Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/marine officer mos

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Expert: - 6/4/2007


Question
I am considering trying to become a Marine officer and my question is about officer mos. In my research I have learned that you receive your mos based on your class ranking at TBS. From my understanding the top ranked people get their choice and everyone else is assigned mos's by class rank. Does an officer still get choices such as 'these are my top 3 choices of mos' or is it a crap-shoot? obviously I would prefer the infantry but there are a few other mos's that I could live with but I don't want a job that would keep me in an office all day or one that I would hate.
If it is a crap-shoot do you have to stay in that mos for the remainder of your contract (4 year)or is it possible to get a new mos?  
I am a EMT, I know that the Marines receive all medical support from the Navy but is their any use for a Marine that already had medical training (job wise)?

I would appreciate any information or advice you can provide me. And thank you for making yourself available for question from people like me.  

Answer
James:

  Thanks for the kind words.  Basically, you've got it.  Officers CAN apply for something called a 'lateral move' out of their MOS into something else, but it's dependant on the 'needs of the Marine Corps' at that time, and it's difficult to do.  An officer does get choices, but again, they are based on class rank.  Typically, those in the lower tiers of the class end up becoming supply/admin/bulk fuel etc officers.  Not always, but those are usually MOS's that are hurting for officers and are 'short'.  The higher ranking you are in the classroom, the better chance you'll have to get what you want.

  While you could no doubt put your EMT training to use as an infantry officer, the Marine Corps doesn't do anything really medical related.


  I'd also suggested picking up the book "One bullet away, the making of a Marine officer".  It will give you much insight into the process as well as OCS/TBS.

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.

Experience

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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