Re: USMC Sout Snipers
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pirate26</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I've come tothe crossroad, at this point, of which route to go: OCS or enlist. I've talked to both multiple times and have submitted a "rough application" to an OSO. I've heard the speech from many people, "focus on being a Marine first," so that doesn't need to be reiterated
If I were to come out a butterbar following OCS, do officers have any role in actual sniper teams? This question also goes for MARSOC, though it looks like many of you got out before the transition from FR. Just looking to put myself in a position to have the "dream job" of being in an actual operations team in MARSOC (not just coordinating it and sitting back) or filling a sniper billet one day. I've looked up MOSs but didnt see any officer MOS similar to 0321 or 0317. I am not planning on making a career out of the USMC (though things change)so if the only shot i have of one day being operational is to enlist, then it looks like this degree is a waste haha. ANY input would be greatly appreciated, the guys on Military.com are pretty self important A$$es that prefer to puff their chest out and call you a wannabe to actually being helpful. </div></div>
Hey pirate,
As an Officer, the chances of you getting into an "operations team" are slim, as you may well know. The best bet you have is to go for Infantry Officer, and hope you are one of the lucky, and smart, ones. Ground Intelligence Officers (MOS 0203) are the ones who will be leading the scout/sniper platoons. But, like you fear, you will not be the one in the field taking the shots and kicking in doors and all the high-speed jazz you hear about. You will be back in a tent taking orders from higher and relaying all the high speed intel your guys are gathering.
As an Officer, you will train with your Marines, and be technically and tactically proficient just as they are. Your role is to lead from the front, whether it be in a chair making sure your guys have enough bullets to shoot the **** out of paper the next day, or being in the field with them running through practical applications or training in general.
With all that said, comes your issue of Officer/Enlisted. Like you said, you will be a Marine first no matter the rank, billet, or position. You know that already. One thing you have wrong however, is that your degree is a waste. Being enlisted with a college degree will give you a little edge over your fellow PFC's when it comes time to apply for special schools and billets (sniper school). You might get lucky if you go 0311, like these guys have said, and get into a MARSOC unit. Be smart at bootcamp (shouldn't be hard for a college guy), perform, and get what you want with luck. After that, it's ALL needs of the Marine Corps.
Being a Marine is distinction and honor, to be an Officer of Marines would be leading the finest warfighting organization in the world, and their is no higher honor.
You're still going to have to be able to run if you go to OCS though
trust me. A lot...
