How to get MOS requested in writing?

[kdeanes]

My daughter has decided to join the Marine Corps and has a ship date of Sep 1 2009. She's getting jerked around with the whole MOS thing. I've heard you can get the desired MOS choice put into writing. Is this for real? I suspect that once they get to bootcamp that the recruits get what the Marine Corps would like for them to have. I'm sure the choices are much slimmer for a female recruit but I'd hate for my daughter to get stuck sitting at a desk anwering phones. But of course she had to score higher in clerical! She scored MM:94 GT:102 EL:100 CL:105

[NRTrackChamp2004]

of course you can get it in writing.

But I promise, speaking from experience here (and I'm sure others can) that somehow, someway, that shit will end up being different by the time she gets out of boot camp.

I'm not saying it 100% will get changed, but, there definitely is that small percentage chance it could.

What is she looking to do?

[kdeanes]

Combat Engineer. I'm trying to talk her out of it but she won't budge...probably because I suggested it and the ol' teenage rebellion kicks in. I think it's a mistake. She would probably end up with this MOS just because It's not what my husband and I think she should choose. Thanks for the info!

[NRTrackChamp2004]

technically, she doesnt qualify with a MM score of 94. She needed a 95. But, that can easily be waived.

But, as I previously stated, she can get her MOS in writing, but, it will have to be after she signs the paperwork for it.

[Toogr82h8]

When you ship out to boot camp the MOS is written on the sheet that goes in the Service Record Book (SRB) If she was given an MOS then it will be there if it says open contract or something else then she could get screwed.

There is no way you can be screwed if that MOS is on that paper. If it is an you get screwed it means that somehow you were not qualified whether that be swim qual or whatever the qualification during bootcamp or MOS school you failed.

Combat Engineer is a great MOS. I am currently stationed with them and although I am not a combat engineer I get to play war with them a lot. Dont let the combat term throw you for a loop. These guys/gals build bridges and houses as well as destroy them. A lot can be gained as far as technical trades doing this MOS. Just make sure she doesnt get Supply or Admin, as she will be miserable. To those that like those fields more power to you.

[THORSHAMMER69]

I was an enlisted monitor for quite a few years so I speak from prefessional experiance here. Toogr82h8 is correct as far as having an MOS on the contract. If the recruiter gives her an actual MOS on her contract the Corps has to give her that MOS or she can be released from service for breach of contract on the Marine Corps' part. However, what some people don't realize is that the Marine Corps normally works off of PEF codes. This stands for Program Enlisted For. Basically a PEF code will cover a variety of MOS's. For example if she wanted to be an aviation electrician she would enlist with a PEF code of BA. This PEF code encompasses 13 different MOS's. Sometimes recruiters will do a good job talking up a certain MOS within the program knowing damn well that the Marine could get any number of other MOS's. If you make a big enough deal of it to the recruiter they can and probably will guarantee an MOS in her contract before she leaves for bootcamp. Just remember to pay very close attention to the contract. Trust me...if there was ever a contract you want to make sure to read before signing, it's this one. Hope this helps. And good luck to you and your future hero.

[Gunny_0848]

My $0.02

If she wants to be a Combat Engineer and she qualifies that is cool. That is the only Combat Arms Job that I know of open to Females. They have some female officers too.

From what I have seen Females are commonly in Comm, Airwing, MT, Admin, and Supply/Logistics. The latter 3 which are "unappreciated fields of endeavor" to those of us in Combat Arms.

Many kids these days have decent computer/clerical skills so an Admin pougue getting out of the Corps has Microsoft Office experience but nowadays who doesn't?

The Marine Corps is computerized now so no matter what MOS you are in you will get some clerical skills even if you don't want them.. haha

One more thing. If she doesn't work well with dirty mouthed, smelly dip spittin Marines she may want to steer clear of Combat Arms and go for an Air Conditioned desk job

[LeaderOfMarines]

I If the recruiter gives her an actual MOS on her contract the Corps has to give her that MOS or she can be released from service for breach of contract on the Marine Corps' part.

Sorry, but you are wrong. When they sign the SOU (statement of understanding) for the desired field, they put their three initials on the part that says the Marine Corps can put them where they need them if the circumstances proceed. If they fail out of the school, don't make the desired security level....etc. No actual MOS can be signed for, it is only a field. i.e. an F8 contract is a command and control/electrician with a $10,000 enlistment bonus. Inside that F8 sou are the 0600 communications field and 0700 electrician option. They put their initials on it around 16 times, including the TOE (time of enlistment) and then sign and print their name at the bottom. Then the MEPS liason will sign the SOU and submit it in MCRISS.

[THORSHAMMER69]

LeaderOfMarines,
I don't mean to start an argument with you or anything but I have to point out the fact that you are incorrect. I personally came into the Marine Corps with a guaranteed MOS. There are more than one way to write an enlistment contract. There are ways to guarantee a permanent duty station also. For obvious reasons, it's better for the Marine Corps as a whole if these items are not guaranteed (making guarantees makes the monitor's job harder), but it is definitely possible. During my time as a monitor we released 3 Marines from active service due to breach of contract (guaranteed MOS) in my population pool alone. As I said earlier, I'm not trying to start a fight, just trying to lay the facts out for kdeanes. Thank you for your input.

[LeaderOfMarines]

LeaderOfMarines,
I don't mean to start an argument with you or anything but I have to point out the fact that you are incorrect. I personally came into the Marine Corps with a guaranteed MOS. There are more than one way to write an enlistment contract. There are ways to guarantee a permanent duty station also. For obvious reasons, it's better for the Marine Corps as a whole if these items are not guaranteed (making guarantees makes the monitor's job harder), but it is definitely possible. During my time as a monitor we released 3 Marines from active service due to breach of contract (guaranteed MOS) in my population pool alone. As I said earlier, I'm not trying to start a fight, just trying to lay the facts out for kdeanes. Thank you for your input.

Oh im sorry, I forgot that you were never a recruiter, so you wouldn't know the outlay anyhow. Career retention specialists and monitors can guarantee an MOS, only once you have finished your first contract. I am talking about when they first enlist like the poster was talking about. I was a recruiter so I can promise you that when you or anyone else initally joined the Marines, no one and I mean no one was guaranteed a specific MOS. The system wasn't designed that way.

[THORSHAMMER69]

Listen , my young devil-pup, there's no need for the snippy tone. I always find it amusing that people still make assumptions knowing the golden rule about assumptions (ass out of u and so on). Tell me exactly how it is that you know whether I was a recruiter? I thought I was pretty clear in my first two comments about this point. I personally came in with a guaranteed MOS and a guaranteed duty station. I'm going to give you the same advice I used to give my kids, use caution and think before you speak. The fact that you are unfamiliar with something doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. When you pick up some more rank, and some more experience, you will come to realize that all the things about the Corps that you thought were absolutes are not always absolute. And here's a funny thought, you're not always right either. We forgive you though, no one is perfect. I assume that if you had kids old enough to enlist, you would have done more research about the matter. Have a pleasant independence day.

kdeanes, keep in mind that if your daughter doesn't get what she wants in writing, she can always join another service. As long as she is serving her country, she is a hero. Just ensure she if very cautios about what she signs. Take care

[LeaderOfMarines]

Wow, you obviously have no clue who you are talking to. I have more than likely been in longer than you, and I am pretty sure I out rank you. So do some research before you make belittleing comments. If you can show me the contract where you were guaranteed an actual MOS then the discussion is over. I know for a fact you can't, since I was a recruiter and I wrote more contracts than you have ever seen. When I was enlisted, I took pride in knowing everything I could. It helps now on the officer side to kind of have a grasp on situations. You said you were a monitor, not a recruiter, so which one is it? You can always message me once you scan your contract, that is if your dog didn't eat it. I beg you to show me where you signed for the exact MOS you were going in to! Happy 4th troop!

[THORSHAMMER69]

Oh yeah, well I'm pretty sure I outrank you because I'm the Supreme Commander of the Universe. You're pathetic as hell. Shall we pull em out and measure em right now. I win! Got a little Napoleon complex going on maybe? Trust me when I tell you, you don't outrank crap boot. I'm now a PFC (Private F**king Civilian). So you can take that shiny stuff on your collar and shove it somewhere. You're just a small little man with nothing better to do than to cry and whine when you don't get your way. If you are actually an officer, which I highly doubt, you might be the most unprofessional one I've ever had the displeasure of speaking to. As you will note, I tried to let you down easy and not get into a pissing contest with you. When you're wrong you're wrong. Someone should have taught you that when you were coming up through the ranks. Whether I send my contract to you or not, you have already lost. The entire point of this thread was to try to help a young patriot. Now that kdeanes has seen what caliber of jacka** her child might have to work for in the future she will probably look toward other options. And I wouldn't blame her. For shits and giggles, look up something called the Quality Enlistment Program. AND JUST LIKE THAT FOLKS!!!!! THE GAME IS OVER!!!!!! IT'S A GRANDSLAM!!!!!!!!THORSHAMMER WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[iluvdrt]

Oh yeah, well I'm pretty sure I outrank you because I'm the Supreme Commander of the Universe. You're pathetic as hell. Shall we pull em out and measure em right now. I win! Got a little Napoleon complex going on maybe? Trust me when I tell you, you don't outrank crap boot. I'm now a PFC (Private F**king Civilian). So you can take that shiny stuff on your collar and shove it somewhere. You're just a small little man with nothing better to do than to cry and whine when you don't get your way. If you are actually an officer, which I highly doubt, you might be the most unprofessional one I've ever had the displeasure of speaking to. As you will note, I tried to let you down easy and not get into a pissing contest with you. When you're wrong you're wrong. Someone should have taught you that when you were coming up through the ranks. Whether I send my contract to you or not, you have already lost. The entire point of this thread was to try to help a young patriot. Now that kdeanes has seen what caliber of jacka** her child might have to work for in the future she will probably look toward other options. And I wouldn't blame her. For shits and giggles, look up something called the Quality Enlistment Program. AND JUST LIKE THAT FOLKS!!!!! THE GAME IS OVER!!!!!! IT'S A GRANDSLAM!!!!!!!!THORSHAMMER WINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


WOW!! Any and all credibility you had just went right out the window with that one. Perhaps if you had maintained a little more composure and tact. I guess you being a civilian now gives you the right to say what ever you like. I understand, you earned it through your service...of course so did I, but I prefer to remain professional.

I am pretty sure you can only be guarenteed a job field (IE aviation technician 6000 series MOS) on your first enlistment pending you pass the prerequisits for that job. The only time I have seen that a spacific MOS is granted on a first term enlistment is if that person qualifies for a high demand MOS such as band, intel, or something V-22 air platform related.

You can be guarenteed an MOS when you re-enlist pending you pass the prerequisits for that job.

I am not a recruiter though or ever have been. I spent 5 months with a recruiter station TAD and this is what I gathered. Although, I never spacifically asked about about a guarenteed MOS, nor does my 5 months TAD make me any expert in the matter.

[LeaderOfMarines]

WOW!! Any and all credibility you had just went right out the window with that one. Perhaps if you had maintained a little more composure and tact. I guess you being a civilian now gives you the right to say what ever you like. I understand, you earned it through your service...of course so did I, but I prefer to remain professional.

I am pretty sure you can only be guarenteed a job field (IE aviation technician 6000 series MOS) on your first enlistment pending you pass the prerequisits for that job. The only time I have seen that a spacific MOS is granted on a first term enlistment is if that person qualifies for a high demand MOS such as band, intel, or something V-22 air platform related.

You can be guarenteed an MOS when you re-enlist pending you pass the prerequisits for that job.

I am not a recruiter though or ever have been. I spent 5 months with a recruiter station TAD and this is what I gathered. Although, I never spacifically asked about about a guarenteed MOS, nor does my 5 months TAD make me any expert in the matter.


You are exactly correct. But to get that exact MOS you have to pass the audition, like you were saying. Well said.

[Toogr82h8]

You are exactly correct. But to get that exact MOS you have to pass the audition, like you were saying. Well said.

Then why did you say before you can only get a field? You just contradicted your previous statement

[THORSHAMMER69]

Note to self: no more drunk typing. Sorry folks, that's what happens when you come home drunk on 4th of July and start typing. Guess I was an angry drunk that night. LOL

On point however, it sounds to me like I was right. How's that for credibility iluvdrt. Let that be a lesson to you. If you're right, don't be afraid to argue your point, no matter who you're aguing with. Marines are expected to have some backbone. Any leader worth his salt would rather have Marines around who tell it like it is than have nothing but "yes men" around.

I'll leave you with a quote from our very own Chesty Puller. He didn't like "yes men" either.

"Take me to the Brig. I want to see the "real Marines". "
Major General Chesty Puller, USMC - while on a Battalion inspection.

[LeaderOfMarines]

Then why did you say before you can only get a field? You just contradicted your previous statement

Probably because you have to audition for that MOS, so it's a qualification outside the regular MOS fields. So to the original posters senario, I would still be correct, Unless the posters significiant other was doing the MEOP option.

[THORSHAMMER69]

So what happened to:


I was a recruiter so I can promise you that when you or anyone else initally joined the Marines, no one and I mean no one was guaranteed a specific MOS. The system wasn't designed that way.

Did you ever look up the Quality Enlistment Program? I'm not talking about the band camp kids here. I was a 6335 AV-8B Aviation Electrician when I was enlisted. Take it to the bank...I was right.

[LeaderOfMarines]

So what happened to:



Did you ever look up the Quality Enlistment Program? I'm not talking about the band camp kids here. I was a 6335 AV-8B Aviation Electrician when I was enlisted. Take it to the bank...I was right.

Breaking news on CNN, the civilian is right.....good lord, give it a rest. By the way ol' timer, the QEP doesn't exist now......I will admit that when you enlisted in the 60's it was probably in full swing...you are right....

[iluvdrt]

On point however, it sounds to me like I was right. How's that for credibility [B]iluvdrt. Let that be a lesson to you.

I'll leave you with a quote from our very own Chesty Puller. He didn't like "yes men" either.



I am sorry, but the only lesson to be taught is that typing in a drunken rage is still not an excuse to loose tact and bearing.

I am not a "yes man". Any Marine I have ever worked for or with will tell you that as will the EPA guy on New River I almost choked out for stereotyping my MOS and providing false aqusations.

Chesty Puller was an awesome Marine, back when Marines were nothing more than cursing, drinking, professional killers. Unfortunitly the Corps is not like that anymore. All his quotes and acts of courageous feats have become nothing more than jarhead wet dream. The Corps will never be like it was. Hell, it is not like it was almost 11 years ago when I joined.

You can still say F**K you tactfully, and be heard better than just saying it outright. Being a civillian does not afford anyone the right to do and say as they please as long as they are still representing the title of Marine.

[KrashKatz]

So unless your a reservist, or you pick a job program that only has one job in it, (UJ- NBC for example,) then you will not likely have a specific job, but you will have a job field, thus why you sign the SOU. Keeping in mind that the rules are constantly changing, and some folks have been in the Corps since Jesus was a Corporal, some Marines may have been assigned a specific job when they came it.