Before I go on to ask my questions, I feel an introduction of myself is necessary, albeit a short one. I am currently a senior attending a technical high school for 'Computer Service Techinician and Networking', soon to be 19 years old in 5 months, and there's zero doubt in my mind that I'll be joining the military, preferably Marines as I've heard they are the most demanding in most aspects. I'll be taking my ASVAB in November when it's available at my school and I'll be going to enlist that very same week once I know what kind of MOS's I stand a chance at. I anticipate I'll do very well on it, as I've qualified for all advanced classes and am in general a good test taker, but perhaps I am over confident.

In any case, unto my question... I'm thinking that, as far as my MOS is concerned, I'll try for the 1800 as a tank/amphibious assault crew member. I'm hoping more specifically to become a tank crew member, but anywho, my question is such: with this MOS, I don't see my chances being very high at getting stationed at my 'dream list' base, that being Japan. Not unless there's some sort of job there for the upkeep of tanks/assault vehicles whilst on base, or you can take up a separate job while there. So, I'm curious as to whether or not anyone knows a specific listing of MOS's that are available to any Japan base, or if anyone has a link to such a list...? I'm not locked in for any MOS's, but I'd prefer not to be a paper pusher just to land myself a spot at a Japan base, although preferences aren't what it's all about.

My next question is about the requirements for doing the aforementioned 1800 MOS. I've done my own research, and have found some indirect answers leading me to believe there are no prerequisites such as needing a driver's license to be eligible. Can anyone confirm?

Another question is about the length of time you'll stay stationed at any particular base. Now I know that you can be deployed on tour for upwards of a year, varying, and any time not spent on tour is spent at base, but is it possible for them to actually move what your home base is? An example being me stationed in Japan when on active duty of 4 years, and then being moved to somewhere like Germany? I'm taking a guess and saying yes, since their needs change, but I'd just like to know since this will be taking up 4 years of my life, perhaps more.

I know the basic saying is it's not guaranteed unless you have it in writing, so here goes my final question... Is it possible to actually get your MOS/what base you'll be shipped to into writing? Perhaps a dumb question, but as the philosophy goes, I'd preferred to have asked a dumb one than not asking it at all.

Lastly, just something to keep in perspective here is that I'm not locked into the Marines, either. While they are my preference as I believe they'd be the best for me and me for them, I am still open to joining another branch, so don't limit yourself to listing Marine MOS's that are available to Japan bases should you know of any. I'd appreciate any and all advice that I could get. Take it easy on the military lingo, I'm not really to familiar with a lot of the abbreviations and such. ;( Thanks!

I'm pretty sure it's impossible to get a certain base in your contract. If you go the tanker route, you'll probably end up in NC or the lovely base known as 29 Palms.

yes, it will be impossible, there is no live fire in Japan, and yes the 3 most logical bases are camp lejeune camp pendleton and 29 palms Ca.now, if you wer an amphib driver or an LAV crewman then yes you can go to japan.

Well, do you think we have a hot line to the Commanding General of Recruiting letting him or her know that Geez....that they have it all wrong and we need to change our ways so Merc91 does not go to the Army to be all He can be in the Army of One because he is Army Strong? Or do you want a Rasberry Beray so you can sign a song with Prince?

You may not be able to get to Japan on a full time basis until your 2nd contract, but then again I do hear that the Army has some really cool Condo's in Japan where those Army Strong, Army of One guys live. As a Marine you take what you can get and move on...

If you want to go to Japan, go Aviation. I spent 11 months there and it was a blast...

quote:

Originally posted by TomHansen:
Well, do you think we have a hot line to the Commanding General of Recruiting letting him or her know that Geez....that they have it all wrong and we need to change our ways so Merc91 does not go to the Army to be all He can be in the Army of One because he is Army Strong? Or do you want a Rasberry Beray so you can sign a song with Prince?

You may not be able to get to Japan on a full time basis until your 2nd contract, but then again I do hear that the Army has some really cool Condo's in Japan where those Army Strong, Army of One guys live. As a Marine you take what you can get and move on...

Bro, maybe you need to get to bed a bit earlier.

Semper Fi

John

quote:

Originally posted by CHEMICAL_ALI:
yes, it will be impossible, there is no live fire in Japan, and yes the 3 most logical bases are camp lejeune camp pendleton and 29 palms Ca.now, if you wer an amphib driver or an LAV crewman then yes you can go to japan.

Ahh.. That's unfortunate, but very helpful. At least I still have a chance at becoming an amphibious or lav crew member and being stationed within Japan. I'm still curious, though, if your home base gets changed around at all during the duration of your active duty? If so, is it common or more of a rarity once you've been stationed? (probably a poor question to ask since situations change with each progressing year/war, but maybe someone knows)

My only other remaining question still is whether or not someone here knows of a list which can tell you what bases are available for what MOS, and perhaps even a likely hood of being stationed one place opposed to another? I'll more than likely end up asking some of these questions to my recruiter again within a month after I've taken the ASVAB, but it's nice to come into a conversation and actually display some level of competency. Thanks for your guys' time and consideration so far!

My recruiter gave me a list that has most MOS's and then the base you go to for training and also how long the training is.. if you would like me to email it to you just let me know and I would be happy to do so!

Im not even sure if thats what your asking after i re read your post, but anyway the offer still stands

quote:

Originally posted by Merc91:

quote:

Originally posted by CHEMICAL_ALI:
yes, it will be impossible, there is no live fire in Japan, and yes the 3 most logical bases are camp lejeune camp pendleton and 29 palms Ca.now, if you wer an amphib driver or an LAV crewman then yes you can go to japan.

Ahh.. That's unfortunate, but very helpful. At least I still have a chance at becoming an amphibious or lav crew member and being stationed within Japan. I'm still curious, though, if your home base gets changed around at all during the duration of your active duty? If so, is it common or more of a rarity once you've been stationed? (probably a poor question to ask since situations change with each progressing year/war, but maybe someone knows)

My only other remaining question still is whether or not someone here knows of a list which can tell you what bases are available for what MOS, and perhaps even a likely hood of being stationed one place opposed to another? I'll more than likely end up asking some of these questions to my recruiter again within a month after I've taken the ASVAB, but it's nice to come into a conversation and actually display some level of competency. Thanks for your guys' time and consideration so far!

Why is it "Ahh.. That's unfortunate"? You are after all the one putting limits on what you "want" to do.

Look the Marine Corps sends you where they want you. Trust me, do it long enough and they will try and tell you to stay in one place. That sucks.

Semper Fi

John

Let me just say one thing. I have been on these boards for quite a long time. It sounds to me like you are pretty squared away, as I didn't see very many grammar or spelling errors in your post. My advice to you would be to attend a college, earn your degree, and become an officer.

Just food for thought.

Dude. My my my we're putting our wants in front of our desire to serve our country. Trust me, if this is your train of thought then you don't want to have anything to do with the Corps because we're all about service and sacrifice instead of "I want what I want when I want it." Anything less than total dedication to earning your Title Marine and going wherever the needs of the Corps are, will pretty much get you washed out with the full one third who don't survive recruit training which we call boot camp.

We're a combat organization so we prepare accordingly from day one whether we're at war or not so needless to say we're totally committed in dedication to this purpose because our very lives depend on it.

As far as Japan goes, we've got two places which is Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in the home islands and Okinawa where our ground combat, combat support and service support forces go. Needless to say Iwakuni is out as you're looking at ground combat so except for being a tanker, everyone else flies (pumps) to Okinawa for a six month deployment during your first four years.

However, we're currently fighting a war in A-Stan so needless to say you'll make at least one six month deployment there and if it keeps going you can pretty much kiss seeing Japan goodbye until it's over. But again, there are units who are sent there on routine six month deployments so you may luck out and draw one but I wouldn't count on it. We have an old saying, "prepare for the worst and pray for the best."

If I were you and decided to make a try and becoming a Marine, I'd look into Light Armored Vehicle Crewman, military occupational specialty 0313 as they go everywhere with Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). The Corps will only guarantee they'll give you a shot by sending you to the LAV school but you'll have to earn your crewman seat as there are no giveaways with us. Google LAV crewman and MEU(SOC) to get a more accurate picture than just reading a few posts here. After all, it's better to make an informed decision instead of a four year mistake.

Good luck and be realistic with whatever you choose as the change is forever.