Posted on Mar 19, 2019
PFC Motor Transport Operator
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I finished AIT in December 2018 and have been with my unit since January 2019. I want to join the USMC but not really sure if it is possible considering how little time I've been enlisted. So far I know that I need to get a DD-368 from Marine recruiter that states I want to be conditionally released to transfer branches which ultimately needs to be approved by my unit's commander. I read that there are certain questions about my transfer that I need to answer which I wrote down for myself to have better clarity:
1. WHICH BRANCH ARE YOU TRYING TO JOIN AND WHY?
- I want to join the Marine Corps because I believe my skills would be better suited there and I would like to travel and advance my career in an active duty environment.
2. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE THIS CURRENT BRANCH?
- I do not feel as though I am reaching my full potential as a soldier if I am only training once a month as a truck driver. I joined the Guard so I could go to college but school is not working out for me. I have nothing going for me in North Carolina so I have no reason to stay.
3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN?
- 10 months
4. HAVE YOU COMPLETED BASIC AND AIT?
- Yes
5. ARE YOU MOS QUALIFIED?
- I have not yet received a driver's license at my unit, but I graduated AIT as an 88M.
6. HOW MUCH ACTIVE DUTY TIME DO YOU HAVE?
- Aside from BCT and AIT, none
7. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN FLAGGED, RECEIVED AN ARTICLE 15 OR BEEN IN ANY OTHER TROUBLE?
- No
I am aware I will have to go through Boot Camp and I am completely okay with that. If anyone has done this before, please let me know how you reimbursed your Army bonus and if I transfer will I have option for what MOS I go into.

Thank you.
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 9
SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint
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Strongly suggest you do not join the Marines. " I want to join the Marine Core because I believe my skills would be better suited there "
1. Never join an organization when you do not know how to spell the name when you write to them.
2. What skills do you have that can help the USMC?
3, I am not sure how, but we used to normally join the USMC and get the MOS that was in the "best needs of the Marine Corps."
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PFC Motor Transport Operator
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I apologize for the misspelling, it was a careless error and I hope I did not come off as disrespectful. From what I have seen and understand, Marines are held to a higher standard and do a lot more hands-on work as they all are essentially infantrymen (correct me if I am wrong). Since my enlistment, squad/platoon maneuvers and tactics have always been something I feel confident doing. My PT score is above average and I enjoy going to the range. I am also motivated and eager to be in an active duty environment. Thank you for your reply.
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PFC Motor Transport Operator
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So far all my energy is focused with my unit. I do my best on PT tests, I volunteer for extra days and ADVON, and show up with a positive attitude. I am refraining from talking negatively about my unit or slander them, but I will say that I am a bit disappointed with it. I wanted to enlist as an infantryman but there were no Infantry units close to where I live, so I enlisted as an 88M because I was told it was easy to switch MOS, obviously a mistake that could have been prevented had I been more informed and more patient. Which is why I am asking people on this website for their insight and opinions, so I can be more informed before I make any other decisions within the military.
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Sgt Field Radio Operator
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Edited >1 y ago
Revise Marine Core to Marine Corps. Why did college not work out? Why do you want to Join the Marine Corps instead of another branch? Talk to a recruiter for the latest information.
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PFC Motor Transport Operator
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I apologize for the misspelling, it has been corrected. I did not mean to come off as disrespectful. College is not working out because I am not engaged in the greater picture and I have never done well in a school environment. I want to join the Marines instead of the Air Force or Navy because of the role Marines are expected to carry out as both infantrymen and their MOS job appeals to direction i want to take my career to. Thank you for your answer.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Only your recruiter can tell you about MOS but generally the Army is the only service that guarantees an MOS to all applicants. Other services may guarantee a career field or nothing at all. Being prior service, I don't you'll get any option.
You'll pay back whatever bonus you've received already.
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PFC Motor Transport Operator
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Thank you for your reply, this information helps me understand my options a bit better.
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