Combat Engineer MOS 1371 - Choosing MOS

[Tommyray]

First off this is my first post on this website and I would like to begin by introducing myself.

My name is Tommy I live in Edmond, Oklahoma. I decided to join The Marine Corps officially last month. I've always had the desire to do so, but I never had the gull to go ahead with it. I'm 21 years old, I ship to MCRDSD on January 20th, 2009.



I'm trying to decide on which MOS I would like. I'm currently interested in Combat Engineer, however, other things have appealed to me as well. Such as Tactical Network Specialist. I am very computer literate. I can program in several different languages, work schematics, circuitry, I currently am employed as a Network Administrator for a shipping company. It's just that I would like to do something different. Combat Engineer sounds exciting from what my research has found so far.

I scored a 83 on the ASVAB my composites are as follows: MM 134, GT 127, EL 120, CL 113

I don't really know what the different composites are so any clearing that up would be greatly appreciated. I'm assuming MM is mechanical knowledge in some form as Combat Engineer requires a MM score of 95 or higher I believe (don't quote me, I could be wrong).

Thanks for reading and any help you may provide. I look for insight of others with similar MOS's.

[dizark]

Just a quick headsup... Fill your profile out in more detail with more information or the Marines on the site will tell you.

Anyways, congrats on signing up for the Marine Corps. I'm not too familiar with Combat Engineer, but know there is plenty of information about it on the web or even on these forums.

Best of luck to you.

[Cowboy2161]

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/asvab.htm

Asvab Line score information. About.com is a great source for Military searches.

Remember though that you pick a Occupational Field to go into, not a specific job, unless you are joining the Reserves.

[kash]

For Combat Engineer you have to sign for the 11xx/13xx contract. This is the Construction/ Engineering field. The Marine Corps can put you in stuff like Bulk Fuel, Electrion, Combat Engineer, Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic, Refridgeration(spelling), and some others from this field. How do I know this you ask. I want to be a Combat Engineer and it falls under this contract.

[teamshadowzero]

In my case, I'm signed up for 1371, stated in my contract due to the fact that I'll be stuck on reserve status after I get back from basic (ship 20080518) to finish up my last year of college. After that, I go to MCT and MOS school and then I'll be trying to switch to active duty

[kash]

Yeah I forgot about that that. If your going active you sign for the field and depending on the job when you go reserves you can sign for a certain job. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

[Tommyray]

I somewhat knew that you basically signed up for the field.. but what are the odds I'll get the desired job? What comes into play? I'm sure it depends on whether or not they are needing a body for that position, but what about test scores and whatnot.. What I guess I mean.. is me and you both sign up wanting that job in the 13XX field, and they only have 1 spot to fill.. what determines who gets it?

[kash]

I was told(hince it could be wrong) they look at your test scores, pt, rifle range scores, etc to determine who would excel more in that job.

[Jdncowboy]

If you signed up for the CM contract you'll be put in whatever MOS under that contract needs bodies basically. I signed up under this contract cause i wanted to be a 1371. But i ended up being a 1345(heavy equipment operator) i personally love my mos now. and just a little side note. of all the 1345s Ive met. 90% of signed up originally to be 1371's. lol

Cowboy

[SGTMCCANN]

Whats going on big Dog, I can answer any questions you may have as far as Combat Engineer. I am one, I am a Engineer Inspector, I just left Lejeune and now iam in Folsom, PA. So hit me up on anything you got.

[SGTMCCANN]

Combat Engineers are hurting right now, so theres no doubt in my mind that, that's the route they will put you on. But hey any Engineer is good. I'm Combat Engineer, but my best friend is a HE guy, which is awesome because they let you operate everything they got. The Ace, D7, D9, Scraper, Escavator, etc. you work with everyone in a whole though. Electricians, wire up your SWAHUT's, Bunkers, COC'c. It's a big family and we all learn each others job's. Also remember, you can go. GROUP, DIVISION, and WING. We are everywhere.

[spartan1371]

Tommy i sent you an email via this forum, im a former combat engineer NCO and just got out so im up to speed on it. Go ahead and ask any and all questions you may have im here to help.

[spartancartin]

yea so im wantin to be a combat engineer to so they can put u in other types of combat engineer not all of them do the same thing

[spartan1371]

when i joined in 2003, it was just one MOS, however it has changed. The best one to pick is Combat Engineer Battalion , working with the Division!! YOU DONT WANT to get stuck on an airbase practicing runway repair or building bridges, its no fun its gay, and some stupid Gunny or officer will for some reason get a kick out of watching you do it all day! However Division you train like a Marine is supposed too, explosives,land mines, survivability, Sappers course, convoy opps, Evac opps, land Nav!...the whole 9 yards! you can be a lance corporal and be the infantry captains only advisor on which routes to take and what areas are less liable to posses land mines, booby traps, and road side bombs, you will also particiate and a good bit of recon with the new JERRV "cougar" vehicle, and participate in what little ambushes take place. Then Down side is a lot of sweeping with Mine detectors, we do get killed and blown up on a constant basis, you will be working with alot of guys attached that you dont always know, and you have to be able to apply practical thinking, you cant walk up to an infantry officer and ask him how the blasting cap goes, or how many inches of detcord or time fuse you need to cut....you will be on your own!

[17marine]

im currently signing up in the delayed entry program im 17 and the job i want is combat engineer with division