College, Enlistment Questions

[Thisisrandy]

I was wondering what opportunities does having an Associates Degree open up for an enlisted?

Does having a degree automatically get you E-2 out of MCRD?
Does having a degree enable you to sign up for OCS?
Does having a degree open up more options for MOS's?
Bonuses?

If someone could please chime in here, also if you know of some other things that having a degree will benefit in the COrps please feel free to add.

Thank you Marines in advance....

[MyCorps]

Does having a degree automatically get you E-2 out of MCRD?

Ask your recruiter about this, he will have the latest info for you.

Does having a degree enable you to sign up for OCS?

No. You will need a 4 yr degree for this option.

Does having a degree open up more options for MOS's?
Bonuses?

Again, ask your recruiter about this. It will depend on what your associates degree is in to determine the answer to this.

I am curious as to the answers you get to these questions, so please let me know what you find out. Thanks.

[NoRemorse]

I believe it would make it easier for an older applicant to get an age waiver if they're like 28-29 or so.

Don't quote me on that scoop.

[BR34]

Does having a degree automatically get you E-2 out of MCRD?

As for that question. Yes, it should, assuming you attended an accredited college and the courses taken were above lvl 100.

[Thisisrandy]

Thank you all.

[slimmy07]

Having an AS/AA will get you E-2 out of MCRD for sure. You will also get E-2 pay throughout MCRD. Bonuses are based on your ASVAB score, some MOS bonuses also state that you can not have any waivers i.e. Drug, moral waivers. Ask your recruiter, or if you have yet to see one find your hometown recruiter and ask him what bonuses are out there.

[samthomas]

Does having a degree automatically get you E-2 out of MCRD?
Does having a degree enable you to sign up for OCS?
Does having a degree open up more options for MOS's?
Bonuses?

The best bet is to ask a recruiter. Things change over time. When I enlisted, the college would have allowed you to graduate as a PFC.

You won't be eligible for OCS, unless you want to go the National Guard route.

I don't see the degree necessarily helping you get into a particular MOS. From my experience, they pretty much start at zero, and build from there. Having the education might help, but it isn't going to make you more likely to qualify.

What MOS are you interested in?

[Thisisrandy]

The best bet is to ask a recruiter. Things change over time. When I enlisted, the college would have allowed you to graduate as a PFC.

You won't be eligible for OCS, unless you want to go the National Guard route.

I don't see the degree necessarily helping you get into a particular MOS. From my experience, they pretty much start at zero, and build from there. Having the education might help, but it isn't going to make you more likely to qualify.

What MOS are you interested in?

My 1st choice is Anything in 02xx, then the list goes on as follows:
9953 - Not sure if this is available right out of MCRD or if this is a lat MOS
9962 - Same here as above, not sure.
58xx - M.P.
0451 - Parachute Rigger
0431 - Logistics/Embarkations & Combat Support Specialist
60xx/61xx/62xx - Aircrraft Maintenance
6312 - Avionics Wepons Tech

........if anyone has any input on any from the above list, input is greatly appreciated.

[BR34]

Do the 0451. It's one of the few jobs in the Marine Corps that will give you the chance to jump on a regular basis. Can't go wrong. (unless the chute doesn't open)

[Thisisrandy]

Do the 0451. It's one of the few jobs in the Marine Corps that will give you the chance to jump on a regular basis. Can't go wrong. (unless the chute doesn't open)

That was my original MOS back in 2002 when I was in the DEP. I chose it for that reason specifically. Now I rather have something that I can take with me when I decise to discharge. That's why I think anything in 02xx would be more beneficial. However if I can't get anything like that I'll choose to go with something that I will enjoy such as Parachuting or SCUBA diving.

[Thisisrandy]

That was my original MOS back in 2002 when I was in the DEP. I chose it for that reason specifically. Now I rather have something that I can take with me when I decise to discharge. That's why I think anything in 02xx would be more beneficial. However if I can't get anything like that I'll choose to go with something that I will enjoy such as Parachuting or SCUBA diving.

I'd actually like to know what exactly does a Parachute Rigger do all day long? I mean I know there are a lot of parachutes to be rigged but da*n!!! What is the normal day for a 0451?

[samthomas]

Are you any closer to settling on an MOS of interest?

[josephd]

I'd actually like to know what exactly does a Parachute Rigger do all day long? I mean I know there are a lot of parachutes to be rigged but da*n!!! What is the normal day for a 0451?

you'd be a stitch bi*ch!....j/k (slang term for riggers)

parachute rigger can actually turn out pretty cool if you take the right steps and have a cool COC. You get to go to jump school, you can request to go recon. I know a rigger who is a SSgt. now and he has been through more training (recon, jump, survival, etc) and more combat than anyone. He is very well decorated. But this can go for any MOS though really, you have to want to go out and be the best Marine you can.

And also to answer your other questions from your OP...

Yes an AA/AS will get you contracted as an E-2

An AA/AS does qualify you to go to OCS as long as you are still currently still enrolled and working towards a BA. You can go you just wont get commissioned until you graduate with it.

Having a degree doesn't really qualify you for any specific MOS or give you a leg up on anyone either. The Corps will train you in exactly what you need to do. The only time a degree would playu a big part in what you do in the Corps is if you went to OCS as a law student to be in JAG.

[ecom]

AA/AS will give you the potential for E2 out of boot camp, however, you must get this in writing when you sign.

The AA/AS will not give you more MOS options. That will depend on your ASVAB scores, not your 2 year degree. Having a 2 year degree, you are probably in a good position to score higher. Higher scores mean more jobs to choose from.

If you get 04xx, it may not mean you will be 0451 if there are other enlisted jobs in that field. When you enlist for active duty, you only choose the field of the MOS, not the specific MOS itself. You are not guaranteed any specific job in that field.

[Failuredrill]

So I'm guessing 0300 Infantry is out of the question? There will be plenty of things to take with you if you decide to get out after 4. If all the high-speed stuff really entices you, 'regular' grunts still get to do their fair share of other stuff.. but as far as jumping and scuba you could do the Recon Indoc and go that route if think you have it in you.