Taking the Leap

[CBlacksheep]

Spoke with a local Marine recruiter today. I was surprised to learn that High School students and graduates are put into two different categories, which put me in a potentially tough spot. Only one slot was open, and I expressed interest. I have been waiting around and doing private research for well over a year already, and thought it was about time I do something about it.

My parents, like many others, thought I needed ADD/ADHD medication when I was a kid. I was only on it for a year, which I expressed to the recruiter at length. Another doctor I saw told my parents I absolutely did not to be medicated, so they stuck with that. I'm submitting my medical records and transcripts from High School and College, but I'm not too worried about disqualification. As long as I can get documentation together in a reasonable amount of time, I'll be able to head to MEPS around Thanksgiving.

From anyone already in, any recommendations for me?

[doug-y-doug]

Choose your dream MOS even if it requires a longer commitment. You'll be a better and happier marine for it. I made the mistake of settling for less than I wanted because I was afraid of the longer service obligation. Besides that, don't reveal any more adverse info to your recruiter. When I enlisted, I told my recruiter all about my high school drug "experimentation" and potential medical issues. He told me to keep it all to myself, lol. Thanks for your future service!

[chozenfew805]

What MOS you considering?

[Clownpuncher]

The way it was explained to me when I joined was if you pass a cop going the other way, you look down and you are doing 90 are you going to turn around and go tell him you were speeding? No, so all the experimental crap just keep to yourself. Good on you for bringing to light a medical issue in your past though, that can really bite you in the butt if a med issue rears its head in the future, especially in recruit training.

+1 for choose an MOS you want/are interested in and don't worry about commitment. Another year or 2 isn't going to make that much difference.

Have a guaranteed MOS group prior to signing on the dotted line. Feel free to ask questions here about MOS'... there are plenty of Marines in the group from all fields.

[CBlacksheep]

Choose your dream MOS even if it requires a longer commitment. You'll be a better and happier marine for it. I made the mistake of settling for less than I wanted because I was afraid of the longer service obligation. Besides that, don't reveal any more adverse info to your recruiter. When I enlisted, I told my recruiter all about my high school drug "experimentation" and potential medical issues. He told me to keep it all to myself, lol. Thanks for your future service!

I've already admitted to experimentation, and I'll be putting it on my SF-86. It was a one-time deal, and I am not beyond honesty. It's not that I'd rather keep it to myself and avoid problems, but I know that if I admitted it sooner I would end up with less of an issue. As far as medical issues, I'll let the examiners determine the rest.

Also, I have no issue with an extension of a commitment. I'm not looking for bonuses, either.

What MOS you considering?

Intel, SIGINT, and Combat Camera look most interesting to me. However, I understand the needs of the Marines come first, and I would be willing to take something that is critical so long as I qualify for it.

[livefire]

Great MOS choices! Good Luck and...Thank you! Stay focused and stay safe.

[CBlacksheep]

Thanks. My ship date will not be for almost an entire year, but getting something secured and plenty of time to prepare myself physically will benefit me in the long run.

The way it was explained to me when I joined was if you pass a cop going the other way, you look down and you are doing 90 are you going to turn around and go tell him you were speeding? No, so all the experimental crap just keep to yourself. Good on you for bringing to light a medical issue in your past though, that can really bite you in the butt if a med issue rears its head in the future, especially in recruit training.

+1 for choose an MOS you want/are interested in and don't worry about commitment. Another year or 2 isn't going to make that much difference.

Have a guaranteed MOS group prior to signing on the dotted line. Feel free to ask questions here about MOS'... there are plenty of Marines in the group from all fields.

I guess I'm too late on the admission, but it is what it is. I feel better for making the choice than lying and have it mess with me later on. As for guaranteeing an MOS, the recruiter I'm speaking with assured me that he does not let any of his people ship with an open contract unless they specifically request it. I do not plan to make that mistake.

Any immediate tips for getting to a point where passing the IST is possible? I have no problem with reaching the minimums for pull-ups or crunches, but I've never been a big fan of running. The station I'm applying out of actually requires all of their recruits to qualify on the IST above minimum standards, so I'm hopeful that helps.

[chozenfew805]

Any immediate tips for getting to a point where passing the IST is possible? I have no problem with reaching the minimums for pull-ups or crunches, but I've never been a big fan of running. The station I'm applying out of actually requires all of their recruits to qualify on the IST above minimum standards, so I'm hopeful that helps.

There is no real easy or immediate tips for becoming a fan of running other than building yourself up to it. Step it up everyday and keep track of your times. Physical fitness is extremely crucial to a successful career in the military(FITREPS)

[LeatherNuts]

You need to corner your recruiter on your MOS choices NOW. I joined in 97 and did the same admission about my prior drug use. I scored very high on the ASVAB and was asked if I wanted to take some further testing for a ground signals intelligence MOS. They sit you in a room by yourself and play made up languages on a tape player that you learned 15 minutes prior to see how well you can translate them, anyhow long story longer I got the MOS on my contract and went to boot camp. While in boot camp I got pulled from my platoon to start my Top Secret clearance paperwork because it's required just to attend the school. So they start going through my paperwork and find my drug waiver...giggle a little.....and inform me that I'm not eligible for this MOS because you can't get a TS clearance straight out of HS with a drug waiver. Next thing I know I'm made open contract and sent back to my platoon. My recruiter sent me to boot camp with a drug waiver for an MOS you’re not allowed to have a waiver for. Fortunately for me I ended up getting and MOS that I enjoy and it's given me a high level of gratification these last 14 plus years. Not saying you’re in the same boat as I was, but you need to ask.

[chozenfew805]

BIG +1 there, ask plenty of questions and make sure you see it documented in writing. All to often are MOSs changed during Boot Camp because of a technicality or something that a recruiter overlooks to fill that months quota.

[CBlacksheep]

Good to know, both of you. And thanks. I walked in knowing full well that all branches are downsizing. Though I won't take anything they offer, I am willing to make concessions for the needs of the Corps. For now, I'll worry about getting back in shape and making sure I have all of the right material to get through MEPS. Fortunately, I'm not a fat body and have no piercings, tats, and a clean record with the law. Apparently that's a lot less common than I thought it was.

My friend who just shipped for SOI yesterday could get LCpl early if I use him as a referral. Do you know the procedure for doing that?

[chozenfew805]

Your friend needs to get that documented on something like a Page 13 or something similar stating that you were a reference and there's more to it than just being a referral. That's a tool that recruiters use to "Bait" more potential recruits. Ask your recruiter about it because all the branches have/had similar advancement opportunities while on DEP.

[CBlacksheep]

I'm going to press for it. I was tossing around the idea for awhile, and he told me about the opportunity for promotion. I mentioned this to the recruiter I'm speaking with, and he told me he could definitely get my friend hooked up with this opportunity. I'm assuming that'll hinge on whether or not I actually make it through to the point of being sworn in.

By the way, what is it that's more to it? Just curious, is all.

[chozenfew805]

Documentation-I'm not sure what the exact paper work is called but the sooner this is in writing the better otherwise it's nothing other than a wasted breathe.

[Comcam]

Combat Camera is the only way to go, if I did this job when I was in the Marines I prob would have stayed in. You can't go wrong with it, its a lot of work but you get to do so many things others don't.

If you would like to see some photos from Afghanistan, give you an idea of what you can expect. Only thing is I got stuck in a PA shop since they needed help so I have only done a couple COMCAM mission =/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/edsel12/sets/72157627245158946/