Marine Corps Question

[Dr_K]

Hey guys, I have a question that some may think is silly, but even if I'm slightly doubtful, I'm going to ask. I'm right on the edge right now, and am very close to joining the delayed entry program, and I recently thought of this question. Say, for example, we DO end up sending over 40-60,000 more troops to Afghanistan. Is it possible at all that the Corps may pull someone from their MOS and make them become infantry or something similar? Such as if I become a water survival/safety instructor or an armorer, or even avionics, could they pull me from that MOS, re-train me for infantry, and throw me into the fight even if I never even expressed interest in infantry and have already completed my MOS training for something completely different? I'm worried that if they need bodies, that they might be able to pull mefrom what my MOS is, no matter how affiliated with combat it may be. Thanks guys, the answer to this question may decide whether I sign up in the immediate future or not. Thankyou

-Kyle Langlois

[aaronsandiego]

I have never heard of this thing happening.. If you go in for one MOS you will do that MOS for the most part. There is no shortage of infantry Marines, but everyone is trained to be a rifelman so theres no telling what kind of situation you could be in where you would have to put rounds down range. Talk to your recruiter, he should know these kinds of things. If he doesnt then you may need to switch to a smarter one.

[MPCpl]

LOL please aaron, fleet assistance program we have ALL heard of this happening just not in the way Dr_K put it. I'd say on my last deployment 30-40% weren't even my MOS they were all PULLED from their MOS's from the battalion to deploy. Every Marine is a rifleman first like you said. It is very likely if your in a non-deployable MOS you WILL be pulled from it to go to a deployable unit. That doesn't mean just grunts. Many units deploy...not just the grunts. bah, I'm a lil drunk so I won't rant anymore.

[kenny10]

For future references don't get on the computer when you are drunk and post crap.
If you are looking to join the Marines for a free ride and never have to deploy then please stay the hell out of my Corps. Most Marines want to deploy and do their part. I've deployed many times so I know what its like. I am tired of being politically correct. GO JOIN THE AIR FORCE OR NAVY IF YOU WANT TO HIDE OUT IN THE ARMED FORCES FOR A FEW YEARS AND REAP THE BENEFITS THAT EVERYONE WHO HAS ACTUALLY GONE TO THE FIGHT have and make damn sure you get a cushy AF job or you will deploy with them as well. Just because you aren't a grunt doesn't mean you shouldn't or couldn't be called to fight. 1st and foremost every Marine is a rifleman .......everything else comes 2nd

[NRTrackChamp2004]

Like already said, every Marine is a rifleman. While they won't specifically, take you after you've been through your MOS school, then send you to SOI to actually become an 03, if need be, they will take you and use you as if you were an 03.

Are you scared to deploy or something? If thats the case, don't even bother to EVER sign up.

[bravohotel43]

You will never be deployed as an 0311 (rifleman) if it is not your MOS. I know enough Marines who wanted infantry contracts that couldn't get them. That being said, when (not if) you are deployed, you may be used as an augment to a rifleman fireteam/squad/platoon. Depending on your MOS, this may not even happen. However, if you're not interested in being a rifleman, then the Corps should have no interest in you.

[RetSgtMajUSMC]

Like was said before, "Every Marine is a Reflemen First". Doesn't matter what your initial MOS is. Not long ago, the 2d Marine Division band was sent to Iraq as a security force. In combat, just like in garrison, every MOS is important and supports each other. If you are afraid of deploying to a combat area, regardless of your MOS, please reconsider joining any of the armed forces. In todays situation, all branches are involved, as well as the Guard and Reserves. Regardless of your MOS or situation, your mission is to protect the Marines on your flanks. If you can't accept that responsibiliy, you need not apply.

[MPCpl]

kenny the only reason i mentioned i had a few drinks was to give a reason for any gramatical errors or if I came off to harsh. You could have been a little more polite to this guy he just wanted a question answered...

[bravohotel43]

kenny the only reason i mentioned i had a few drinks was to give a reason for any gramatical errors or if I came off to harsh. You could have been a little more polite to this guy he just wanted a question answered...

Cpl, in general its a good idea to not come on message boards when you're drunk, especially when it's a board where you are representing the Marine Corps.

[MPCpl]

Now that is very true. I will watch out next time. But lets get off me and back to his question at hand, which has been answered a few times now.

[Dr_K]

First off, nowhere in my post did I say I was "scared" to deploy. No where. That is something everyone here has assumed after feeding off eachother and not even taking the time to read my entire first post. All I simply stated, is that I'm wondering whether there is the possibility of the Corps moving me from my MOS to a different MOS. It is a simple question, and unless there is a straight answer, I would appreciate it if you didn't come on here for the sole purpose of being rude.

And Kenny10, I'm not one of your recruits, so don't treat me like one, and don't assume either.

[DataDevilDog]

Im a Data Networking guy, aka computer nerd, and Ive been deployed twice to Iraq in one contract period. I wasnt front lines, kick in doors or shoointg anything (not for a lack of trying either...) but it just shows you that any MOS will deploy, and the Marine Corps will put you where they need you, not where you want to go. Not to sound harsh, but like everybody else said - if you dont want to deploy, dont join the most elite branch of the US military. Marines go in first - thats our job. If you join with a desire to stay safe, thats about as smart as walking thru the ghetto at midnight to try not to get mugged.

[DataDevilDog]

Also, for the record, when you ask a question like that, it makes it sound like you are afraid to deploy. Nobody was trying to be a jerk, just keep in mind that a lot of people DO join the military just to get the benefits and college money, then try to skip out when its their time to go. You wouldnt believe how many women get "knocked up" right before a deployment.


But to address your actual question, rather than what appeared to be the underlying intent, here:

No, they will not remove you from your MOS and actually MAKE you infantry, though most people who get put in an infantry BN do wind up training with the grunts, and doing the same thing.


Sorry for the double post.

[KrashKatz]

Dr_K,

At least people are answering you question, but they also include their opinions. At least your getting the the honest answers.

This portion, "could they pull me from that MOS, re-train me for infantry, and throw me into the fight even if I never even expressed interest in infantry" to a Marine makes you sound weak. Reason being is the Marine Corps mentality is a warrior like culture, and a statment that expresses doubt can be mistaken as fear.

Many of the responses, no matter how brutally honest were intended to help you make the decision that is right for you. Best of luck.