Is there a way to heighten your chances at getting the MOS you want in the Marines?

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 13:29:00 -0400

I know you pick your field (mine will probably be 08xx) but is there a good way to get an exact MOS? I want to become a Fire Support Man (0861) and when do you find out your exact MOS?

*Side note* sorry for being kinda redundant with these questions, I'm just really excited to finally be going active duty.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Jun 30 at 2017 2:32 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 14:32:54 -0400

Ask for 0311 and I got that.... but if there are needs for 0861 you probably have a good chance.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2017 3:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 15:31:14 -0400

Talk to your recruiter. If you haven't contracted yet and there's a need for the MOS, you should be able to contract for it if you otherwise qualify for it.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Jun 30 at 2017 7:23 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 19:23:37 -0400

Unless things have changed since I was on recruiting duty (and that was in the 70's, so they probably have), the Marine Corps doesn't offer specific MOS guarantees.....only a general field. As I was informed by my drill instructor when I requested a change of orders at the end of boot camp (which is when you will find out what your specific MOS will be), the Marine Corps will decide where they need you to go, and what they need you to do. You do have the option of requesting schools and transfers of MOS during the course of your service, but no guarantee it will be honored. If you decide to re-enlist at the end of your tour, you can request a change of MOS as a re-enlistment incentive, and that will be honored. Good luck in training young man.....becoming a Marine will be a proud moment in your life.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jun 30 at 2017 8:50 PM

Cpl Mark A. Morris — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 20:50:03 -0400

Be careful. I was told I would be photographer living seaside in a condo. I got 0311 and shipped overseas. Can you believe that s***?
M. Morris RVT

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Jun 30 at 2017 8:57 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Fri, 30 Jun 2017 20:57:21 -0400

Needs of the Marine Corps will put you where they want you. You'll pick a general area and when you finish boot camp, they'll let you know where they want you.

I picked Legal Admin but I got put in Maintenance Admin because they both fall in the Admin category.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Jul 1 at 2017 12:57 AM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Sat, 01 Jul 2017 00:57:15 -0400

I enlisted under a combat arms bonus program. But due to my ASVAB scores, the Marine Corps decided I should be working in the legal field. But when my ETS date was getting close, the company retention NCO told me that with my ASVAB scores, I was eligible for a transfer to any MOS field I wanted if I would reenlist. I didn't take him up on it. I guess the answer is to score high on the ASVAB and maybe you'll eventually be able to transfer into that MOS field.

Response by Cpl Christian Sotoparra made Jul 3 at 2017 12:16 PM

Cpl Christian Sotoparra — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 12:16:18 -0400

High ASVAB score did it for me

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jul 3 at 2017 12:23 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 12:23:33 -0400

If you want a guarantee of a specific MOS in your initial contract, join the Army.
My favorite story that I heard was the sailor who enlisted in the Navy because they said he was going to be a 'fireman'. He ended up a shoveling coal into a boiler but got what he did ask for?

Response by Sgt Dylan Sanders made Dec 11 at 2017 4:03 PM

Sgt Dylan Sanders — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:03:34 -0500

For a CK contract, if I remember correctly, you go in as 0800, and when you graduate MCT and get your orders, you either get 0861, or 0844. So scout, or FDC. I think it's kind of like a flip of a coin. I went in thinking I was going to be a cannoneer the entire time. Sooooo glad I wasn't in the end lol

Response by SSgt Matt Faust made Feb 26 at 2018 8:55 PM

SSgt Matt Faust — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 20:55:08 -0500

0861 had a minimum GT score of 120 when I enlisted, but they had lowered it considerably in the following years. That was essentially the only requirement.