I'm not positive that is what the MOS is called in the Marine Corps. It might be called a Fire Support Specialist too. I was just wondering what the general duties were and if people enjoyed the job. I have a friend who does it in the Army but I intend to join the Marines. What is the general level of danger involved? Is it a job that keeps you excited to go to work every day? How fast do promotions come on average? What are they doing in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as duties Stateside? Any knowledge would be well appreciated. Thanks.

I enjoyed the job very much. As you may or may not know, you can not be guarenteed a specific MOS in the Marine Corps unless you are going in the Reserves. Go over to the Field Artillery forum and read there. After you have done some reading, come back and ask your questions.

quote:

Originally posted by 14153109:
What is the general level of danger involved?

Don't be such a puss. If you are worried of danger, aim high:All Those Scared Of "Danger" Apply Here.

I would appreciate not being called a puss for asking a legitimate question. I would be an idiot if I didnt attempt to find all information on every facet of the job. Am I just supposed to go in blindly so that I dont look like a puss? I do not fear danger. But at the same time, I want to know what im getting into. SCMerle, thank you for the response. I will check out those forums.

quote:

Originally posted by 14153109:
I would appreciate not being called a puss for asking a legitimate question. I would be an idiot if I didnt attempt to find all information on every facet of the job. Am I just supposed to go in blindly so that I dont look like a puss? I do not fear danger. But at the same time, I want to know what im getting into. SCMerle, thank you for the response. I will check out those forums.

Kid, nobody here cares what you would appreciate. You aren't a Marine. If you are considering going into a COMBAT ARMS MOS its not going to be a picnic.

When I entered the Marine Corps I went in under an Infantry Contract in 2004 during the height of the Iraq War, and have spent my entire enlistment to date as a Grunt. You're enlisting into a time of war, what the hell do you think you'll do for four years? Play beach volleyball? Forward Observer is a Combat Arms job, just look at the job field title. Your job is combat. Combat is dangerous duh. Get your head out of your @$$.

quote:

Originally posted by 14153109:
I would appreciate not being called a puss for asking a legitimate question. I would be an idiot if I didnt attempt to find all information on every facet of the job. Am I just supposed to go in blindly so that I dont look like a puss? I do not fear danger. But at the same time, I want to know what im getting into. SCMerle, thank you for the response. I will check out those forums.

When you post again don't try to argue with AHILL_USMC because you are going to loose and every Marine Here will side with AHILL_USMC because he is a Marine and You are a none rate.(if you join the Corps get use to this, because that is what you first few years in the Corps are going to be like, even if you NCO's are wrong they are right.) Also you are going to need to grow some skin otherwise you time int the Corps is going to suck. Now you got to look at it from his point of view, he has spent his time in the Corps in MOS that is one of the most dangerous, and hardest in the Corps during a time of war. than some wannabe comes in and says he is interested in a combat arms MOS and than he ask how dangerous is it?? we have been dealing with wannabes here for years, and generally the vibe we get from wannabes is this

"I wannabe a Bad A$$ Marine but I don't want to depoly"-I am not saying this is your thought process but it is a thought process that a lot of wannabes have. or another example,
"Can I be a Reserve Recon Marine?"-the vibe we get is I want the title with doing the least amount of work. Okay reserve recon Marine in my opinion should only be open to former active duty Marines who for whatever reason get out but still want the experience of serving with other recon Marines.

Now to you question the Foward Oberver is more or less a grunt with a Radio on his back. He is in the front lines calling in fire mission for artillery. so you will be exposed to the same dangers as a grunt. You are the link that conectes the Combined Arms of the (infantry and Artillery) Marine Corps. With out you the Infantry does not have it's big stick. the enemy knows this and so enemy snipers will target you first.

Thank you for the info Rigger51. I respect your opinion and that of all Marines. And I do appreciate the different point of view that you showed me. I don't want to argue with anyone whatsoever, but I am not willing to be called a ***** for asking a legitimate question. I'm just trying to be thorough. I don't know anyone willing to accept someone calling them a *****.

quote:

Originally posted by 14153109:
Thank you for the info Rigger51. I respect your opinion and that of all Marines. And I do appreciate the different point of view that you showed me. I don't want to argue with anyone whatsoever, but I am not willing to be called a ***** for asking a legitimate question. I'm just trying to be thorough. I don't know anyone willing to accept someone calling them a *****.

Yes you question was ligitimate although some may say it is asinine question because you are going into combat(expect the worst). Because you question was a ligitimate question that is way i took the time to explain everything to you. I understand you anger about being called a P-u-s-s-y. But a lot of times in the Corps and in life it is best to bit you tounge.(there is a time to fight and a time to regroup) Okay now I want you to remember there are only three people you should Make sure that know you are not a Pu$$Y. The first is you, the second is the Marine to you left make sure he knows you have his back and the third is the Marine to your right make sure he knows you have is back. As for what everyone else thinks and say... fark'em.

quote:

Originally posted by 14153109:
I do not fear danger.

Yeah, right. I face danger every day at work, what you have to have is the courage to overcome your fear. Right, Hollywood. You have it worse than I do.

Well I just want to thank everyone for the info and apologize for not doing more research using the find button on the forums first. I found a decent amount of info on the MOS. Thanks for the help.