confused on MOS and other stuff

[Sparrowhawk]

Originally posted by cg03
my cousin who was a Marine was telling me that it was important to get an MOS that you can use the experience for another job when you get out of the Corps. For example, he said he went into the Infantry, but when he got out, the only job he could get based off of that experience was a cop. My MM score isn't high enough on the ASVAB and I was told I couldn't retake it.

So, what's wrong with being a cop? In being a Law Enforcement Officer?

That your ASVAB wasn't high enough, tells me the Corps might not even allow you to be a ammo humper.

Kid, you're going into the Corps for all the wrong reasons. Seems like you're more interested in getting out, before you get in.





Good thing Bones was so gentle with you.

[wrbones]

Next...one of the five or six best POOL-ees we've ever had here.....


JC's turn is coming as well...



Aren't ya glad I deleted that other half of your post?

Ya see, cg, nobody's useless in the Corps. I'm using you as an example.

Just so ya know. Yer 'cuz' is probably screwin' with ya about half the time...either that, or yer not listenin'...which means that he would say to hell with it, and start screwin' with ya some...just not enough that the rest of the family would catch on.

[22DevilPup87]

I hope that you look at being a Marine as more than just having a job. MOS is Military Occupational Specialty. While I know I'm just a civvie, I like to believe that once a Marine I'll be living for My God, My Country, My Corps. That's not what a "job" is. I'm a young'un lifeguarding to cover a portion of my expenses and save up some money. That's a job, not being a United States Marine. I've never asked a Marine, "What is/was your job?" I've always worded it with MOS.

To me it looks as if you downgraded the importance of all logistic MOSs. Since when is any MOS less important than another in the Corps?

You signed a contract, making a commitment to the Marine Corps to serve to the best of your ability as an Air Delivery Specialist. If your intent isn't to do so you shouldn't have put your John Hancock on the dotted line.

Going into the Corps is about the needs of the Corps, at least that's what I understand. Your needs will be met but your wants will only be honored if they fall into the need of the Corps, again, from what I understand. Being a Marine will prepare you for the civilian workforce, I'd think, if you'd so choose to enter it. Your MOS may or may not do the same, but that's not the issue. A book can teach you how to perform a skill but only real life experience will teach you how to be a leader and ensure the task at hand is completed.

From the looks of it, you did little, if any, research on your own, and it shows. If you were to tell me otherwise I'd have reason to believe you were lying. The site at about.com that lists all the MOSs has been posted in the POOL-ee Hall several times. You don't even have to leave leatherneck.com to get the link! Hit the POOL-ee Hall, Marine Mentor Forum, the rest of the internet and the library. (Ya can't truthfully say that you've done all that to the fullest extent. There're a massive amount of threads on these forums and an outlandish amount of information at your local public library and spread all over the internet.) If you want to talk to real live Marines about their experiences talk to your recruiters and get in touch with your local VFW Association and WMA chapter.

Sparrowhawk is right ... you're lucky we've been gentle.

I don't like ignorance. I've seen some POOL-ees with a complete lack of respect, but many times that's because they never saw the example set. Respect can be learned. I've also seen some POOL-ees that didn't seem to know up from down, but that can be cured with a willingness to work. Ignorance, however, is purely within you.

Closing statements:
Being a police officer is very rewarding for many and a respectable and honorable career. The coolest teacher I've ever met is a state trooper. I also had the honor to run once with a former Marine that is presently a state trooper. Don't make the profession of law enforcement sound like it's not worthy.

Enlisting in the Marine Corps is about being a Marine, not a civilian. Focus on your life as a Marine if that's what you want. Otherwise, stay a civvie.

[JChristin]

cg03

I understand your reasoning, HOWEVER, becoming a member of the greatest military branch since the conception of Rome and earning the title: United States Marine will further any career aspirations you may have for life after the Marine Corps.

You asked Marines for input, then continued to act rather - disrespectful. WE are different from any other branch of any military any where in the world. You are addressing United States Marines - learn respect. Respect for the title and for what it stands for, and the people who create the blood that flows through our veins - for in the final analysis, we are one. We are the force that other military branches shiver when we approach.

About the future: When I submit my resume and upon an interview I am always asked, "You were a Marine?" They find it difficult to comprehend that a woman who doesn't resemble King Kong would or could be a United States Marine. They never ask what I did in the Marine Corps (4211). They are always so impressed by the mere mention of the United States Marine Corps. That is what will open more doors, impress more potential employers, as it will show that you have the leadership skills and self-displine to handle any situation at anytime under any condition and meet any cause.

Oh ya, did cousin mention the wonderful VA benefits for education during and after your term of service - provided you earn a Honorable Discharge? The advantages of the Federal VA Home Loan with Zero Down, or the wonderful VA Medical Care that follows?

Don't tangle with Sgt. Bones. He's doesn't handle fools too well. Show respect and he's you're greatest buddy. He earned his title.

But the greatest benefit is this, the title: United States Marine.
It says it all.

semper fi,
jchristin

[Semper_Marine]

When I enlisted a year ago, I thought little about life after the Corps. I'm in Artillery with L Btry 3/12 in 29 palms now and enjoy every minute of my job. I believe that one needs to first realize that this is a 4 year minimum deal. Let me ask, if your job is fun, is it work, or are you getting paid to have fun?? Personally, I think I get paid for having fun more than actually "working" for my pay. What I mean is, I enjoy shooting the biggest guns in the Corps and blowing stuff up. If you pick a job you like/enjoy, the 4 years goes by faster and before you know it, you're thinking about reenlistment. With the GI Bill I hope to go to tech school for Fire Protection Technology, that's fairly high paying in the civ world. THE POINT is: pick a job you'll enjoy, the GI Bill will help you get an education for a civ job later.
Semper Fi pup,
Semper_Marine

[wrbones]

Welcome Aboard, Semper_Marine! The more I think of your post, the funnier it gets!..." I enjoy shooting the biggest guns in the Corps and blowing stuff up."

I keep telling people that grunts get paid to go hiking and camping and they get to blow stuff up!

Now that they've heard from you, maybe they'll believe me!

Don't forget the free helicopter rides and plane trips and cruises!

[22DevilPup87]

But -I- want to go hiking and camping and blow stuff up!

On behalf of the POOL-ees:
Welcome, and thanks for spending some time around the POOL-ee forum. We love hearing from Marines, and it's oh-so motivatin' to hear from a "new" Marine ... and you can relay current information to us about the present-day Corps which is always great.

[CrazyBrave83]

I'm basically going to repeat what everyone else has already gone over. In the Marine Corps, there is no 'worthless' job. Every job exists for a reason. Look at it like this. The Marine Corps is first and foremost an Infantry Driven branch of the military. The other jobs support the boys on the ground. Without even ONE...ONE of the jobs, the Marine Corps would not be the Corps it is today. Don't fret with all the 'after' stuff. If we could always plan for what we'd do 'after' things life would be stale and boring. Just go with what you feel will make your time in the Corps more enjoyable, but go because you want to be a Marine, not because you want to be something upon your discharge. The title speaks in spades, Cg...and so does the way you carry yourself. If they see you were an undeniable team player with good skills, I'm sure regardless of your MOS someone will hire you. So Don't worry. just go in and do the Corps proud!

By the way...it behooves you to listen to all the Marines in these forums. They're some of the smartest and most gung-ho people I've ever met. Watch your step, and listen listen listen. because if you listen...you will learn.

Best of luck.

[Sgt Sostand]

Remember 0300 can do anything i mean anything

[CPLRapoza]

cg

Guess what, where not done yet!!! My primary MOS is 0311. Just like Sgt. Bones said, we get paid to hike along the far streches of Gods wonderful planet, camp in some of the most exoctic places on Earth, shoot the best weapons known to man, kill when called upon to do so, blow **** up when funding is there and get drunk when were done. Never worry about the Civ. Div. till your time comes to join there ranks. While your a Marine the only thing on your mind is to think of ways to improve yourself as a Marine. Also you don't need a physically demanding job to make way in the Corp. At this present time I'm an MSG and this is probally the least most physically demanding job in the Corps, you can stay physically in demand on your spare time, whenever you get it. Whether you like what your doing or not is irrelivant, you signed on for how everlong your enlistment is, and you better make the best of it. Cause if that's one thing I hate is a "False Marine" (someone who has no motivation towards the Corps and bad mouths it everyday of the week cause they didn't get what they wanted.) Known as the 10%. They are Marines by title, not by nature. You seem to be on the road to becoming this individual, and if you are get out know because we don't want you here!!! But I will not judge you yet, cause I don't know you. Just do your job to the best of your ability and when the TIME COMES for you to get out, decide what you want to do then, but in the mean time, Learn as much as you can and try to be the best at everything you do.

[richgitz]

It sounds like this young man wants his cake and eat it too.
I sure hope he can keep his thoughts and mouth shut in Boot
Camp. Boy! The DI'S are going to have a ball with you. I can
assure you you'll be Sh****g Marine Corps Green when they
get done with you.

[gigagrunt]

Well, in efforts not to judge this new kid right off and condemn him ..... I am going to just dismiss his theories on the Corps and just offer this little piece of advice regarding the PT portion of his MOS question ...... PT is exactly what you make of it because no matter how much somebody else pushes you, you will never be as good as you can be if you don't want it.... the ones who are in good shape is not just b/c of their MOS -- anybody can PT 2 or 3 times a day ..... not just the grunts, it's about a commitment to yourself and to being the best Marine you can possibly be(which includes being in shape)..........Also - just being a Marine will give you unparalleled experience in the intangible things in this life such as commitment, self discipline and leadership. You get paid to be a part of the biggest and most respected Family of world renown fighting machines ever known. It's definitely not for everybody but if you wanna be a part of this team it does not matter what your position is ......... Just being a Marine is an honor in itself ------ Take a little time and think about your priorities!

[Sixguns]

I love it when the moderator can sit back and watch the action!!!

SIXGUNS

[firstsgtmike]

cg03,

I have read all of the posts here responding to your question. Although many of them were coming in from different angles, I believe the target was completely covered.

I found nothing that I would disagree with.

I wrote the following in response to another poolee's question.

At first glance, it may appear that it has nothing to do with your question. But I think it fits in with many other posts that offered you advice here.

Put them all together, understand what has been said, and you will be miles ahead of those of us who became Marines without the benefits this forum has offered to all of you.

quote
"The Marine Corps is NOT a union shop. My father worked for a union shop. If he needed to move some wood debris, he had to wait for a carpenter to show up. If it was discarded wire, he had to wait for an electrician. There were days he got absolutely nothing done, waiting for the various union tradesman to come back and clean up after themselves.

The Marine Corps is NOT a union shop. I have never seen an instance where someone would come up to a peer group member and say, "let me help you with that" and be turned away.

What do you want to know? What do you want to learn? If someone knows how and is doing it, you can help (and learn).

I was Radio Chief, 1st Bn, 8th Marines providing radio communications to the four infantry companies. I heard a strange voice on one of my radios sent out with one of the companies. I questioned my operator. One of the infantrymen offered to carry the radio.

A short while later, I noticed a strange face in classes I was giving to my platoon, and working to clean gear returning from the field. Same infantryman. I talked to his CO and he was transferred to my radio platoon. Some time later, I was approached by the message center chief. Same kid, helping (and learning) in message center. O.K. transfer to message center. They sent him off to school. Long story short, last I heard from him, he was working for IBM in computers. (That was 1965. He MAY own the company by now.)

Thank God for a non-union shop. I'll admit I took advantage of the opportunities for 20 years. Shortly after I retired, I saw a long list of jobs and job descriptions. From that list, there were 203 jobs that I had a familarity with, and MANY that I could have applied for, if I had the right credentials. (If I had wanted one, I would have asked if they wanted someone with the job experience or the paper experience.)

I don't think that's too bad for a punk kid thrown out of four high schools because of my superior intelligence. At least I think that's what they meant when they told me to hit the road because I was too much of a wiseass."
---------------
cg,

You've had it all spelled out for you. Now just learn how to read.

If I had what is available to you guys here, I might have retired as Emperor of the World. But I was satisfied to exceed my high school teacher's expectations.

As far as the posts go; Read and Heed! None of us have an axe to grind, none of us have an ulterior motive. We are merely faceless names on a website.

We give, we offer, we share, because we care. Because we are Marines, we don't have any other choice.

I've never heard a winner make excuses. I've never heard a Marine apologize for caring.

Your cousin says he "was" a Marine. I guess that puts a true value on his opinions and comments. Those who visit here "are" Marines, or soon to be, or wannabees.

"Was" Marines don't last long here.

Read the posts. All of them. And if you can't figure it out by then, you've got a bigger problem than any Drill Instructor is equipped to handle.

[gemntx]

I love SNCO's and NCO's

cg03 take a step back and gather your thoughts. As many of the fine Marines have posted here, you only have to worry about one MOS...MARINE! Earn that one and everything else will take care of itself. If you have what it takes to become a Marine, you have what it takes to succeed in whatever profession you may chose. Quit worrying about a four numeral designation and prepare yourself mentally and physically to earn the title.