Your Personal Insight on this MOS?

[SchmoyerT]

I leave for bootcamp pretty soon. My selected MOS is Marine Corps Security Forces (PRP). I know what this MOS consists of, so I'm not here asking about what the job is like. What I'm curious to know is if there are any Marines here that have had or currently have this MOS, and what they personally thought/think of it. I'd like to know your opinions. For that matter, anyone's opinions are welcome, not just those who have had this MOS. Thanks in advance!

[SchmoyerT]

Not exactly on topic, but be sure and let us know when you finish boot camp, although it won't be for some time yet.
I hope someone on here can give you some up to date, useful info on the MOS
Good luck in boot camp.

I'll be sure to do that. Thank you sir.

[Devil1087]

Glorified firewatch.

[SchmoyerT]

Thanks I guess. Bump.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

He's not far from being wrong. The job sounds far better, sometimes, than it really is. You stand a LOT of posts, offtimes in boring places. Once your time in SF is over, you'll be going to the FMF, and unless you've kept up on your infantry skills, you'll be behind your peers.

Just something to consider. It's not a BAD job by any means, but don't make more out of it than it really is.

[Devil1087]

Just don't be an idiot when you hit the fleet, no one wants to hear your, "this one time at Bangor.." stories, they're going to hate you no matter what just because you're SF. They teach some cool stuff there and you have opportunities to go through some good training if you're FAST or something, but just shut up and listen to the combat vets, shoot your idea of what you think is the correct way of doing something past one of them first and work it out before your dumbass uses what you learned in all of your high speed firewatch days in combat.

[SchmoyerT]

Thank you very much to the both of you. But although you can get stationed in boring places, you can also get stationed in some pretty cool ones I'd imagine too, right?

[oscrmyr]

The MOS's for the UW Program are 0300/11/31/41/51/52
You will be an infantryman anyway you look at it. I have know several that have had this Program and they went on to the Fleet without a big head and bragging about the places they had been. All Unit's/Post's/Barrack's will train to keep up their infantry skills!

[SlingerDun]

...I know what this MOS consists of,...No you don't.

It takes patience, if you don't have it you'll learn it. And while you're standing often redundant watches alone and at night you will have plenty of time to think about where you'll be standing watch as a minimumish wage security guard when you get out.

[Devil1087]

""""they're going to hate you no matter what just because you're SF""""""

Here's what I never understood. Marines hating other Marines. For any reason. But this is the way it is in reality and sometimes on this very site. I don't remember being taught this in boot camp. It's probably something relatively new. Just so we can be like the rest of society.

Kinda like how Marines never lie, cheat or steal.

Everyone cheats on MCIs

But then again, it's not stealing, everyone's just trying to get their own chit back..

[SchmoyerT]

I actually plan taking that security clearance and joining the FBI when I get out. Or some other form of law enforcement.

[Devil1087]

Then why are you enlisting? If the end goal is FBI, go to college...

Being a grunt isn't going to get you a job dude. Understanding the law is often more important to a cop than the Glock he carries.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

FBI only cares that you have a 4 year degree, preferably in Accounting or a BS degree in something. Clearance won't get you anything with them, maybe a slight edge in hiring but that's about it.

[SchmoyerT]

I'm getting a degree while I'm enlisted. I hear it will be tough, but I can handle it. I've carried a 4.0 throughout high school and have college classes. I figured a degree, a clearance, and military experience would work well together.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

And so they shall. At least you have a plan.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Actually....not so much. With a 'veterans preference', the degree, and a clearance, (Remember, the FBI is a branch of the fed, and as such has eeo hiring practices) he'll at least be competitive....moreso with the military time than without. Not a bad plan, if he can stick with it. Even in my little rinkydink agency, nowadays unless you are at LEAST a 5 point preference vet, you aren't even going to make the initial resume cut to get CONSIDERED for a job.

[USNAviator]

I'm getting a degree while I'm enlisted. I hear it will be tough, but I can handle it. I've carried a 4.0 throughout high school and have college classes. I figured a degree, a clearance, and military experience would work well together.


Look this over, might give you some directional help

FBI SPECIAL AGENT CRITICAL SKILLS
http://www.fbijobs.gov/images/clear.gif
After qualifying for one of the Entry Programs, Special Agent candidates with one or more Critical Skills will be prioritized in the hiring process.


Accounting (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#1)
Finance (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#11)
Computer Science/Information Technology Expertise (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#2)
Engineering Expertise (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#3)
Foreign Language(s) Proficiency (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#4)
Intelligence Experience (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#5)
Law Experience (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#6)
Law Enforcement or Other Investigative Experience (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#7)
Military Experience (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#8)
Physical Sciences Expertise (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#9)
Diversified Experience (http://www.fbijobs.gov/1112.asp#10)
Tactical Operations/Special Forces (http://fbijobs.gov/116.asp)

[SSgtRSD]

Although I am typically against this route and would not normally recomend it, have you considered the Reserves? You will be a Marine, and depending on your MOS, get the security clearance, good training, and the opportunity to still go to school full time. I say this if you view the Marine Corps as a stepping stone to the FBI, which is not a problem if you complete your service honorably....

[SchmoyerT]

I want to do active duty. Thank you to all who gave their advice. From what I've heard here, my plan is pretty good. Thanks again.

[SchmoyerT]

Lol. How long do you have to serve to be considered a vet? A full contract?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Yep.

[SchmoyerT]

What are my chances of getting to guard an embassy? :P

[Sgt Leprechaun]

That's a loooong way off. If you keep your nose clean, not bad. But typically, that's a second enlistment.

[Devil1087]

That's a B-billet, not a bad job but you often get stuck in a chithole your first tour.

My thoughts on the FBI are entry level people do not rate a top secret clearance, they don't need it. Do you think some three letter agency is going to let someone on the job for a day have access to secret information. A TS/SCI says that you can handle the responsibility, but not much more.

If you're going active duty, good luck. It's not that it's hard to do balancing the stressful life of a grunt and college, although it is. It's the fact that, THERE IS NO TIME. Some guys can get an AA in four years doing online courses and stuff.

Being a Marine is a life-changing experience, but take it one step at a time. If you want to be a Marine you'll sign up, but be aware that the experience isn't going to get you a job.