Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/MOS bait and switch?

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Expert: - 3/2/2007


Question
Son just completed MCT; halfway through he and 4 other Marines were advised they were getting MOS 741, Aviation Ops Specialist.  If his contract specified combat arms, what recourse does he have?  If the Marines drew a line through and wrote "void" on his contract while he was in boot, and then had him sign an open contract, what recourse does he have.

He signed up to fight, not to push papers.

Answer
Tom:

  While I understand your frustration, several things may have happened here.  

First, unless you son had a guaranteed combat arms/infantry, whatever, contract, the Marine Corps could have switched or changed his MOS to whatever the needs of the Corps are at that particular time.

Second, he may, while in either recruit training or MCT, have done something that voided the Combat Arms MOS.  He could have gotten hurt, or had some other issue, that made the switch happen, although if 4 other Marines also were changed to that MOS, it sounds like there was a severe shortage there, thus, the "Needs of the Corps" outweighed any other "wants", and he was switched.

While this may not be the ideal solution, if that MOS is, in fact, short, it means promotions will come quickly the first few years, if that is any consolation.  

Lastly, in three years, he can request a lateral move from this MOS and retrain into Combat arms, if that is his desire.  He can also test for Recon Marine AT ANY TIME, once he reaches the Fleet Marine Force.  

While lots of folks sign up to fight, not everyone can, because, quite simply, those kicking down doors and pulling triggers need far more to support them (logistically, administratively, etc) than you might believe, even in the Marine Corps.  Aviation Operations is quite a bit better job than, say, "Bulk Fuel Specialist" (a glorified gas pumper/tank truck driver) or some such.  

Best Regards,

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

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Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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