Right now I am just waiting to go to basic, but I am enlisted in the MOS of Data Systems. How long is the schooling for it. Do you get a choice of what to study. Is it chopped up into "sub-MOS" programs? I hear some Marines talking about Field Radio this, Field Radio that. What kinds of things do they teach you in Data Systems? I am pretty sure you learn how to fix computers, network them, program them....what else? I am so MOTO right now to get headed off to boot and getting to my MOS is one of the motivations I have to succeed.

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Originally posted by usmc_hughesrl:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by CaliDevilPup:
Right now I am just waiting to go to basic, but I am enlisted in the MOS of Data Systems. How long is the schooling for it.

If memory serves me right 2 months? I believe the school was altered though to include the other moses 0656 / 0653

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Do you get a choice of what to study. Is it chopped up into "sub-MOS" programs? I hear some Marines talking about Field Radio this, Field Radio that.

Field radio is an 06 MOS so its in the field. As far as data guys are concerned there is:
0651 (Data Systems Marine)
0656 (Tactical Data Systems)
0653 (Defense Messaging Systems)
0689 (Information Assurance Technician *have to be a SGT*)
0659 (Data Chief *SSGT and up*)

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What kinds of things do they teach you in Data Systems? I am pretty sure you learn how to fix computers, network them, program them....what else?

0651 - There is actually a class on using a mouse, Operating System Basics, Basic networking, setting up outlook servers, configuring routers, basics of the tactical suite. All night fun putting up a network while instructors are tearing it down.

0653 - Messaging stuff, outlook etc. The specifics of how USMC Messages get from pt. A to pt. B. You'll have to get a TS for this job.

0656 - All the tactical stuff. I didn't go to this school so I can't speak from 1st hand experience.

*note you don't get to pick what classes you are sent to - its up to the corps.

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I am so MOTO right now to get headed off to boot and getting to my MOS is one of the motivations I have to succeed.

Good - I hope you stick with it. Me personally... I hate the job. I know guys who love it, so don't take my impression the wrong way. I didn't join to fix computers - I didn't even know a job like this existed until I got it, part of the reason I am answering questions on here. In addition, remember you are a Marine - you can/will deploy and you can/may work outside of the MOS. I have friends who served as basic infantry men in Iraq & Security Details in Afghanistan. If you like working with computers, you'll enjoy it - me personally I think I am going blind.

Anyway, you'll run a lot - the school is in 29 Palms California. Its hot as hell if you go in the summer and there are almost 0 women on deck. Granted, I had fun there - got drunk almost every night * don't do it if you are under 21 - they love to fry Marines there *

Future info - post in the wannabe section. This area was created for MARINES and you are not one yet.

29 Palms Site. You can check out the MOS road maps too - may have some more up to date info.
http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/tenants/mcces/bco/dts.asp

I figure I'll just piggyback on this post to prevent unneeded clutter. I'm an 0656, EAS'd in June of 2005 and have just been involuntarily activated. I report to Camp Pendleton in October with probably deployment overseas early next year.

What can I expect to be doing in Iraq as an 0656? Will I be on base most of the time or will I get to be out on the streets? I'm not sure if rank affects my duties over there, but if so, I'm a Sergeant. I just want to get a few ideas of what to expect before I head over there.

quote:

Originally posted by rdcisneros3:
I figure I'll just piggyback on this post to prevent unneeded clutter. I'm an 0656, EAS'd in June of 2005 and have just been involuntarily activated. I report to Camp Pendleton in October with probably deployment overseas early next year.

What can I expect to be doing in Iraq as an 0656? Will I be on base most of the time or will I get to be out on the streets? I'm not sure if rank affects my duties over there, but if so, I'm a Sergeant. I just want to get a few ideas of what to expect before I head over there.

Really depends on your unit - find out where you are going & I'll try to fill you in. Just a note, I've seen guys get activated for OIF just to sit at a base unit doing jack diddly. In other words, you could be activated just to sit in the rear while other guys go over.

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Originally posted by usmc_hughesrl:

quote:

Originally posted by rdcisneros3:
I figure I'll just piggyback on this post to prevent unneeded clutter. I'm an 0656, EAS'd in June of 2005 and have just been involuntarily activated. I report to Camp Pendleton in October with probably deployment overseas early next year.

What can I expect to be doing in Iraq as an 0656? Will I be on base most of the time or will I get to be out on the streets? I'm not sure if rank affects my duties over there, but if so, I'm a Sergeant. I just want to get a few ideas of what to expect before I head over there.

Really depends on your unit - find out where you are going & I'll try to fill you in. Just a note, I've seen guys get activated for OIF just to sit at a base unit doing jack diddly. In other words, you could be activated just to sit in the rear while other guys go over.

Thanks for the reply. My orders say that I'm assigned to 1st Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion. I don't know if that means 9th Comm (which I believe falls under HQ BN) or elsewhere. Ideas?

quote:

Originally posted by rdcisneros3:

quote:

Originally posted by usmc_hughesrl:

quote:

Originally posted by rdcisneros3:
I figure I'll just piggyback on this post to prevent unneeded clutter. I'm an 0656, EAS'd in June of 2005 and have just been involuntarily activated. I report to Camp Pendleton in October with probably deployment overseas early next year.

What can I expect to be doing in Iraq as an 0656? Will I be on base most of the time or will I get to be out on the streets? I'm not sure if rank affects my duties over there, but if so, I'm a Sergeant. I just want to get a few ideas of what to expect before I head over there.

Really depends on your unit - find out where you are going & I'll try to fill you in. Just a note, I've seen guys get activated for OIF just to sit at a base unit doing jack diddly. In other words, you could be activated just to sit in the rear while other guys go over.

Thanks for the reply. My orders say that I'm assigned to 1st Marine Division, Headquarters Battalion. I don't know if that means 9th Comm (which I believe falls under HQ BN) or elsewhere. Ideas?

Its not 9th comm - I don't know when they are going next, but your with HQ BN & not a Victor unit so shouldn't be too bad.

While I was there my schooling was 4 months. I also went threw the 4066 school as well as the 0653/56 schooling. This was also back in from 6/01 - 11/01.

I'm currently at MCCES for 0651 school. I can answer questions about MCCES or 29 Palms from a student's POV.

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Originally posted by pxmonkee:
I'm currently at MCCES for 0651 school. I can answer questions about MCCES or 29 Palms from a student's POV.

They forcing you guys to go to a follow on?

To chirp in, I served active duty from 02-06 and was an 0656 attached to a victor unit (grunt). I didn’t use my mos training that much as there was no need for servers in the field for a grunt unit. What I did do is learn the jobs of everyone around me and made a name for myself. I did allot of satcom work and went forward on small communication teams reinforcing infantry companies. I had a great time and loved that aspect of it. Hated all the other BS that went along with the corps and that’s why I got out. Nearly two years later im enjoying a nice federal job as a GS-11 making 60k a year and just received a recall letter. I guess the corps wants us back...who knew?? Oh well, I submitted a package for exemption but if it gets denied I guess its time to unpack the old boots and pound some dirt again...semper fi!