First off, I wanna apologize if I shouldve used a different forum.
I recently enlisted and was sworn in at MEPS. I had wanted to go Infantry but my service counselor said there werent any jobs available in that area and that I would sign under an Open-Contract and workout a MOS with my recruiter later before I ship (which will be on Sept 2).
Anyway, heres my question...
I was looking over my contract and I saw that it list my MOS as 0500, I proceeded to look that up found-out 0500 was listed as Basic Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Marine; I tried to look up a description of that but it all got really vague. So is an open-contract the same as 0500 or what?
PS. You think theres any chance of me getting in Infantry (0300)? My recruiter says he can but he wants me to look at other jobs just in case, and alot of people are pressuring me to choose something different because of my high ASVAB (94).
This is the one time in the military where you can dictate to old uncle sam what you want.
Do not sign a contract you dont feel comfortable with. If you want Infantry sign for Infantry. No one else will be with you while you are working, so what they want is not important.
But realize, being a grunt is a calling. Infantry is a tough life with little recognition for a good job. That being said 03's are proud of there MOS and God help anyone who speaks poorly of it. If Infantry is in your blood then go Infantry.
Well, having signed under an Open-Contract does that mean Ill have to ship with one and let the USMC choose a job for me?
Because Im getting mixed information...some people are telling me I was screwed over by signing an open-contract and now Im gonna end up a cook, while others are telling me its no big deal, and between now and my ship-date Ill narrow down an MOS with my recruiter and have a new contract wrote up.
Originally posted by 16339755: Well, having signed under an Open-Contract does that mean Ill have to ship with one and let the USMC choose a job for me?
Because Im getting mixed information...some people are telling me I was screwed over by signing an open-contract and now Im gonna end up a cook, while others are telling me its no big deal, and between now and my ship-date Ill narrow down an MOS with my recruiter and have a new contract wrote up.
Ultimately, It doesnt matter until you swear in for the second time. If you DEP in open contract, you can pick between now and your ship date.
Marine recruiter's are often very busy and pushed hard to get their mission accomplished. After you DEP in, you may find your recruiter less active in getting you the contract you want. Not because he wants to screw you, but because he/she is often overloaded. I would caution anyone to get the contract they want upfront because its often harder to get it on the back end. Either way, what is important is what your contract says at MEPS when you ship.
Well, I was suppose to call him Wednesday - and I did, but I never heard back from him. I am gonna go see him Monday because I really wanna get this contract stuff squared-away, I'm so completely paranoid about ending-up behind a desk...Id rather be a cook than end-up behind a desk.
Right on, I ship on September 2 as well. I'm going to Camp Pendleton.
I signed under open contract but my recruiter went and put me under 6500, Aviation Ordnance. I really had no problems with that so I just have to sign the contract before shipping.
