS I asked one of the MCT instructors what it was so he directed me to a MOS chart in the squadbay, Marine Itegrated Maintenance Management Specialist.... I thought HMMMM I going to be changing light bulbs and fixing doors on all the buildings around base... hahaha, Boy I was wrong. As for the paperwork.... its still there you just do it and put the info in the computer, Like doing the work twice!!

[thewookie]

Sgt, I didnt mean to imply that you dont know jack!

I didn't think that you were, I need to tell myself that everyone once in a while to keep my ego in check!

And funny story right back at you -- I went in open contract and got 3531 -- then I OJTed 0411. It's not where you start, but where you end. SF

[MSgt Borrowman]

Assuming he went in on an 03XX (Infantry) contract then he would be sent to the grunts, yes, if he doesn't make it. Then he can learn the basics of what it takes to make it to RIP. It might take a couple of years before he's ready for that.

There are guys that can make it right from the get go, but they are far and few between and born dolphins. The rest spend a while learning to be dolphins that can also run like a gazelle wearing 100 lbs of gear. And,, they need to be real freaking smart, too.

Currently the initial qualifications have been lowered in order to meet Marine Corps end strength increases in 0321, so chances are good that he will make it to the course if he is in decent shape. The initial requirements are not nearly as rigorous as they once were.


He may need to serve on one deployment with an infantry battalion initially, but as long as he scores a 200 or higher on the PFT, has a 105 GT or higher, a 3rd class swim qual, and no vision problems, he should be able to hack BRC. It will be rigorous, but the intent of the course is not to fail Marines, but rather give them the tools necessary to succeed. If he really wants it, he can make it.

To answer the original question, the advantage of being a reservist vice active duty would be more time to complete higher education and the ability to serve and advance in a civilian profession as well as military.

The disadvantages of being a reservist would be no/less retirement pay(if he decides to stay in to 20/30), no tuition assistance (although the GI Bill may still take care of him), and the possibility of having to drop everything going on in his life at any given moment as a civilian in order to serve the needs of the Marine Corps at any given time in any part of the world.

As active duty Marines, this is understood and a part of life, I can imagine it would be rather disruptive to serve 5 or more years in the reserves, have no deployments, a settled job/family, then pick up and leave all of a sudden.

Of course, a Marine is a Marine, and we all understand (or should) the needs of the Corps above our own personal lives, reservist or not.

And if there does not happen to be a reserve unit with recon Marines in your state, he can always go to the closest state that does have one.

If he goes for it and doesn't pass the Basic Reconnassaince Course (BRC), then he will be reassigned according to the needs of the Corps (any MOS) and can lat move into 0321 later once he corrects his deficiencies.

http://www.marines.mil/news/messages...ssagesa31.aspx