Is it true that Marines cant Choose their MOS?

Roger Smith — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:25:44 -0500

i've heard plenty of times that marines cant pick their mos and I want to join but I dont want a job that I wont enjoy so that is what is making me lean more towards the Army

Response by GySgt Gary Cordeiro made Dec 16 at 2020 8:27 PM

GySgt Gary Cordeiro — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:27:53 -0500

Being a Marine is the primary MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2020 8:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:39:33 -0500

No. A lot of poolies will go open contract but you can pick an MOS. The recruiter may tell you otherwise but if they want the number, and you qualify, they’ll let you pick.

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Dec 16 at 2020 8:53 PM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:53:14 -0500

No. Talk to a recruiter. I have seen some Recruiting Stations that have a policy that all recruits shipping will sign an open contract agreement along with the three "wish list" MOSs they may ship you with. They can't force you to sign an open contract, but they may try hard to persuade you. But if you are a good candidate, stick to your guns and only sign the enlistment contract for the MOS or MOSs you want.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2020 8:57 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 20:57:19 -0500

Couldn't tell you about today. We had bonus babies, and guaranteed options when I recruited 84-87. One guaranteed SOI, and then watch at a Marine Barracks guarding, whatever. If you haven't talked to a USMC recruiter you're wasting time. They have the straight scoop. If you are highly qualified you might fare well. I put many in the USMC Solar Program - not same as USN Nuclear - amounted to any job under the Sun. It was jokingly referred to as MEOP (multi enlistment option program). Only guarantee was a trip to Parris Island. Open contract. If you're concerned about your leanings, you probably wouldn't survive at MCRD besides. I could rough a package up in minutes, but am not authorized. Would you like to ship this month or next?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2020 9:01 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:01:04 -0500

I am a recruiter right now. The Marines do not promise a specific MOS but a program, you will go to boot camp knowing what job you’re going to do I.E. Aircraft Mechanic, Infantryman, Admin Marine, however you won’t be told you will be 0311 infantry rifleman.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2020 9:10 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:10:25 -0500

If you are up to being challenged, become a Marine. Do your research, compile a list of questions, and then go talk to a Marine Recruiter.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 16 at 2020 9:50 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 16 Dec 2020 21:50:02 -0500

If you get an Infantry contract it will most likely be an 03XX contract. Which means you will be assigned your MOS during training. After the initial 03 entry level training the pipelines will split into MOS specific training. At that time a wish list is made by each student rating their favorite to least favorite choices. Your choice is considered but they also take your scores and the needs of the Marine Corps into consideration.

If you go Army you think you will get what you want by default? Plenty of people in the Army get stuck in an infantry billet they don’t prefer.

The needs of the Military are just that. And that trumps everything else.

You need to pick the branch you want before you decide only based on the MOS

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 1:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:20:34 -0500

The only service that promises your MOS is the Army, but there's no guarantee that the MOS you want will be offered to you or that the job you choose you will like. Choose a branch that has a culture you want to be a part of

Response by Capt Nate Le made Dec 17 at 2020 1:33 AM

Capt Nate Le — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 01:33:06 -0500

You can choose your MOS. Under no condition would I ever recommend that anyone ever go “open contract.” Prior to enlisting in the Marines I knew exactly what my MOS was before I ever set foot on the “yellow foot prints.” When I commissioned, I knew exactly what my MOS was going to be and what I would be doing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 10:40 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 10:40:05 -0500

You choose a job field, we choose your job. if you don't like it LAT move during your re-enlistment.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 12:20 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 12:20:12 -0500

You enlist in the Corps because you want to earn your EGA and become a Marine. We aren’t your mama and we won’t coddle you. If your afraid we’re you might end up as a Marine better check out the other branches. It’s a brotherhood for a reason and an experience you will not receive anywhere else. So if you really want to join the brotherhood and become a Marine I wish you all the best and good luck in your endeavors. Semper Fidelis!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 17 at 2020 1:53 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 13:53:06 -0500

Look there is no guarantee for any MOS unless you pass the AIT for it. If it is in a contract and you live up to your side, then its a done deal. Keep in mind that the USMC intensively trains everyone to be a rifleman 1st (Basic) then a specialty (AIT).

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 3:43 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:43:00 -0500

When I enlisted, I got an AFQT of 95, so I was eligible to get any MOS in the Marine Corps. But I was taking a reservist slot while I went to college. They can only offer you MOSes that are in your local unit, which for me was truck driver, diesel mechanic, food service, and various engineer jobs (utility, combat, electrician, water purification, etc). And being the end of the fiscal year, all they had left was two slots—for combat engineer. So which one do you want? I was a case of not being able to choose my MOS, despite a high score. But that was prett exceptional, I agree.

(And then when I came home from active duty training, we had done some streamlining with the sister detachment. They took all the engineer MOSes, and we took all the Motor T MOSes. All the displaced Marines needed new billets. What did little school-trained E-1 get? Food service, 3381, Basic Messman.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2020 3:43 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 15:43:38 -0500

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Dec 17 at 2020 8:00 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 20:00:00 -0500

You get guaranteed training in a certain field but not a specific MOS. My old man always told me, "Any dumbass can learn from their own mistakes, a smart man learns from someone elses!" I went in on the "promise" of avionics. I trusted the recruiter, got nothing in writing. No, I didn't get avionics. Don't be stupid like this seventeen year old kid was. Trust nobody and get everything IN WRITING. And, (this is important) get a copy of everything and have them show you where it says you are going to get the field.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 12:41 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 12:41:58 -0500

In the army. I got the exact job i wanted. Had it guaranteed from recruiters office. What you want may not be immediately available, but at least you know what you have before you go to meps, basic, etc.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 1:06 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:06:54 -0500

Speaking as a former Soldier, the Army will guarantee you a specific MOS prior to shipping, as where you ship is determined by this. Now once you get to your unit, you will most definitely be doing your job and doing other duties. For example mechanics in an infantry battalion will be doing gunnery, etc (Im only speaking for perspective of combat arms).

Response by PO1 Sanford Snyder made Dec 18 at 2020 1:35 PM

PO1 Sanford Snyder — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:35:10 -0500

I spent 3 years in Navy Recruiting '82-'85. My best advice is talk to a recruiter, don't listen to tales, get everything in writing, and most of all, never leave your documents at the Army recruiting office. Their printer is never down, and it's a tactic to get you to return and keep getting pressured to enlist with them.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Dec 18 at 2020 2:34 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 14:34:07 -0500

You get a guaranteed MOS field. I was guaranteed 2800 field, ended up 2841.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2020 11:26 PM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2020 23:26:32 -0500

Yeah, I’m not interested in you joining my beloved Corps. I can already see that you’re going to be a high maintenance needy troop that would waste my drill instructor’s time as they wash you out.

Response by Capt Bob Soldner made Dec 19 at 2020 1:32 PM

Capt Bob Soldner — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 13:32:04 -0500

You serve where the Corps needs you to do what ever is on the line. If you can't do that, Tha Corps is not for you.

Response by Cpl Robert Russell Payne made Jan 10 at 2021 7:34 PM

Cpl Robert Russell Payne — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 19:34:17 -0500

When I joined I was allowed to pick MOS field but not the specific job within that field. I wanted to be a grubt. They said no problem but we can only guarantee that you will be in one of these jobs within the O3 field. 0331 Machine Gunner, 0311 Rifleman ,0341 Mortarman, or 0351/0352 Anti Tank Gunner. I ended up being a TOW Gunner. This was several decades ago so the rules may changed.

Response by Cpl Ronald Hart made Jan 25 at 2021 10:43 PM

Cpl Ronald Hart — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 22:43:27 -0500

you might be able to guarantee avation

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2021 7:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 19:40:47 -0500

Former Marines recruiter 8 yrs 2000-2008 Houston TX and Laredo TX, you pick the field we pick your job. Former Navy Counselor if you have high scores we can give you exact MOS if you don’t we will make you a Boatswain's mate And have to do that until something opens or you retest. Current Texas Army National Guard recruiter we guarantee you the exact MOS according to your test scores and place you exactly where you think your life is going to take you. No MOS in any branch will guarantee you a good life after your service it’s what you do with the benefits you earn and accomplish for yourself. Good luck.

Response by SPC Ricky Poe made Feb 13 at 2021 2:28 PM

SPC Ricky Poe — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 14:28:04 -0500

Go to the Newest force the Space Force Bro I have a friend that joined with them he says it is the better of all of them

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made Feb 13 at 2021 10:42 PM

LCpl Sidney Green — Sat, 13 Feb 2021 22:42:15 -0500

Marines are known for their physical toughness and exceptionally discipline. One of the reasons they have the reputation as the world's greatest fighting force. Even so, you can be an exceptional soldier in any branch of the service. So your choice should largely depend on the specialty, location or mission you prefer -- Army Ranger vs Force Recon for example. The Army is more than twice the size of the Marine Corps with a budget many times larger, so they're first with the newest and best of everything, while the MC has to make due with Army and Navy hand-me-downs. If you really want the challenge, discipline and reputation that comes with being a Marine choose that branch. Otherwise, when it comes to opportunities, benefits, duty stations, MOS/job selection and promotions, the Army is the clear winner.

Response by SP6 Bruce Kellar made Feb 15 at 2021 12:41 PM

SP6 Bruce Kellar — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 12:41:27 -0500

I have a flash for you young man. The military is a service to the country and your responsibility as an American. It is not intended nor is it necessary to be a pleasant experience at all times. Youi have an obligation if you accept it. Of course my Army experience was long ago however your MOS assignment meant you might be doing that but maybe not. Everyone in the Marines and Army are riflemen first and something else 2nd. You may rejoice in the fact we have no major wars that require your immediate ground pounder skills. Maybe you better stay home and leave the heavy lifting to others. No Moms in the barracks or mess hall.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2021 2:53 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 02:53:15 -0500

All that being said... Go Army.
End Transmission.

Response by Sgt Steven Hansen made Feb 16 at 2021 7:07 AM

Sgt Steven Hansen — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 07:07:51 -0500

There is one way to potentially pick your MOS. Go reserve. I knew the minute I signed my contract I would be an 0311 going to a split infantry company (all the weapons guys were in another city). Based on the reserve units near me I also could have picked LAV crewman, tank crewman, recon (provided I could pass the training in the allotted time. If not the contract would default back to 0311, that's basically what happened to a buddy of mine), or even one of the handful of MOSs that the headquarters guys had (admin, ammo tech, comm, intel, logistics, small arms repair, supply, mechanic, etc).

Response by SFC Oddie Brown made Feb 16 at 2021 10:03 AM

SFC Oddie Brown — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 10:03:27 -0500

What I'm about to say is FACT, not speculation. I know because I was an Army Recruiter. First, I wasn't in the Marine Corps so if you want to know about the Corps talk to one of their recruiters. Speaking for the Army, as a recruiter we were always told to sell the ARMY, not jobs. Reason being the job they wanted may not be available. They go to MEPS and talk to the Career Counselor about jobs (MOS). My tour dates as a recruiter were 1991-94.

Response by Cpl Richard Soucie made Feb 16 at 2021 5:24 PM

Cpl Richard Soucie — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:24:09 -0500

If you go reserve you can pick your actual MOS ie. 3533 active you get a field in 35-- you can then be assigned to any mos in the 35 field after basic. So what you do is go reserve, pick your mos, finish training, and when you check into your unit request to transfer to active duty

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Feb 17 at 2021 5:50 AM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 05:50:11 -0500

It's covered under the contract item "good of the service". They will try to put you into the job you want but if you want to be an avionics technician and you're 80 IQ Rock, you're not getting it!
The good of the service means if your test scores indicate that you should be in linguistics then it doesn't matter what job they promised you they're going to put you in linguistics it's not always a bad thing.
I went in open contract and because of my test scores I was chosen for the MOS 5711, (NBC, nuclear biological chemical defense).

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2021 9:07 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 09:07:23 -0500

During the first week of Basic Training in the Army, 1966, they marched you over to a building where a SP5 promises you a special MOS if you signed for an extra year. A few did and a lot of us didn't. Come to find out, there was a Supply (Armorer) class that started the week after we graduated. About 50% of the draftees got that training along with a few that signed up for the extra year. Me, I went to Fort Sill.

Response by PFC Martin Potashner made Feb 17 at 2021 12:25 PM

PFC Martin Potashner — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 12:25:37 -0500

WHEN I JOINED I ASKED FOR 3 CHOICES DID NOT GET ANY OF THEM.

Response by Cpl Aaron Wilson made Feb 18 at 2021 10:42 AM

Cpl Aaron Wilson — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 10:42:37 -0500

The only safe guarantee is the Infantry. 03XX anything is the Marine Corps' bread and butter. It's risky to have your hopes for other specialties because you are rolling the dice. You enlist into the field, but might not get the actual job you were hoping for. The Infantry is the wheel house of danger and death that you will not regret.

Response by Neil Henson made Mar 14 at 2021 8:47 PM

Neil Henson — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 20:47:06 -0400

Any recruiters need military dog tags try dogtagUS.com

Response by MGySgt Charles Restifo made Mar 16 at 2021 12:43 AM

MGySgt Charles Restifo — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 00:43:33 -0400

It is not a job so let's get that out of the way up front. Your scores decide what you are best qualified for and what the Marine Corps needs at the time of your enlistment. IF AND ISAY IF you choose to reenlistcafter your initial contract you have the option to lateral move providing you have the appatude and scores to do so. The Marine Corps is unique in that it affords you the opportunity to Excell should you qualify and apply yourself. There are no free rides, be honest to yourself and the Marine Corps will be honest with you.

Response by SSG Chris Gursky made Mar 16 at 2021 6:54 AM

SSG Chris Gursky — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:54:08 -0400

I’m just wondering how we have a civilian wandering around the site after I had to prove my service a couple times.

Response by MSgt Ed Larson made Mar 17 at 2021 9:50 AM

MSgt Ed Larson — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:50:38 -0400

i have not heard that, but i was in the Corps back in the late 70's they basically guarenteed airwing. but not the MOS i had signed up for. as they had a clause in the contract saying the needs of the Marines come first.

Response by Pvt Thomas Alligood made Mar 18 at 2021 4:50 AM

Pvt Thomas Alligood — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 04:50:21 -0400

Rented I went in and laid 80s but when I got to pair of silence how was the 90-day reservist but decided to go enlisted after breaking my toe and I didn't want to go back home.
I was in medical platoon until I healed worked out every day and then they chose my MLS for me because I waved my contract and went full and enisted. Don't regret one single day of letting them choose my MOS, I had an affinity for languages I never knew

Response by GySgt Bill Chastain made Mar 21 at 2021 12:34 PM

GySgt Bill Chastain — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 12:34:38 -0400

The Marine Corps recruits into occupational fields that will include a number of specific MOS's, but no, you don't get to choose a specific job. On the other hand, the Army will contract you to train you in a specific job, but then after your training is over their contractual obligation is met so they can and often do reassign you based on what they need more of at the time i.e. "Sure, you can join and we'll train you to be a rocket scientist however, based on the needs of the Army, your going to be a cook for 4 years."

Response by LCpl Kenneth Heath made Mar 21 at 2021 8:41 PM

LCpl Kenneth Heath — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 20:41:45 -0400

Nobody in any service picks their MOS, You can request certain things you may desire, BUT, there's a clause in the contract; "good of the service" that allows them to place you where your test results indicate you would succeed. Do your best on the tests and you have a better chance.
Rocks do not become avionics experts or pilots no matter what they choose!!!

Response by Cpl David Hamilton made Mar 22 at 2021 4:39 PM

Cpl David Hamilton — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:39:04 -0400

What many below has not mentioned is the Delayed Entry Program. You can delay enlistment for up to 1 year and with that opportunity you have a better option of getting a MOS field of your choice. Provided your ASVAB scores meet the minimum criteria. Also the delay entry counts towards your Time in Service (TIS) start date. I did it in the late '70's during the summer of my Senior year before graduation with a guarantee of the Avionics field. Once you graduate Boot Camp and go to your basic MOS schooling will you be sorted out by best candidate for the specific MOS required to be filled at that time.

Response by Cpl Darrin Pruett made Mar 24 at 2021 7:16 PM

Cpl Darrin Pruett — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 19:16:40 -0400

I went in to the Marine Corps with a guaranteed contract for my MOS.
If the recruiter tells you that you can’t pick your MOS be insistent or go to a different recruiter in a different area.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2021 2:17 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 02:17:32 -0400

Quick answer: No
Now is it more difficult to choose and change your MOS in the Marines than any other branch? YES.

Heck, it was the reason I got out after 8 years and switched to the Army. I got tired of working in an S-4 office and the career planner told me I was stuck in my MOS since we were undermanned.

Response by 2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2021 8:21 PM

2ndLt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 20:21:37 -0400

Marines typically contract for a double job field selection. IE. 0300/0200 Infantry or Intelligence. I signed up in the 6300, 5900 fields, thinking I was going to work on airplanes avionics and such, however, I ended up in ground support aviation working on radar equipment and communications equipment for the air wing. Marine Reserve is like a national guard or other reserve systems. You're filling a specific line number so your job field is already picked before you ship to Bootcamp.
All branches are similar in their job selection process. And just because you're school trained on something specific doesn't mean that's what you end up working on when you get to the front line units or support units.
I was school trained on equipment I never saw because I was supposed to go to an MTACS Unit, and instead went to the MACS unit.

Response by Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire made Apr 6 at 2021 9:22 AM

Cpl Lawrence Lavictoire — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:22:47 -0400

My MOS was given to me after being tested, an that was back in 1967.
You did what you were qualified for, not what you wanted. Your wants
were never a Marine Corps issue. "Period".

Response by SSG Ronald Ralph made Apr 15 at 2021 11:46 AM

SSG Ronald Ralph — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 11:46:24 -0400

I would highly recommend that you go talk face to face to a Marine Corps Recruiter. There’s no obligation to find out the facts. What I can tell you as a successful former Army Recruiter from 1989-1992, is that your personal qualifications are going to depend on what options you may be offered. Are you a high school graduate, or a senior? Have you taken the ASVAB test? Do you have any prior arrests or convictions? Any open charges, whether criminal or traffic? Are you a single parent with custody of your child? Are you in good health? Have you ever had asthma, heart disease, or any medical condition that would keep you from enlisting? Are you currently under treatment by a medical professional?

These are just some of the pre-qualification questions that will determine if you’re eligible educationally, mentally, and physically, and are a good citizen.

As I said previously, you’re better off to sit down face to face with a current Marine Recruiter. Good luck!!

Response by Cpl Chris Headden made Apr 15 at 2021 2:46 PM

Cpl Chris Headden — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:46:05 -0400

I would say it depends. I had an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice so I was guaranteed a spot in the 5800 field. This covered MP and corrections, which I had no choice. I ended up in Corrections. You can always changes MOS’s down the road, but anything one you get, it is what you make out of it.

Response by LCpl Jeff Moore made Apr 15 at 2021 8:37 PM

LCpl Jeff Moore — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:37:18 -0400

Depends on your asvab, and background. As the Marines will give you a rating based on your score. But they also have so many open slots to fill to make numbers.

Response by SGT James Thalacker made Apr 16 at 2021 11:00 AM

SGT James Thalacker — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:00:39 -0400

I don't know much about the Marine Corps, I was an NCO in the Army (I have great respect for the Corps) and would argue that if you had great scores you could wait for the job you wanted. I agree with LCpl Charles Stacker below, about the POS recruiters and tell ALL young people to wait for the job you want, not the one the recruiter wants to fill (I also tell them, and believe, that ALL recruiters would screw their mothers for an opportunity to place you in the job they want to fill)

Response by CPT Patrick Oboyle made Apr 19 at 2021 12:08 PM

CPT Patrick Oboyle — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 12:08:49 -0400

This question has reached terminal velocity - move on

Response by Cpl Andrew Kotcher made Apr 19 at 2021 1:36 PM

Cpl Andrew Kotcher — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:36:06 -0400

best if you can find an active duty marine and have them go to the career counselor and ask what MOS are currently critically manned- short of personnel. recruiters dont care about you and will lie to fill their quotas, thats why a lot of marines do 1 and done! beware of any mos number that is 1 number followed by 3 0's as that is a job heading and not an actual job, example 6000 avionics is anything aviation related an actual job would be like mine was 6333 aviation electrician A6e aircraft.

Response by AN John Denekar made Apr 20 at 2021 7:26 PM

AN John Denekar — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:26:29 -0400

Every person entering into military service has the right to choose their mos. Do not let a recruiter tell you otherwise. Just as you have the choice to choose your branch of service.

Response by SSgt Brad Becker made Apr 21 at 2021 3:22 PM

SSgt Brad Becker — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:22:15 -0400

Can't speak for today but when I was a Marine Recruiter 1987-1990 we where told not to offer any thing but the open contract. Allot of pier pressure not to offer any MOS. They pushed the needs of the Marine Corps and people should join just to have the Title Marine. If you want a Job join another Branch I was even told. Priority should be on the young people becoming a Marine First MOS 2nd.

Response by SSgt Brad Becker made Apr 21 at 2021 3:37 PM

SSgt Brad Becker — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:37:20 -0400

I did not get my 1st , 2nd or 3rd choice. But when I reenlisted I figured it was all on me after that. Forced 3rd enlistment to be a recruiter myself choice was reenlist as a Recruiter or get out. I had to reenlist a year early as I needed over 3 years on my contract to be a recruiter that did not want to be. was no choice do it or get out. After the Gulf war we downsized people ran to special duties just to try to ride out the down sizing in a B billet.

Response by SCPO Mark Woodside made Apr 21 at 2021 8:32 PM

SCPO Mark Woodside — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 20:32:40 -0400

Concur, one may select an MOS if available and one qualifies, 27 year veteran

Response by LCpl Frank Bollich made Apr 21 at 2021 8:41 PM

LCpl Frank Bollich — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 20:41:36 -0400

Usually it's based on asvab scored. But you get a choice based on openings

Response by MSgt Curtis Bernstein made Apr 21 at 2021 9:59 PM

MSgt Curtis Bernstein — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 21:59:35 -0400

Better chance of getting what you want in the Air Force

Response by Cpl Ross Curtis made Apr 21 at 2021 11:47 PM

Cpl Ross Curtis — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:47:50 -0400

You will not be able to choose your specific MOS, but you will be able to choose the industry you want (for which you qualify, of course). For example, you can choose a SUPPLY MOS, but you will be assigned WHERE in supply you will serve (where the Marine Corps needs you most). You can choose an INFANTRY MOS, but you will be assigned a specific infantry job (ie. Mortar infantry, Tank, etc). The only jobs to which you will not be assigned are special forces. You have to qualify for them differently than the simple ASVAB test.

Response by SSgt Mikey Jimenez made Apr 22 at 2021 10:34 AM

SSgt Mikey Jimenez — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 10:34:23 -0400

False. Depending on your asvab scores you may choose a mos. Higher you score on asvab the more options you have. Also depends on the seats they have for the school and mos training you may fall to next option in the same mos group. i.e if you choose an mos in the the combat support option and you cant make the school dare because of when you finish your bootcamp and SOI training you will automatically be assigned to next mos that’s available in that same group.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2021 7:44 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 19:44:47 -0400

Don't listen to some of these guys basically calling you out as a mommy's boy or hunting you can't handle it just because you want a specific MOS. I was Army but my advice is don't sign any contract unless it lists exactly what you want. It sounds like you can enlist into the 03XX field which definitely has you covered. You will be infantry. Only difference, in my understanding, is the type of weapon system you will primarily use.

Response by Cpl Bobbylee Dominguez made Apr 24 at 2021 11:50 PM

Cpl Bobbylee Dominguez — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 23:50:03 -0400

as a marine vet 74-77, upon enlidtment,enlistment, was given aptitude test to narrow down possible mos, I tested offered legal and admistrative, at the ending day of boot camp, we were told our mos, mine 2542 communication, teletype/radio operator, I told bec teletype work was considered admistrative and required background check for clearance it was legal walla.

Response by Cpl Jeff Ruffing made Apr 25 at 2021 10:16 AM

Cpl Jeff Ruffing — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:16:03 -0400

Garbage! I met one Marine, just one that did open contract. This was in the early 80’s. He was a cook. He loved it. I didn’t even know open contract existed. Then again I retired in 2000. So much has changed. From my perspective, the Military will try to get you to go into an MOS that is short, as long as you qualify the recruiter will lean hard on you to take that MOS as will as the people from MEPs will do the same. If there is something you want to do and you qualify for it, stick to your guns and get it. Just bear in mind when you get out, what type of job you can get that will complement the MOS you’ve chosen in the service.

Response by CPT Mike Sims made Apr 25 at 2021 6:31 PM

CPT Mike Sims — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 18:31:42 -0400

Roger, what is it that you want to do in life and for the military? Depending on your answer, you may want to consider other branches like the Coast Guard or even the newest branch - Space Force. You may also want to consider ROTC programs in college, or consider enlisting in the Coast Guard Reserve or Army National Guard or Air National Guard while going to college - (if Army National Guard - you can be in ROTC at the same time) and then once you graduate college you can commission as an Officer and go on active duty... the Coast Guard Reserve will actually let you commission between the summer of your junior and senior year in college and then upon graduation you can go on active duty.

Do me a favor... check out Maritime Enforcement with the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (exciting stuff)... you will be doing federal law enforcement activities one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer... while the Coast Guard pays 100% of your education for college. Between your junior and senior year - go to the Commissioning Program for the Coast Guard Reserve, come back your senior year in college as an Ensign (Commissioned Officer) and request to go into Intelligence at that time. Upon graduation from college- request to then go on active duty and transfer into the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) or Coast Guard Counterintelligence Service (CGCIS) to become a Special Agent while also serving as a Commissioned Officer.

Hope this helps and good luck!

Response by MGySgt Juan Mendez made Apr 29 at 2021 7:15 PM

MGySgt Juan Mendez — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 19:15:30 -0400

Marines don't get paid to "enjoy" their jobs. If that's your only motivation to want to join the Corps, you're looking in the wrong direction bubba.

Response by Sgt Peter McDonald made May 9 at 2021 10:06 PM

Sgt Peter McDonald — Sun, 09 May 2021 22:06:11 -0400

As long as you meet the qualifications for the MOS desired, and it's available, you can choose any MOS you want. However if you fail the school for the MOS that you chose, they can put you in a MOS in which they have need of.