Concerning recruitment and October Fiscal Year

[Endurance89]

Good (very early) morning.

A little about myself.

I am 19, have a high school diploma, and I am 9 credits away from graduating college with an Associates.

I recently began the enlistment process for the United States Marine Corps.

I took the ASVAB this past Wednesday; my AFQT was a 93.

Today, I returned to the recruiter's office to turn in the "homework" (the packet about your family, past employment, places you've lived, and so on), and to discuss MOS's.

I have always wanted to be a part of the most elite infantry in the world, and so looked for an opening in 03XX. This late in the recruiting year, all such positions were filled until period 6 of next year, 31 July---September 10 and my recruiter intimated that those positions that far into the future are held for High School seniors.

My recruiter and I discussed the other available MOS's in the time frames that I had intimated were ideal ship dates: January-early summer.

This left quite a few Admin positions that he vehemently steered me away from.

So far, I am gravitating toward one of the few Avionics positions that are available. My recruiter informs me however, that October is the (either the end or beginning, I can't remember) of the fiscal year, which will introduce a few unlisted availabilities that I can opt into with moments notice.

My question (and let me preface this by saying that I have the utmost respect for all recruiters, Marines that they are) but I am hesitant to put to much hope into this possibility with all of the horror stories I have concerning Poolees and being "bullied" into undesirable jobs.

Is there a possibility of an infantry position opening up, and am I really "allowed" to change my MOS?

Let me conclude by saying that I do, of course, understand that the real prize is having the privilege of becoming a United States Marine and that it is less what you want to do for the Corps, and more what the Corps needs you to do, but I can't help but look out for my future.

I would greatly appreciate any responses. Many thanks in advance, and thank you for your service to our country. My dream is to join you someday.

[Donut Brigade]

Thank you for showing genuine concern in joining the military.

The Corps could use more happy Marines; to find your kind of MOS, you have to find a good balance between what you want to do and what is realistic. For example, I would much rather be a porn star making six figures a year than being in the Marine Corps. You say, you really want to be a Marine and have an 0300 contract? I would think twice and then once more about enlisting into any contract, especially MC because our commitments are so long. The Corps needs every job recruiter is to offer; from admin to infantry. The atmosphere of the job much depends on the people you serve with, not the place or the job itself.

Do you know anything about computers and basic electronics? Go avionics. I wanted to join the military and do some sort of electronics job, so I ended up having the best of both worlds.

I think you should ask yourself one more time and remind that it's at least a 4 to 5 year commitment, and how much you can benefit yourself and the Marine Corps during those years, and you won't benefit either if you stick yourself with a job you hate.

[Endurance89]

Thank you for your response, sir.

I do have a great interest in computers; much of my college experience has focused on computer programming as well as operating systems and repair.

When it comes to thinking and rethinking enlisting, this has been a dream 10 years in the making. I can safely say that the more realistic and un-romanticized thought has occurred within the last 3.

The commitment to the Marine Corps does not sway me in the slightest, but at this way station in the enlistment process, 4 days away from the physical test, and however long after to finalize a MOS's plan with my recruiter draws nearer and more real, I am just wondering if I can get the best of both worlds in my eyes, the chance to serve with the few and the proud, as well as an MOS that truly sparks my interest.

Avionics does, and I know I would be happy and give 110%, but if the possibility for a 03XX MOS arose, would I be allowed to take it?

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Prior to your MOS school, maybe. However, the Corps is ALWAYS in need of good Avionics mechs as well.

If you want to do something other than that, try these MOS's:

Intelligence
Combat Camera
Combat Correspondent

Those jobs might have openings.

[Donut Brigade]

Please don't "sir" me brother, I am a year younger than you and you haven't even enlisted yet, plus it's just stupid.

It's good that you are ready to give 110% in a non-infantry MOS. I don't know you but you look like you'd be good at this job. I love my MOS, and wouldn't trade it for anything else. Before I joined, guess what, I wanted to be an 0300 as well. I'm pretty sure everybody does, but most end up thinking their plans over and changing. Some stick with it, only to become exceptional grunts.

Being in my MOS and being a grunt are two very different Marine Corps.

Remember, you cannot be too selfless.

[Lisa 23]

How about filling out the rest of your profile there young man so we know who we are talking to. :thumbup:

[Endurance89]

How about filling out the rest of your profile there young man so we know who we are talking to. :thumbup:

LASWMarine (http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/member.php?u=47018), I filled out the "about me" portion on my profile; I hope this is what you are referring to. If it isn't, please advise.

Donut Brigade, I will respect your wishes, but I assure you age is no restriction to a title of respect such as "Sir."

At all who have offered some advice, thank you. I will continue to check this thread to see new posts. Thank you for your time.

---John Sherman

[Lisa 23]

LASWMarine (http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/member.php?u=47018), I filled out the "about me" portion on my profile; I hope this is what you are referring to. If it isn't, please advise.

:thumbup: