question for those in the military

[huntinstud101]

I am looking at joining the military after I graduate high school. I would like to join the Marines and attempt to join the ranks of the USMC snipers. I am also looking at the Army because they can guarrentee me an MOS, unlike the Marines. Is there anything I am missing?


Thanks for the time and the service,

Pat

 

[nock]

Re: question for those in the military

Just do what your heart tells you.

 

[cavscout1983]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinstud101</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking at joining the military after I graduate high school. I would like to join the Marines and attempt to join the ranks of the USMC snipers. I am also looking at the Army because they can guarrentee me an MOS, unlike the Marines. Is there anything I am missing?


Thanks for the time and the service,

Pat</div></div>

Can't speak on the Marine side as I am not/was not one.

In the Army- your BEST chance at becoming a Sniper is via Infantry. The caveat to that is like the Marine Corps- the Army doesn't guarantee an MOS within Infantry branch either. You have to join as an 11X and it is determined after you are already committed if you will become an 11B (grunt) and 11C (mortarman).

 

[shark0311]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinstud101</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking at joining the military after I graduate high school. I would like to join the Marines and attempt to join the ranks of the USMC snipers. I am also looking at the Army because they can guarrentee me an MOS, unlike the Marines. Is there anything I am missing?


Thanks for the time and the service,

Pat</div></div>

Talk to a Marine recruiter. They can guarantee your MOS after you take the ASVAB. Do not sign any contract that does not explicitly state what your MOS will be.

 

[huntinstud101]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shark0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Talk to a Marine recruiter. They can guarantee your MOS after you take the ASVAB. Do not sign any contract that does not explicitly state what your MOS will be. </div></div>

I did talk to a Marine recruiter and I was told that I would have to be picked from the group after quallifying (perfect score) in an infantry marksmanship test for both the Marines and the Army. How far out should I have to pe proficient to?

 

[Slapchop]

Re: question for those in the military

Sounds like you're getting a load of bullshit all around. Like Cavscout stated, your best bet is to choose the infantry field. In the case of the Marines you'll be an 03. After boot camp you'll be assigned to SOI (School Of Infantry) and given a specific MOS within the 03 field.

After you complete SOI, you'll be shipped out to the fleet where every so often, as their need for people arises, the STA platoon (snipers) will have an indoc (tryouts) in order to recruit new members. You bust ass, make it past the indoc and IF the guys like you, you'll be assigned to the platoon and they'll start preparing you for sniper school.

Not sure if anything's changed since but this is how it was done when I was in.

Also, regardless of what they say, the recruiters can't guarantee you a specific MOS within the 03 field. Unless of course that has changed as well.

As far as what your rifle quals go, they want to see an expert rifle shooter and a 1st class PFT (physical fitness test score). So you'll need to shoot an M-16 with iron sights out to a max distance of 500 yards and be in good physical condition.

 

[Northrop]

Re: question for those in the military

Slapchop has it exactly right. You have to be in the infantry (03) Then once through bootcamp and SOI, you go too ur unit and take the Scout/Sniper indoc. Not only must you have heart and be hard, you must also be smart to learn all that will be taught too u while in the Scout/Sniper PLT. Then once they feel you are ready they will send you to sniper school. To go to school you must have a 105 GT score and have shot expert on the range or u can't go to school. Then you have to pass the school. Which the school is very demanding.

Good luck too you in whatever route u choose

 

[gugubica]

Re: question for those in the military

Army can not guarantee a sniper slot either. Whichever you choose, the best path to a slot is an infantry MOS and working your ass off (a little luck does not hurt either).

Any branch will let you sign up for a specific MOS (job), but sniper is not one of those (neither is Recon, SEAL, Ranger, etc.). You MIGHT be able to sign up to attend a specific school, but that is still no guarantee that you will get a spot.

You do not just sign up and then they slot you as a Water Purification Specialist. You get to choose from a list of MOSs that you are eligible for.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: question for those in the military

Army will send 19D's to Sniper school too. Cav Scouts are also in high demand(read that big fat entry bonus). Bottom line:
Infantry walks or rides. Cav Scouts ride in their own vehicles, usually UpArmored Hummers with a good amount of firepower.
If the recruiter you are seeing is giving you a load of BS and blowing smoke up your ass, go to another place and let them know. Just be damned sure you are correct when you do

 

[huntinstud101]

Re: question for those in the military

Im glad I asked because this is different than what I have been told about both branches. As I expected, when talking to either recruiter, it is hard to cut out the "we are better than them" stuff and actually get decent info. Looks like Ive gotta change my PT schedule a little too.

 

[cavscout1983]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Army will send 19D's to Sniper school too. Cav Scouts are also in high demand(read that big fat entry bonus). Bottom line:
Infantry walks or rides. Cav Scouts ride in their own vehicles, usually UpArmored Hummers with a good amount of firepower.
If the recruiter you are seeing is giving you a load of BS and blowing smoke up your ass, go to another place and let them know. Just be damned sure you are correct when you do</div></div>

"Will" send, not as a rule, and they don't award the B4 to 19D's. Majority of slots go to 11B's if the BN has them (which they will). Hell, in my last unit, they chose to send fucking 11C's to school more than 19D's. what the fuck does a mortarman need to operate a sniper rifle for? The school is Infantry-centric.

Haven't heard of a High bonus for a 19D in a while, and I am fairly active in a Scout forum that tends to draw in a lot of recruits. The guys we are seeing on there have been reporting that they have had to fight for slots, and tooth and nail on the Airborne option. The drive to build up 19D's in the Army for RSTA's was once again commandeered by the fucking Infantry branch and MI. All these new CAV units are CAV in name only.

Scout's will walk or drive with just as much frequency as their infantry counterparts (METT-TC-Specific), especially in A-stan if the commander is using them correctly via early pre-mission inserts

 

[The_Punisher]

Re: question for those in the military

I would want to get an Airborne or Ranger contract and then worry earning a sniper slot. You will be around a higher level of soliders and the training will be much better!

 

[huntinstud101]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Punisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would want to get an Airborne or Ranger contract and then worry earning a sniper slot. You will be around a higher level of soliders and the training will be much better!</div></div>

I do like that idea and it will be a serious consideration. I do know two guys, one in ranger and one in airborne training right now, I will have to talk to them and the others in their units

 

[eddieo]

Re: question for those in the military

Kid

Im going to take a guess and say your about 17/18 years old.

if your asking for advice Im going to say the following;

Go to college, get yourself some qualifications and a degree behind you... get yourself a marketable skill... get qualified.

if after college you still feel the same, then by all means joinn an Inf Unit, learn the trade and graduate to sniper if your good enough... Snipers and people in rocon carry very high mortaility rates and rates of serious disability. if you get an injury that for example leaves you in a wheelchair your chances of finding a job are pretty fucking slim with a high school diploma..If you have a kid and a wife to support while disabled your chances of finding markketable employment with a degree and qaulifications are significantlyu higher than your kids and wife living on food stamps if you have no qaulifications....

got a buddy who was seriously injured in Afganistan.. he is in a wheelchair, wears nappys because he doesnt have control of his bowels.. has to have a nurse wipe his ass and empty his piss jar.. me, I have been seriosuly injured by an IED, deaf in my left ear and had 41 surgical procedures on IED related injuries... I have kicked in many doors and felt the surge of adrenline. I shoot and would and have always fight for the right to bear arms.

Do I regret it ?

No for a single moment. I have been very lucky ! Im alive !....

ed

 

[diggler1833]

Re: question for those in the military

Being a former Marine recruiter I can tell you that we can only guarantee an occupational field. The specialty will be decided based upon the needs of the Corps.

i.e. You can go in as an infantryman (UH option on the contract), but rifleman, mortarman, assaultman, or LAR is up to the Corps.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinstud101</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The_Punisher</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would want to get an Airborne or Ranger contract and then worry earning a sniper slot. You will be around a higher level of soliders and the training will be much better!</div></div>

I do like that idea and it will be a serious consideration. I do know two guys, one in ranger and one in airborne training right now, I will have to talk to them and the others in their units</div></div>

That's the best way to go then you've got at least one school under your belt after basic. Airborne is part of the requirement for the Ranger contract. Then You have to pass what used to be RIP, but it's now something like RASP. Schools look good when you get to your unit. If they offer Javelin after Basic or AIT take it, it's a BS course but still a school.

 

[shark0311]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: diggler1833</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Being a former Marine recruiter I can tell you that we can only guarantee an occupational field. The specialty will be decided based upon the needs of the Corps.

i.e. You can go in as an infantryman (UH option on the contract), but rifleman, mortarman, assaultman, or LAR is up to the Corps. </div></div>

At the end of the School of Infantry (SOI) they assign your MOS if you are an 03.

Ask if they still have the 0321 pipeline (I hate this program by the way). This grants you the ability to do the Recon screening at the beginning of SOI. If you pass the screening you go to the Basic Reconnaissance Course, Airborne, Combatant Diver, and SERE after SOI.

If they do have the pipeline and this is the route you wish to go it will be stipulated in your contract.

If you would like more information about Recon get a copy of Marine Force Recon by Fred J. Pushies. There are many opportunities to go to Sniper school as an 0321.

 

[shootist2004]

Re: question for those in the military

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/l/blfitmale17to21.htm

 

[huntinstud101]

Re: question for those in the military

you guys have made some points that I have not heard. Thanks for the help

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eddieo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kid

Im going to take a guess and say your about 17/18 years old.

if your asking for advice Im going to say the following;

Go to college, get yourself some qualifications and a degree behind you... get yourself a marketable skill... get qualified.

if after college you still feel the same, then by all means joinn an Inf Unit, learn the trade and graduate to sniper if your good enough... Snipers and people in rocon carry very high mortaility rates and rates of serious disability. if you get an injury that for example leaves you in a wheelchair your chances of finding a job are pretty fucking slim with a high school diploma..If you have a kid and a wife to support while disabled your chances of finding markketable employment with a degree and qaulifications are significantlyu higher than your kids and wife living on food stamps if you have no qaulifications....

got a buddy who was seriously injured in Afganistan.. he is in a wheelchair, wears nappys because he doesnt have control of his bowels.. has to have a nurse wipe his ass and empty his piss jar.. me, I have been seriosuly injured by an IED, deaf in my left ear and had 41 surgical procedures on IED related injuries... I have kicked in many doors and felt the surge of adrenline. I shoot and would and have always fight for the right to bear arms.

Do I regret it ?

No for a single moment. I have been very lucky ! Im alive !....

ed </div></div>

There's some real wisdom here. I don't think anyone realize how all-encompassing the decision to join the military is. I know I didn't. If this is what you want, then go for it. But getting an education, maybe even an ROTC scholarship for college, might be the best way to do it.

 

[phantasm]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: eddieo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Kid

Im going to take a guess and say your about 17/18 years old.

if your asking for advice Im going to say the following;

Go to college, get yourself some qualifications and a degree behind you... get yourself a marketable skill... get qualified.

if after college you still feel the same, then by all means joinn an Inf Unit, learn the trade and graduate to sniper if your good enough... Snipers and people in rocon carry very high mortaility rates and rates of serious disability. if you get an injury that for example leaves you in a wheelchair your chances of finding a job are pretty fucking slim with a high school diploma..If you have a kid and a wife to support while disabled your chances of finding markketable employment with a degree and qaulifications are significantlyu higher than your kids and wife living on food stamps if you have no qaulifications....

got a buddy who was seriously injured in Afganistan.. he is in a wheelchair, wears nappys because he doesnt have control of his bowels.. has to have a nurse wipe his ass and empty his piss jar.. me, I have been seriosuly injured by an IED, deaf in my left ear and had 41 surgical procedures on IED related injuries... I have kicked in many doors and felt the surge of adrenline. I shoot and would and have always fight for the right to bear arms.

Do I regret it ?

No for a single moment. I have been very lucky ! Im alive !....

ed </div></div>

There's some real wisdom here. I don't think anyone realize how all-encompassing the decision to join the military is. I know I didn't. If this is what you want, then go for it. But getting an education, maybe even an ROTC scholarship for college, might be the best way to do it. </div></div>

Yup. You can always count on Eddie to provide some sound advice. That's one hide member I'd love to have a beer with someday!

Follow your heart kid, but college and an ROTC scholarship may serve you best. The military is the best thing ever to happen to me besides my wife and son. It took the military to make me realize what life was about though. I wish you the best, but head Eddie's advice wisely and you might see the truth in what he says.

 

[SSGN8]

Re: question for those in the military

Do what your heart tells you, i got 2 deg. in the army(work hard for what you wont)I do think the 11B is the way to go,i did get F!@#ed up and not in any more but i would do it all over again.

 

[Snakum]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">the best path to a slot is an infantry MOS and working your ass off (a little luck does not hurt either)</div></div>

+1

Though when I was in, going 19D was the best way to get a sniper slot. It was hard to get out of the straight leg infantry. I went to a post level school at Fort Hood run solely for the Cav Scouts, and I only got to go because my chain of command got sick of me sending in a 4187 every week for Ranger School ... Pathfinders ... Jump School ... etc.

No matter what, be proud that you stepped up, whether you're cooking or shooting or pulling a chain on a howitzer. You answered the call. You will remember your service for the rest of your life. You have my respect and my gratitude.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snakum</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> No matter what, be proud that you stepped up, whether you're cooking or shooting or pulling a chain on a howitzer. You answered the call. You will remember your service for the rest of your life. You have my respect and my gratitude. </div></div>

Couldn't agree more. You'd be doing more for the country than 99.9% of the rest of America.

 

[huntinstud101]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snakum</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> No matter what, be proud that you stepped up, whether you're cooking or shooting or pulling a chain on a howitzer. You answered the call. You will remember your service for the rest of your life. You have my respect and my gratitude. </div></div>

Couldn't agree more. You'd be doing more for the country than 99.9% of the rest of America. </div></div>

Thanks for the guidance guys, it means a lot to hear something positive for once. I am 16 so I still have a bit of time. I am still trying to find the best path and I think I will be until I sign on the dotted line. I am still open to any suggestions and oppinions as well. I have been doing the PFT circuts every night along with weight training every other night, I know I should get pretty darn good at running because that will become part of my lifestyle no matter which path I choose.

 

[chris112]

Re: question for those in the military

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: huntinstud101</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Shark0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Talk to a Marine recruiter. They can guarantee your MOS after you take the ASVAB. Do not sign any contract that does not explicitly state what your MOS will be. </div></div>

I did talk to a Marine recruiter and I was told that I would have to be picked from the group after quallifying (perfect score) in an infantry marksmanship test for both the Marines and the Army. How far out should I have to pe proficient to? </div></div>

Remember that the recruiter's job is to get qualified people for their service. They usually don't really know or care how the other services do things. Take whatever a Marine recruiter tells you about the Army with a large dose of salt, and vice versa.

Another post suggests getting a college degree before you enlist; personnally I would suggest that if you do get a degree first to get it in a field that will qualify you for a direct commission. My sister went in with a LPN degree which didn't qualify for a commision but if she had had an RN she would have started as at least a 2 Lt., with her experience possable a 1Lt. Just something to think about.

 

[cavscout1983]

Re: question for those in the military

this entire thread is pointless since you have recently revealed you are 16. Had I known that, I wouldn't have even bothered replying since you are still too far out for anything said to be of use due to the ever changing aspects of the military.

That being said- the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for the military is continue doing PT, work hard in school!!!, and keep your nose clean with the law. If you don't have a job, get one for after school and summers. Preferably a really shitty job that makes you want to quit every day. It will build character. A boss that makes impossible demands and is a pain in the ass overall will enhance this.

No drinking, parties, borderline illegal hunting activities, knocking up your gf that you just love to death and is going to break up with you when you go to training anyway, etc.

Don't worry about becoming proficient at shooting. If you join the Marines, they will ensure you are trained to their standard, if you join the Army, same thing.

 

[Downzero]

Re: question for those in the military

I 2nd or 3rd the college route. I joined the military out of high school. I'm just about to graduate from college now (I'm 26). If after four years of college, you decide that enlisting is what you want to do, they'll give you E4 right out of the gate (in the Army) and you'll be a little older, a little wiser, and a lot less stupid than your fellow BCT privates.

I wouldn't worry about a sniper slot now. Schools like that are things that everyone wants. You will have to be a perfect Soldier before that. That means high ASVAB, 300 on the PT test, expert rifle, proficient in your MOS, etc. Get all those things and then you'll be in the position to ask for a bad ass school. Don't let anyone convince you that you want to join the Army for anything besides infantry (they get all the promotions, slots, etc.) and make sure you get guaranteed assignment to a no-bullshit unit. If I joined again today, I'd probably try to get assigned to Fort Bragg. That way, jump school is a given, and even if you can't get a sniper slot or Ranger school, you'll get to jump a lot (which is career enhancing).

But for now, do well in school and join wrestling and track. You'll need both of those skills in the Army.

 

[viav13]

Re: question for those in the military

I too joined the Corps right out of high school. Im glad I did. When I got out, and started to go to college, I realized that there was no way I would of made it through college without joining first. I would of been way to immature for it.

Not that I was dumb or shitty at doing school work or anything, but I don't know if I would of had the ability to set and control a disciplined schedule that college demands. If you don't get up and go nobody is there to set you straight. The Marines taught me a lot about setting personal goals and exceeding them. Also having a high personal standard and self worth.

One thing I saw a lot of in college were people that needed to go to the Marines. Most of them were young, immature and on there own for the first time in there lives. Needless to say that this caused a ton of issues. Granted we got drunk and tore shit apart in the Corps, but we always had our buddies to watch our backs and pick us up (or punch us) when we got out of line.

In college if you got drunk and passed out at a party no one gave a crap enough to poke you to see if you were still alive. In the corps if you got Alcohol poisoning the Corpsman was just down the hall, and if you didn't mind getting stuck with a needle from another drunk guy, in the end you would be OK.

Maybe this doesn't directly answer your questions or concerns but all I can do is tell you about my experience and what I learned from the route I took.

In the end, like previously posted, follow your heart. You did right by asking the question here. Lots of experience on these forums.

 

[XMC]

Re: question for those in the military

If you want to go infantry I'd advise not going for high test scores. This isn't meant as a downer on infantry. I did very well on my test (In 1970 we spent half a day testing after we got to boot.) I got sent back with 3 other guys for more tests. We all ended up in radio, and telegraph or "Comm elect" school. That may have been due to corps requirements at the time and may not apply any longer, but. I shot on the batallion rifle team and qualified for Camp Perry tryouts...only I couldn't get a release from my duty station to go. I tried to go 0311 as a secondary MOS for a re-enlistment. It was denied. The corps would re-up me, send me to college and offered a warrant officer program, but only in the communications MOS. I stil regret that. No 0300, no sniper school, at least back then.

 

[Photon]

Re: question for those in the military

There are about a million and one routes to go. You can go college first, enlist first, go reserve, go ROTC or PLC (Marine Corps). I would also suggest the Officer route, but for it being so early for you I would do as others here have said: work your tail off in school, take hard courses (challenge yourself in anything you do), take a personal vow to better yourself in every way, do the right things in society, and be humble about all of it.

If I could do it all again, I would go directly to college after applying for an ROTC scholarship, if you get it, you can still drop the contract after a year and still have that year payed for. If you don't get it, go to the year of college and train with those who think highly of themselves, the humble scholars and life-long learners. If you decide to go the enlisted route after a year because Officer life isn't quite for you yet, then go for it. But then at least you haven't screwed yourself out of an absolutely awesome oppurtunity. I can speak towards the Marine side of the house, and Navy too I suppose, but as for Army, my knowledge is slightly limited. Air Force.... I haven't a dang clue what they do.

Stay motivated, and never quit. Take pride in what you want in your future, you'll see your friends failing at what they do right out of high school. You don't have to associate with those types of people. Develop a personal identity of 'Future Military Service Member', and don't let anything or anyone say you can't get it.

I will now step down from my soapbox.