Securing MOS

[Anonymous]

I am very seriously considering joining the Marine Corps via OCS, Quantico, VA: however, I want a specific MOS and but can't seem to get a guarantee that I can have it. The "quality spread" process has been explained to me, and I understand it. However, in light of the current military recruiting crisis I do not understand why they will not promise me my chosen MOS (PAO), *especially* since I have a college degree for it. (I spoke to one USMC PAO who has a BIOLOGY degree -- c'mon!!) Is there some "back door" you can use to request and be promised a particular MOS once you graduate from OCS and TBS? That is my only major hang-up at this point! Please help!

E-mail me back at cndypfmgrl@aol.com - thank you much!

cndypfmgrl@aol.com

[Anonymous]

Hi Donna,

Not that I know of. My OSO told me your MOS will depend on several things...namely your performance/grades in TBS (The Basic School), then the needs of the Corps, then finally your preference. Don't quote me on this but he said somewhere around 90% or higher get their chosen MOS. I'm not sure that the Marines falls under the branches of service experiencing the current military recruiting crisis. From what I have seen and know, the Marines cater less yet people want to be a part of them even more, so that they happen to meet their recruiting goals while other branches of services tend to fall short. Your BA or BS degree does not necessarily have ultimate bearing in the MOS you will be assigned. So yes, a degree in Biology, Psychology, Computer Sci, etc...are pretty equal in the light of OCS and TBS. This is what I have surmised and understood from my OSO and from those attending TBS, as well as those who have graduated.

Good luck whatever you do.

Nat

nataliet@ccess.net

[Anonymous]

Indeed, the Marine Corps is the one branch of the military that is not having any problems meeting recruitment goals. Besides which, I take it your interested in medical, which is one of the most popular choices in all the branches. Your top choice may simply be unavailable at this time. Anybody else have any pointers here? Best of luck, hope you get what you want ! Hilary

bratinboots@yahoo.com

[Anonymous]

: Indeed, the Marine Corps is the one branch of the military that is not having
: any problems meeting recruitment goals. Besides which, I take it your
: interested in medical, which is one of the most popular choices in all the
: branches. Your top choice may simply be unavailable at this time. Anybody
: else have any pointers here? Best of luck, hope you get what you want !
: Hilary


Actually, it's PAO (Public Affairs Officer). They've given me some consolation in the fact that male officer candidates typically don't ask for this particular MOS much. They usually want something to do with aviation, guns, tanks, etc. Being a female puts me in the minority, as only 10% of the officer corps is female: with the majority (the guys) most likely going after something else, the competition field is cut down quite a bit. That did make me feel a bit better, but I was just wondered if there was another avenue to explore. Couldn't hurt to ask...Thanks!

cndypfmgrl@aol.com

[Anonymous]

: Actually, it's PAO (Public Affairs Officer). They've given me some
: consolation in the fact that male officer candidates typically don't ask
: for this particular MOS much. They usually want something to do with
: aviation, guns, tanks, etc. Being a female puts me in the minority, as
: only 10% of the officer corps is female: with the majority (the guys) most
: likely going after something else, the competition field is cut down quite
: a bit. That did make me feel a bit better, but I was just wondered if
: there was another avenue to explore. Couldn't hurt to ask...Thanks!


I don't have a huge amount of information on the subject, but I am currently a student at the Basic School, and we did our MOS selections today. We will be finding out what we all got, pending approval from Headquarters, Marine Corps. In our company, there was only one slot for the PAO, and I know of several people who wanted it--one guy has a Master's degree in PA, but that doesn't necessarily mean he will get it. Keep in mind that there are only 23 MOSs in the Marine Corps, and that, of those 23, 17 ARE open to females. My advice to you is that if you have your heart set on a particular MOS, aside from flight or law, which you CAN get a contract for, don't join the Marine Corps if you are not flexible on what you will be doing job-wise. It all pretty much boils down to what the Marine Corps needs at the time. PAOs are not very much in demand, or so it would seem judging by the amount of slots given to each company at TBS.

Good luck in whatever decision you pursue!

Semper Fi,

Beth

richert33@hotmail.com

[Anonymous]

This is for Beth...

Congrats for having gotten that far! My question to you is...ahem...what is basic school like? What was the most difficult aspect for you if you don't mind sharing? Is it intimidating being one of the few of 'the few'? (WM officer candidate!) ;) Would be great to hear from you.

Semper fi, Natalie

nataliet@ccess.net

[Anonymous]

: This is for Beth...
:
: Congrats for having gotten that far! My question to you is...ahem...what is
: basic school like? What was the most difficult aspect for you if you don't
: mind sharing? Is it intimidating being one of the few of 'the few'? (WM
: officer candidate!) ;) Would be great to hear from you.
:
: Semper fi, Natalie


Dear Natalie,

Hey, I'd love to email you and could tell you all about my experiences, however, I don't have access to regular email at the moment. If you want to write me in snail-mail, though, I would happily write you back. Are you going to OCS this summer? What district are you shipping from? My address is

Beth Falcon 210 Wild Oak Lane Apt 201 Stafford, VA 22554

Hope to hear from you soon! Semper Fi!

[Anonymous]

Hey Beth!! I thot u might have trouble being online of course;) Thanks much for the address, will snail mail u a note and include my address. Best of luck to ya tho looks like you don't need it;)

Semper fi! nat:)

nataliet@ccess.net