How would you weigh these re-enlistment options (Marine Corps)?

SSgt Scott Schwerman — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 17:08:49 -0400

So it is time for me to re-enlist and I am having trouble deciding what to do as my incentive. I would love to go to Hawaii but chances of deploying are lowered. I would love to stay here at Camp Pendleton and have a chance at deploying but I also want to see the world. Then the other side of it is that I wouldn't mind selecting my SDA for recruiter since that is the only B-billet I would want to do. I just would like some help with ironing out my decisions and getting input from others.

Also would there be any way to select a specific unit vs a duty station or would I have to wait until my duty station is selected for me and then talk to the monitor?

Appreciate the input.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jun 28 at 2015 5:35 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 17:35:49 -0400

Remember what drew you to being a Marine and seek it out, whether that be seeking another deployment, or recruiting or training new Marines, or travelling the world. I'd talk with your CRS about options too, make an appointment and go into it with a prioritized list of what you'd like and seek his/her advice as well.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 28 at 2015 5:36 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 17:36:14 -0400

When I reenlisted, duty station was part of the package (Quantico). A little over a year after, on the following recruiter screening I was tagged B-Billet (about 6 years in, they cut orders). I didn't have enough time left on contract to accept orders at that point.

The Career Planner will be able to explain the sequence of events much more in-depth though.

There are advantages no matter which way you go. Recruiting gets you bonus points towards promotion (and chances towards meritorious promotion as well). Duty station sends you to new places. But the Corps is a small place, depending on how long you are in, you will see quite a bit of it.

Response by Cpl Adonis Owens made Jun 30 at 2015 8:26 AM

Cpl Adonis Owens — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:26:02 -0400

I don't understand... you want to see the world and you want to deploy, ok that I get. But only wanting to do a recruiting billet? You have to think about expanding. Would you think of doing MSG as your B-billet? You get points towards promotion there as well. You spend 3 yrs abroad, I don't know it is set up now but you could either be stationed in 2 or 3 different embassies during that time. Something to think about.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jun 30 at 2015 8:45 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 08:45:38 -0400

If you are asking RP, just let the Corps send you where they need you most. If you are asking strangers on an open forum, it cannot be any better than letting them send where you are needed.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 12:35 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 12:35:29 -0400

Living in Hawaii is a once in a lifetime experience if you ask me. Its a beautiful state and you'll be able to make a lot of memories with your family that will last a lifetime.

Response by GySgt David Andrews made Jul 1 at 2015 5:45 PM

GySgt David Andrews — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 17:45:26 -0400

Select Sea Duty or. Embassy Duty.

Response by Sgt Michael Penney made Jul 2 at 2015 1:19 PM

Sgt Michael Penney — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 13:19:34 -0400

If you are looking for an, outright, career in the Marine Corps, go with a ‘recognized B-billet’. You career is YOUR career but the Marine Corps has needs to fill. Being an, all out, warfighter does not meet the criteria of a well rounded Marine. That said, the race for staff sergeant starts the second you re-enlist so get the promotion points. IF you excel in a B-billet, and make your mission, the promotions will come along with the choice duty stations.
The order on the enlisted retention and career development program; appendix E, should have the information you need. When deciding your career path in the Corps, first approach your own package as if you were the Marine Corps deciding where to put a Marine with your credentials.
The attached order provides valuable insights as to how the Marine Corps retains enlisted personnel, thus giving insight as to how best to shape your own career path to meet the criteria.
Here is a free download of the order, courtesy of BloodStripes.com!

http://bloodstripes.com/download/enlisted-retention-and-career-development-program/

Enlisted Retention And Career Development Program | Blood Stripes

Excerpt from document; 1. Situation. This Order revises the policies, procedures, and standards for the operation of the Marine Corps Enlisted Retention and