Expert: Jason Grabill - 1/26/2009

Question
I am a high school senior en route to graduation. I plan on going into USMC DEP within the next couple weeks with an 0300 contract (Active Duty). I've already taken the ASVAB -- 95 -- and have gone to medical -- fully qualified. I am in very good shape both physically and mentally. Furthermore, I will not require a waiver of any kind. Ideally I would like to be a Rifleman (0311) but I'm aware that that cannot be guaranteed to me in my contract... I would assume that it would be assigned to me at SOI and that the Marine Corps assigns specific MOSs based on their own needs. My questions are as follows: (1.) When EXACTLY will specific infantry MOSs be assigned? (2.) Do I have any say at all in my MOS if and when I arrive at SOI? (3.) Are PFT or ASVAB scores a factor? (4.) What are my chances of getting 0311? (5.) In terms of USMC Infantry, what MOSs seem to be the most in demand?

Basically, I'd like to know about the process of being assigned to specific MOS within the Infantry Field and what the odds are of me getting the specific MOS I would like to, Rifleman. I understand that you must be busy with your own life and I would like to thank you for taking time out of your schedule to answer my questions.

Answer
Scott:

 First, congrats on enlisting!  You won't regret your choice to become a Marine, I assure you.

 Next, I highly suggest you go to www.leatherneck.com, hit the forums page, fill out a profile, and dive in.  There are literally thousands of members there, and thousands of questions that have been asked and answered, you can search the threads at your leisure.  You'll also be able to network with other poolees and folks on DEP, likely some from your area.

 On to your question.  Basically, as you surmise, MOS's are assigned based on need of the Corps.  Test scores don't play much of a factor into those decisions in the 0300 area as far as I know.  The 0311 MOS is the most in demand, so likely the one that's most assigned.  You stand a better chance of getting that one than any of the others, but, again, sometimes it's a crapshoot.

 I can't give you a specific process per se, but if you go to the forum I mentioned above (and BTW it's free), there might be an MOS manager, or someone more familiar with how the MOS's are assigned, that could answer that question.

Best Regards,

Jason