View Full Version : Biggest Pickle of My life
I feel distraught. I had the same feeling like that guy that got disqualified for his tatoo.
I want to be a Marine so bad. Even though there would be alot more benefits for me if I'd join the Navy.
I still want to be a Marine. The Only branch, I would actually feed proud to put on the uniform. Pride of belonging. The Challenge! The Honor :cry:
But today I got screwed.
Navy recruiter has been trying to get me, then one day I found out about the RATING (job) - of Personnel Specialists.. in the Administration Feild.
I was like, it really sounded intresting to me, and I wanted to do that job.
But I did some research, and the Marine Corps has the Admin feild- Personnel Clerk (0121).
It isn't exactly like that navy's, but it's close enough.
I talked to a Marine recruiter (my recruiter got restationed) about getting my MOS changed to that, and he said it was possible since my current MOS was 0431 Logistics/embarkation.
So today, I was down at the office because they called us down to talk about the Poolee Statewide Function down at Annapolis.
Then I had to sign the paper for my job.
I was like remember I wanted 0121?
He said "oh yes, not a problem"...(20 seconds later).. "oh you dont qualify for it"
*This is where I feel torn*
Then I look down at the paper I have to sign and it is a "Logistics Open Contract"
(What is this?).. Im assuming im not guranteed to be a 0431 Logistics/Embarktation Specialists either!?
*Feel torn again*
Marines I need help, or advice.
I REALLY DO WANT TO BE A MARINE! But there are so, so, so many things going against the Marine Corps for me.
I wanted it to be an enjoyable experience in a way, but they just took away the fun of the job in which I would have had.
I have nothing now.
The only thing giving me a helping hand is the Navy,, but I do not want to be a Sailor.
So many things going against the Marines, and the Navy recruiter there rubbing it in my face.
1. Im guranteed E-3 after Basic Training
2. "Bootcamp" is only 8 weeks
3. It is taken place indoors
4. Guranteed a job in Admin
5. I would be doing something I like
6. Would have E-5 by EAS maybe even E-6
7. More money.
8. More off-duty
9. Only serving for 4 years
10. Same benefits
11. Better dorms
12. Respect of all ranks
13. Better chance of actually using my Military Tuition
PO Adams, has rubbed in much more.. but I don't feel like thinking about them.
I really do not want to be in the Navy.. I would hate wearing their uniform.
But im not going to be doing something I like in the Marines.
I dont even know what Logistics Option is!? Can any of your Marines tell me please?
Plus the Navy's PT is metally challenged. Giving us elementary school workouts.
Marine's will you please grace me with some advice? I am completely and utterly lost.
Hardest decision of my life.
I want to be a Marine. but I would be better off as a Sailor.
Do I choose what I want? Or do what I need?
I've wanted to be a Marine since I was in 9'th grade.. Im graduating in 2 months.
The biggest dilema is, im only going to be in for 4 years.
If I was retiring, I would definatly go in as a Logistics Option, and just change the MOS later on in my career.
But that is not the case.
(sigh)
Lisa 23
04-08-10, 07:24 PM
FIELD 04, LOGISTICS
Logistics is the science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces. It includes the design, development, acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of material; the movement, evacuation, and hospitalization of personnel; the acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities; and the acquisition or furnishings of services. Logistics functions are performed by a wide variety of MOSs in various occupational fields.
Enlisted specialties within occupational field 04 provide advice, guidance, logistics/combat service support, embarkation, landing support, and air delivery.
Below are the Marine Corps Enlisted Military Occupation Specialties which are organized under this occupational field:
0411 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0411.htm) --Maintenance Management Specialist
0431 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0431.htm) --Logistics/Embarkation Specialist
0451 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0451.htm) --Airborne and Air Delivery Specialist
0471 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0471.htm) --Personnel Retrieval and Processing Specialist
0472 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0472.htm) --Personnel Retrieval and Processing Technician
0481 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0481.htm) --Landing Support Specialist
0491 (http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/0491.htm) --Logistics Mobility Chief
I have quite a few book marked but thought about this one as soon as I read your post.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFeHoMhuz7A
Thank you WMarine, but I would'nt be happy about doing any of those MOS's. One (Embark) might be worth dealing with for 4 years.
I actually even told him I wanted to be a cook insteasd, but he was too lazy to go and change it. Was like, "trust me" you have a better chance to go to school while on off-duty while being in Logistics.
Bulkyker, lol I looked at the video. Just makes me want to be a Marine lol.
Lisa 23
04-08-10, 07:53 PM
Why wasn't this brought to your recruiters attention a lot sooner? You have 2 months to go to until you leave for boot camp, and you're bringing this up now with a lot of doubts.
I know if I was your recruiter and you wanted out of the DEP to join another branch all because you didn't bring this up a lot sooner, I'd be extremely ticked.
They made it seem like it was almost certain I was going to get 0121.
But as you see... they never really checked. Dont blame them, not any of them is my recruiter.
Still they completely shattered my plans, i had everything sorted out.
Something about my C scores were'nt high enough.
UGH I really dislike my recruiter.. (who is away somewhere, who never contacts me..)
he set me up, with an open contract.
He got me when I did'nt know what I was doing. he came and picked me up on a Wednesday last summer,. next thing you know on Friday im down at MEPS taking the ASVAB.
I did not study for it at all,. and it was the end of July, I had not studied anything at all since like late May. My brain was braindead.
I scored a 44 on the ASVAB. He was cool with that, he said "good you passed, now we start the process".
Can I retake the ASVAB now?
Lisa 23
04-08-10, 08:15 PM
First of all, don't blame your recruiter. YOU should've read all the papers "before" YOU signed them., If it wasn't what YOU wanted, YOU "shouldn't have signed them", plain and simple. I'm sure your recruiter at the time wasn't holding a gun to your head to sign the papers.
Also, if you weren't ready to take the ASVAB at that time, you shouldn't have taken it.
I also thought that once you are officially part of one branch of the services DEP, another branch of the service can't "actively recruit" you? From you have said in your original post, and I may have read this wrong, but it sounds like the Navy recruiter was recruiting you while you are in the Marine Corps DEP. I thought that was a no-no?
ABCs of the ASVAB
Re-Testing
Marine Corps: The Marine Corps will authorize a retest if the applicant’s previous test is expired. Otherwise, recruiters can request a retest as long as the retesting is being required because the initial scores (considering the applicant's education, training, and experience) do not appear to reflect his or her true capability. Additionally, the retest cannot be requested solely because the applicants initial test scores did not meet the standards prescribed for specific military job qualification.
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/asvabretest.htm
hmm.. so it is saying I can not take a re-test if I want another MOS.. but it does say I can take it again if does not appear to reflect his or her true capability.
That is very true WMarine, I really can not put all the blame on my recruiter.
But he did indeed saw that I was a naive 17 year old. He even said "you are going to ace the ASVAB" (since i scored a 59 on the Pre-test) so he did not inform me of the significance of studying for it. And he pretty much rushed me into DEP. I was in the DEP 6 days from my first phone call to the Marine Corps office.
The fault is mine, which is true. Im going to bring it up to the recruiters, of a re-take.
I know for a fact that I am not going to get like a 99.
But I will promise them, that I would get over 70.
They probably would'nt want me to retake it though. For if I score lower, I can not ship out.
brian0351
04-09-10, 01:13 AM
You know what you just proved to me...that you don't want to "Really be a Marine".
Here's a news flash...the Marines will ALWAYS have things going against it. You do more with less. Let's look at your little list shall we...
1. Im guranteed E-3 after Basic Training - So money is what's important
2. "Bootcamp" is only 8 weeks - So you don't want to have to work 13 weeks for your title?
3. It is taken place indoors - Again, you don't want to work and want an easy indoor bootcamp?
4. Guranteed a job in Admin - Ok you want admin...There is one I can give you.
5. I would be doing something I like - So being a Marine isn't enough?
6. Would have E-5 by EAS maybe even E-6 - The rank you get out as doesn't matter in the real world.
7. More money. - Money again
8. More off-duty - So now your offtime is more important than being a Marine
9. Only serving for 4 years - Point?
10. Same benefits - All Military have the same benefits
11. Better dorms - What do you know about living and working with a group of Marines?
12. Respect of all ranks - Marines don't respect rank?
13. Better chance of actually using my Military Tuition - This depends on what MOS you get while in the Marines.
You don't have what it takes to be a Marine. I can guarantee that you take that whiny attitude and somehow make it to becoming a Marine, there will be a line of people wanting to give you some "Wall to wall" counseling!
brain0351
That was a list of the Navy recruiter would recite to me. The things I can have if I were in the Navy. Of course I said the Bootcamp was mediocre.
I would enjoy Marine Corps bootcamp.
You missing out on my point.
The point is, I would be way better off without the Title.
The thing is, I want the Title.
WMarine, right he isnt techniqually "recruiting" me.
Has not told me "join the Navy"... he just "informs" me of what I am throwing away just to be a Marine.
Besides, my recruiter is not around anyways. Havn't seen that guy in 4 months, or heard, talked to him. (yes i've called)
HOWARDROARK3043
04-09-10, 07:12 AM
dont join the Marine Corps,,,, I dont need to be trying to load a C-130 in Afghanistan or whereever and I run into you and you are sniffling and crying about how i didnt sweep the dirt off the af pallet---------
if you do join the Marines the Marines the excel usually are not in the office doing their job they are doing great things in the Corps outside their mos
SGT7477
04-09-10, 07:23 AM
WMarine, right he isnt techniqually "recruiting" me.
Has not told me "join the Navy"... he just "informs" me of what I am throwing away just to be a Marine.
Besides, my recruiter is not around anyways. Havn't seen that guy in 4 months, or heard, talked to him. (yes i've called)
Looks like you are whimping out, don't believe everything the navy recruiter told you either, maybe you are showing negative signs to the Marine recruiter, if you are in doubt go army.:evilgrin:
Looks like you are whimping out, don't believe everything the navy recruiter told you either, maybe you are showing negative signs to the Marine recruiter, if you are in doubt go army.:evilgrin:
I would have no reason to go ARMY, I've been in NAVY JROTC for 4 years.
I've leared everything that Marines will have to learn (Except Marine Corps history, and about the weapons).
Only have 2 options, Navy or Marine Corps.
Ima ask one of the recruiters if I can get my line scores of the ASVAB, since I have never seen those in my life.. I will see what I qualify for and what I don't for myself.
TazMatt
04-09-10, 08:00 AM
Do not go into the Marines you won't get any cheese with that whine so go navy where you get what you want.
Thank you for your opinion TazMatt
"Biggest Pickle of My Life"........... Been watching the Sandlot a bit too much?
Lisa 23
04-09-10, 08:10 AM
Well lets see, the Navy recruiter knows that you're in the Marine Corps DEP and is trying to get you to join the Navy by telling you anything he/she wants to change your mind. So I'd say that the Navy recruiter is "actively recruiting" you.
If you think that you'll be way better off without the title, then join the Navy, the Marine Corps doesn't need you. It's great that you still want to serve your country, but to have a change of heart after all of this time in the Marine Corps DEP and the time your recruiter has put into you, it all just went for nothing. If your recruiter isn't around, then there are other recruiters at your RS to talk with, so don't give the bs line on that one.
Oh, and how long do you plan on waiting to tell your recruiter all of this with you thinking about getting out of the Marine Corps DEP and wanting to join the Navy now? And once you get into the Navy DEP, and you decide you want to go back and be a Marine, guess what, it's not going to happen.
It's your life, you do what you want, but you picked a he!! of a time to do all of this crap to your recruiter and with 2 months to go to boot camp.
Sgt Leprechaun
04-09-10, 08:18 AM
Geeez. A line comes to mind "I used to be decisive, but now I don't know..."
Kid, no disrespect, and don't want to hurt your little feelings, but you are like a shotgun fired at a bannana...a few pellets hit the thing, bouncing it all over the place, the rest just fly off into space, and lots of 'bang' and smoke, but not much effect.
Item first: You have NOT 'learned everything' the Marines learn. Period. Humble yourself and realize that the world doesn't revolve around YOU. Take a step back. I can assure you, you have much to learn.
Unless the law has changed, you have EVERY option. You CHOOSE to do the Marines or the Navy. No one is forcing you, it's your choice. Anything else is just excuses.
If you believe, as you stated, you'd be 'better off without' the Title...then the choice has been made, hasn't it? Man up and give your spot to someone who REALLY WANTS it and won't be some shivtbird Marine who makes life difficult for every OTHER Marine around them because "I coulda been a contenda" or whatever.
Join the Navy, and you'll be much happier. You can be a Yeoman or whatever, and when the Marines embark aboard, you'll be like "Yeah, thought about the Corps....but I wanted the better benefits of the navy".
Again, nothing personal, but you just need that little 'noodge' and I'm the Leprechaun to give it. Go Navy!
Phantom Blooper
04-09-10, 08:35 AM
Cruz....you really will be in for a pickle....if you think that Parris Island will be hot....and you can't stand heat...you have never been on a Navy ship.:evilgrin:
WMarine, with all respect. You are unaware of the "recruiters" that I have, sure your giving me the basic things a recruiter will do or spent time on me.
But necesarilly, not really. I get called to the functions like once a month, barly have any communication with them.
When I ask for a questions or change, they always look for the easy way out.
Don't want to hassel with my paperwork, which they havn't at all since my recruiter left.
Im just the kid they have to take to MEPS on that Sunday on June 13'th.
I know I am not being forced to join the Marines.. But I am not blind and will just go in just "because".
Personally, I wish I would have just gotten a better recruiter last summer, who did'nt rush me into DEP.
and Sgt. Leprechaun, thank you for your opinion.
Cruz....you really will be in for a pickle....if you think that Parris Island will be hot....and you can't stand heat...you have never been on a Navy ship.:evilgrin:
Phantom Blooper : you are right, i've never been on a Navy ship. About the heat thing (sigh) well.. Guess I just got to suck it up, I realized that I would have rather earn the title as soon as possible. If I passed out because of the heat,..then I just passed out. End of that story.
brian0351
04-09-10, 08:59 AM
Cruz,
You are behaving like a child. "You don't know my recruiters!" "Wah". If you have an issue with your recruiters, go to their superiors. If you have a problem with them, go higher.
You are in DEP...your not contracted to anything right now. You can walk away if you want. You want a different MOS that you don't qualify for because of your ASVAB. Tell your recruiter that. Tell him that you want to retake an ASVAB that will count and you'll wait for your slot. Don't let someone else dictate your life while you still have control over it.
Your in the current position because of your own behavior...not your recruiters. You let them "push" you.
Lisa 23
04-09-10, 09:09 AM
You mean to tell me, that every recruiter at your RS is blowing you off? I highly doubt that. And, if they are, there's the SNCOIC to talk to, and I know he/she isn't going to blow you off.
And stop with the "I wish I got a better recruiter last summer who didn't rush me into the DEP" thing. YOU had the choice to tell the recruiter that YOU weren't ready to take the ASVAB yet and to sign papers. He didn't hold a gun to your head to do all of that.
Why is it that when things don't go someone's way, they always blame the recruiter? It's never this persons fault. You sure have lots to say now. Where was all of this talk months ago before you even took the ASVAB?
Remember...no one forced you to take the ASVAB or sign those papers, you did that of your own free will.
HOWARDROARK3043
04-09-10, 09:36 AM
wow,,,,this kid is getting a lot of attention,,,,will he take the advice of those that have been there??? as you grow older you realize that people that are older have walked down the road you have already,, and are trying to give you proper advice. Young bucks think that older people are just that old,,, those are the young bucks that fall on their face and dont know why,-----------then there are those that listen to the old people and achieve great things------------------IM JUST SAYING
SGT7477
04-09-10, 08:59 PM
I would have no reason to go ARMY, I've been in NAVY JROTC for 4 years.
I've leared everything that Marines will have to learn (Except Marine Corps history, and about the weapons).
Only have 2 options, Navy or Marine Corps.
Ima ask one of the recruiters if I can get my line scores of the ASVAB, since I have never seen those in my life.. I will see what I qualify for and what I don't for myself.
Are you venting on me?:evilgrin: