I do not know what I should do

[Corndog]

I have been in Delayed Entry officially since May 17 of 2007 (so over a year now), and unofficially since October of 2006. I found out today that I am, in fact, open contract. It is because my previous recruiter never turned in my paperwork for my MOS choices or something like that. So even though I signed stuff back in October to choose an MOS, it never went through, and nobody caught it until now. I ship on June 9th (A little over a week from now). I had wanted to do Public Affairs, which is an MOS that there are not many of. I had filled out and signed paperwork guaranteeing me that MOS, but, I guess my old recruiter never turned it in or something like that. The point is, I am open contract, and a female, which adds problems because the majority of jobs that are open right now are male-only. I guess my question is should I suck it up and do a job that I don't like, but still have the pride of being a Marine, or should I go to college or something and join the Marines later? More than anything in the world I want to be a Marine, other wise I wouldn't have stayed in DEP so long. I am Guide at my Recruiting Station. I have worked very very hard over the past year. But, if this is how the Marine Corps actually works, then maybe it's not meant for me after all, or at least not at this point in time...I am not trying to be negative, I just need an outsider's opinion (preferably from someone who is not a recruiter...) Thanks to all advice!!!

[jrhd97]

Look at what is left and see if something appeals to you. If not see if you can delay shipping to get that MOS. If the paperwork was done it is around somewhere. If your recruiter is not willing to work with you on this, work up the chain of command.
Before deciding not to ship, how important is becoming a Marine to you? Is it a major goal? Personaly I would go either way. The experience is worth it. If you don't ,it will be a thorn in your side the rest of your life. Full of what ifs and I was gonna's.
You also have the option of a lat move at some point in your career. It may require an extension, or may have to wait till reenlistment.

[Corndog]

My ship date can't be delayed because I have been in DEP for the maximum amount of days. And it was my old recruiter, who is no longer here as of last week, who didn't turn stuff in, not my new recruiter. I don't think I will decide to never ship, but I might decide not to ship at this time. The SNCOIC is trying to work miracles at this time, and they are all pretty frustrated to say the least. And I am also considering the lat move, but the problem is that most of the jobs that are open right now are male-only.

[Big Jim]

Have you spoken to your new recruiter about what you options really are? jrhd97 has some accurate advice. But if you really want to become a Marine...just come in...every job in the Marine Corps is needed as well as appreciated. I think you can work with your new recruiter to find a reasonable solution. And if you don't find the answer you want...go higher in the chain of command until you exhaust all options until you get what you want. Any more questions...just ask!

[Marine84]

I'm a female, went in open contract and ended up playing with bombs. All they're going to do is use what you did on your ASVAB and put you somewhere that they can use you most. You could get lucky.

It's a toss of the dice either way. Even IF you get locked in a certain field, there may be a kazillion jobs IN that field. IF you get contracted for something, it's up to YOU to hold up to that contract. IF YOU fail at ANY one part (average isn't what it should be in school, weight/PFT scores, attitude), you WILL NOT get the job you contracted for NOR any enlistment money. No matter what your Recruiter OR your contract say.

The Corps expects a lot out of you to give you what they do. Go ahead and go.

[JordanB]

Little known fact, your not legally obligated to go until the SECOUND time you swear in. Remember this is the job you are going to have for the next 4 years, so my suggestion would be if you are really haveing doubts and cant fix your contract in time dont do it.

[outlaw3179]

Remember youre going to be doing this for the next 4 years. Fix it before you go in .

[PatriotGirl422]

Don't let them play games with you like they did with me. I had a guaranteed contract that "accidently never went through" and ended up having to sign a new one the day before I shipped for a job I didn't want. They'll try to scare you into signing it at the last minute when there's nothing you can do. Be firm and tell them you're not going unless you get the job you want. I bet something will "magically" appear for you.

[bgsuwoody]

I am almost positive that they have extended the Delayed Entry Program's max time to be in it as well. Here's what you can do, get out of the DEP, and then tell the recruiter you will go to MEPS/bootcamp etc. immediately when he finds you a new job, believe me they can't lose you. Grow some damn balls and get what you want. They are men too, just say what you need and get it. Don't take no for an answer, you both have something to lose here

[rvillac2]

Grow some damn balls and get what you want.

Belay that last order, Amanda.

[bgsuwoody]

Yeah, but you get my drift...lol

[MyCorps]

Do you not have copies of what you signed?

[Isrowei]

Refuse to ship until they give you the job you want. Public Affairs is a fairly specialized field (mine actually) and there are certain screenings that they need to do for you to be accepted as a guaranteed contract. However, it's worth it.

Don't let a lazy recruiter decide your future. You won't get many choices for the first few years that you are in. Make damn sure that you make good choices walking in the door.

Also, keep in mind that the DEP is NOT an obligation to enter the military. Until you swear in at MEPS on your way to Parris Island, you're still free. No matter what they might tell you. It's not your fault that they couldn't get it right in a year of waiting. Kick the program if you need to. Get the MOS you want.

[amarine0311]

Both Officers are right.
Don't settle for something you don't want. And where are your copies of the contracts?

[Corndog]

Refuse to ship until they give you the job you want. Public Affairs is a fairly specialized field (mine actually) and there are certain screenings that they need to do for you to be accepted as a guaranteed contract. However, it's worth it.

Don't let a lazy recruiter decide your future. You won't get many choices for the first few years that you are in. Make damn sure that you make good choices walking in the door.

Also, keep in mind that the DEP is NOT an obligation to enter the military. Until you swear in at MEPS on your way to Parris Island, you're still free. No matter what they might tell you. It's not your fault that they couldn't get it right in a year of waiting. Kick the program if you need to. Get the MOS you want.


Well...I did all of the screening last week, and I received high recommendations and made copies of the letters of the high recommendations. However, the PAO of our recruiting district told me when I interviewed that there are no PA jobs available. She is a Captain, so I am inclined to believe her. I decided to do an MOS with Comm, which is what I had wanted when I first joined in May of 2007. If I like Comm in 4 years, I'll stay in it, however, I'll probably attempt to do a Lat move into Public Affairs. I'm a people person, and I am tired of civilians "accidently" misconstruing the truth of what really happens in the military. I appreciate all of the advice, and I leave in a week. Wish me luck!!! :D I hope I am making the right choices.

[Corndog]

Do you not have copies of what you signed?


And yes, I have learned my lesson well, get copies of anything that I sign. It's my fault for being too trusting. I have copies of basically my entire file now!!!

[Isrowei]

It would be better if you waited for a slot to open in a month or two than to try to Lat move later. Slots can be swapped, positions can be opened. Trust me on this. If you really want a job, stick to your guns and you will be surprised what appears.

You always have the option to leave the DEP as well. There is no obligation there.

What district are you in, btw?

[Corndog]

I'm in the 8th Recruiting District. And everyone, including the PAO, told me that chances of another PA job opening up this year are slim because they only offered one for the whole year. I am happy with what I have chosen to do, and I think it is the best route for me given my options. I appreciate all of the advice I have been given, it has been extremely helpful for my thinking process!

[jrhd97]

Good luck Corndog. Hope it all works for the good.

[Corndog]

Well my story changed. They didn't have the comm job open and I really do not want to do my second choice, so I am getting out of DEP. I do not know when I will be able to get back in. The sooner, the better, I have been a Poolee entirely too long!!!

[Corndog]

OH GOOD GRIEF!!! Sorry guys, but my story changes AGAIN. It turns out I failed the English test for PA, so, I wasn't qualified anyway. So I am doing a management MOS. It sounds boring, but after talking to some people that are in the MOS, I decided that it could actually be a very good MOS for me and my personality. AND, most importantly, I will become a United States Marine, and at the end of the day, that is all I truly care about. I leave on Monday for Parris Island!!!

[amarine0311]

Congratulations on making everything final. Let us know when you earn the title. We believe in you!

[cpl larry]

you are it is a special place once you graduate. The feeling is beyond description