Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/26/2008

Question
I'm about to join the marines, I'm cleared in MEPS but have not sworn in yet, my
recruiter is telling me that a job will be guaranteed but he says I need to sign
the contract first and then he'll look for my job. I believe that he should find the
job and then sign the contract specifying the job that I'll be doing. Also he says
that I could apply to MECEP after two years in the service is that true?

Answer
Dear Carlos --

You are right.  Your promised job should be in writing in your contract before you sign.

Your right to that military specialty will still be based on your performance at Marine basic training.  If you do not perform well enough in basic training, you could get a less desirable job than promised.  But that's yours to earn or lose, once it is promised in your contract.

Don't sign your contract, until you see a military specialty that you want, in writing, in your contract.

Now, I do not recognize the acronym MECEP.  If you could tell me what it stands for I might be able to answer that question too, but right now, I cannot.

Good luck to you.  Thank you for considering military service.