need advice

[Anonymous]

First off I'd just like to say that I, desparately need to get this off of my mind and hear some input from people I can actually relate with. Sorry if it sounds all mixed up but I'm typing out how it's processed in my mind.

Ok, I want to be a Marine, I have a recruiter and I already took the ASVAB. I'm a senior and have the option for the DEP program. WELL the major problem is my parents won't sign. I'm underage (17) and I won't turn 18 until Sept. 12.

So, I took the ASVAB Nov. 4 Before I took the ASVAB my recruiter assured me I could always retake it if necessary. Well I took the test shooting for signal intelligence, and I missed my GT score of 110 by five. I qualified for avionics/electrical communications and clerical stuff. So when I talked to my recruiter about retaking the test, he said it wouldn't make sense to retake it if I'm not taking a mechanical class because chances are it won't improve. Granted, I agree it makes sense, however I was going to take out the ASVAB book in the library and study. Well I was under the impression that my recruiter (no offense I highly respect him totally) was putting a lot of pressure on me to not retake the test. So now I'm really confused on the mixed messages how he assured me I could always retake it, yet it wouldn't make much sense to. He also said how job opportunities are being snatched up, so I shouldn't wait and retake it. (which makes sense I don't disagree). So he has valid points, it's just I'm being pulled both ways. I know you have an option to take it again in 30 days which will be dec. 4

Well my parents allowed me to take the test and I thought they'd agree to the next step and I could go take the physical and the whole works. Well did that backfire. Now my dad won't sign, and when I told him what I qualified for and how I was interested in Avionics as a substitute for signal intel. He said "I don't see you having a career in that when you get out." This arises a new problem since he doesn't aggree with that I'm not going to get the papers signed anytime soon and it's getting closer and closer to my graduation and soon the DEP program isn't going to be actually preparing me if I'm in it for a month. I may be wrong, but I'm just really upset right now because I don't want to dissapoint my recruiter first and foremost, second I'm not involved with the program yet, and I totally have no support from my parents or anyone. Every time my recruiter called me I had to tell him my parents haven't decided yet and I'm just really really feeling like I have no control or direction for anything right now.

I don't know if the answer is staring me right in the face and I can't see it yet, or if I'm being immature in this situation, but if anyone can make sense out of it and give me advice I'd appreciate it. I guess I'm afraid to retake the test for signal intel, because I'm afraid to see if I "fail" to get the score I need and I don't want a second dissapointment. Like I said, any advice good or bad I just want to hear it from different people. Thanks a lot for taking time to read this, I appreciate it. E. Brooke

[Anonymous]

E.,

You're in a tough spot being 17 and your parents won't sign. Your recruiter should understand this. Has he offered to sit down & talk to both you and them about it? Don't feel you're being immature--joining the Marines is a giant decision and shows maturity in itself...

He's probably reluctant now to allow you to retake the ASVAB because his CO ended up telling him it's a pain in the butt...you know? They're always looking to fill quotas and have to spend time on kids who will enlist that day, or soon. I'm not saying that this is his only reason, but I bet it's one of them.

You turn 18 on Sept 12. That's a year from now. I'm assuming you graduate from HS in May/June.? Why do you think you'd only be in the DEP for a month? If youre parents wont sign, what about waiting until Sept. and just sign yourself? DEP is useful, but if your area has little or no meetings (like mine) you'll be fending for yourself anyway.

It is understandable your parents are being protective/overprotective. There's nothing you can do about it. As far as a career after the USMC goes--if you make the USMC your career you don't have to worry about it. :o) The other thing you need to remember about the Corps is that they'll put you where they need you, first and foremost, whether it's clerical or avionics or whatever. To some extent you have a choice, to some you don't.

I don't agree that you couldn't up your ASVAB scores either. I studied before I took it and it really refreshed my memory and helped with some questions I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. So go for it....and study like heck!

One last note, hang in there and don't get discouraged... I'm 29 and you wouldn't believe the garbage I've had to deal with so far, and I ship in January. Good luck!

Semper Fi, email me if you need to chat, M. Anderson


:
: First off I'd just like to say that I, desparately need to get this off of my
: mind and hear some input from people I can actually relate with. Sorry if
: it sounds all mixed up but I'm typing out how it's processed in my mind.
:
: Ok, I want to be a Marine, I have a recruiter and I already took the ASVAB.
: I'm a senior and have the option for the DEP program. WELL the major
: problem is my parents won't sign. I'm underage (17) and I won't turn 18
: until Sept. 12.
:
: So, I took the ASVAB Nov. 4 Before I took the ASVAB my recruiter assured me I
: could always retake it if necessary. Well I took the test shooting for
: signal intelligence, and I missed my GT score of 110 by five. I qualified
: for avionics/electrical communications and clerical stuff. So when I
: talked to my recruiter about retaking the test, he said it wouldn't make
: sense to retake it if I'm not taking a mechanical class because chances
: are it won't improve. Granted, I agree it makes sense, however I was going
: to take out the ASVAB book in the library and study. Well I was under the
: impression that my recruiter (no offense I highly respect him totally) was
: putting a lot of pressure on me to not retake the test. So now I'm really
: confused on the mixed messages how he assured me I could always retake it,
: yet it wouldn't make much sense to. He also said how job opportunities are
: being snatched up, so I shouldn't wait and retake it. (which makes sense I
: don't disagree). So he has valid points, it's just I'm being pulled both
: ways. I know you have an option to take it again in 30 days which will be
: dec. 4
:
: Well my parents allowed me to take the test and I thought they'd agree to the
: next step and I could go take the physical and the whole works. Well did
: that backfire. Now my dad won't sign, and when I told him what I qualified
: for and how I was interested in Avionics as a substitute for signal intel.
: He said "I don't see you having a career in that when you get
: out." This arises a new problem since he doesn't aggree with that I'm
: not going to get the papers signed anytime soon and it's getting closer
: and closer to my graduation and soon the DEP program isn't going to be
: actually preparing me if I'm in it for a month. I may be wrong, but I'm
: just really upset right now because I don't want to dissapoint my
: recruiter first and foremost, second I'm not involved with the program
: yet, and I totally have no support from my parents or anyone. Every time
: my recruiter called me I had to tell him my parents haven't decided yet
: and I'm just really really feeling like I have no control or direction for
: anything right now.
:
: I don't know if the answer is staring me right in the face and I can't see it
: yet, or if I'm being immature in this situation, but if anyone can make
: sense out of it and give me advice I'd appreciate it. I guess I'm afraid
: to retake the test for signal intel, because I'm afraid to see if I
: "fail" to get the score I need and I don't want a second
: dissapointment. Like I said, any advice good or bad I just want to hear it
: from different people. Thanks a lot for taking time to read this, I
: appreciate it. E. Brooke


zuma50@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

Hello there... I guess that my take on the situation is that you should get an ASVAB book, study really hard for a couple weeks, and take the test again. Even if jobs are being taken up, I'd say it's more important that you go into the career you want, rather than spend years settling for your second choice just because of 5 silly points. Your parents will be happier, and your recruiter will just have to deal with you not signing for another 2 weeks =) and about being in the DEP program for such a short time -- even if your not sworn in yet you can still be out training on your own, and a lot of the knowledge is on the 'net (check out www.first2fight.com - monika's site) so you can start studying now. Good luck! I know how hard it can be to do this with unsupportive parents, mine wouldn't sign if I needed them to, but luckily I'm 18 so it's my decision..

Tracy

VZNH@aol.com

[Anonymous]

:Hi I think what everybody is telling you about retaking the asvab is correct. Yo shoould you still have plenty of time before you leave for boot camp. Trust me as soon as you sign the papers if you want youcan leave with in two days(that is if you want). Definately take your time study and retake the test however. Make sure that the MOS you choose is actually in writing somewhere that you will get it. Also if you pick intell, here's something your recruiter doesn't tell you, In the middle of boot camp if you chose intel they will call you out of your platoon for the day and make you take all these like phychololical(sp) tests. If you pass that then you get to go into the intel MOS if not forget it you just lost your MOS, and you will be consider as open contract. Then they can put you anywhere they want. And you won't find out what your MOS is untill after MCT. So beaware before signing anything. Hey if you don't like the Marine Corps while your in there are always ways to get out you'll here about that later. Plus it's only four very fast years. Personally I think you should go for avionics, rather than intel it's more interesting and fun, but hey that's your choice. so Good Luck. any questions email me @ kim3ski@yahoo.com LCpl Theis


Hello there... I guess that my take on the situation is that you should get
: an ASVAB book, study really hard for a couple weeks, and take the test
: again. Even if jobs are being taken up, I'd say it's more important that
: you go into the career you want, rather than spend years settling for your
: second choice just because of 5 silly points. Your parents will be
: happier, and your recruiter will just have to deal with you not signing
: for another 2 weeks =) and about being in the DEP program for such a short
: time -- even if your not sworn in yet you can still be out training on
: your own, and a lot of the knowledge is on the 'net (check out
: www.first2fight.com - monika's site) so you can start studying now. Good
: luck! I know how hard it can be to do this with unsupportive parents, mine
: wouldn't sign if I needed them to, but luckily I'm 18 so it's my
: decision..
:
: Tracy

kim3ski@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

: You are in a tough spot right know but it seems to me that you mind is set on the Marines. I was 22 when I joined and I got alot of hell from my parents. They did not like the idea of me going in and that I would not have any job skills when I got out. The day I graduated was the proudest day of not only my life but thiers. Right now your parents are concerend about your future that all it comes to. Try to understand their side but understand that this is YOUR FUTURE NOT THEIRS. If they are determind not to sign wait until you turn 18 it will not effect you being in the DEB program. The most important thing that I can tell you is this. I understand about respecting your recurter but relize this is your life. If you want to retake the ASVAB do so. He may not like, he may even talk you out of it. Do not let him. You can retake it and do. I did. Your recuriter needs to talk to your parents if he is not willing to sit down with your parents then you need to find a recuriter that will. I am sure he is but he may be getting some back lash form his CO. Don't worry about him only worry about you. You want to be in intel. then do what you need to to get there. If you feel as though you are not getting what you want and feel that you can have then you need to find some other recuriter that can help you. I am not saying that he is bad. He is probably great. But remeber this is your future. You have support out there and I support you. I am retired out on disability after 3 years but I am very active still with the Marine Corps and love every minute of it. Stick to your guns. You seem like a strong woman. You will make a great Marine.


I am sorry about this being jumbled. If you need to talk e-mail me. Semper Fi Amy

abbeattie@duke-energy.com

[Anonymous]

Outside of all the advice already given,,, think about this one: I know a Marine who was in Avionics for 4 years. When he got out, he was hired by Delta Airlines and currently makes 70k a year. So... no career? Not true.

kathyw46@hotmail.com