MOS Options?

[wavescrashing]

I am currently enlisted and am in the process of completing my MECEPS application package. I understand that all non-aviation related occupations are assigned to officers, but does the Marine Corps take into account your MOS "wish list" and do they also consider what you received your bachelors in for MOS placement?

 

[skittles215]

Have you finished your college degree yet or are you going through that part of MECEP? If you don't have your degree you have a LONG time to worry about MOS. My husband went through that program. He first headed out to MECEP prep. Then to the Citadel for 4 years with OCS in between. Then there's TBS where you'll worry about what MOS they have to offer at that point in time. There are quite a few MOS's to compete for while you are there and TBS does let you do your "wish list" per say however you don't always get one of your top three.

Sidenote: what do you mean non-aviation occupations are assigned to officers? From my knowledge there are 8 aviation related MOS's (that does include NFO and Pilot :-P). Right now I know people that are in the Aviation Supply and Aviation Maintence Officer sides. Anyway I hope all of this information helps. If you need more just message me, I'll try to help or you can even ask my husband all the questions you want.

 

[phrogdriver]

A current 2ndLt can give you the newest scoop, but assuming you're not on an air contract, you'll select your MOS at the end of TBS. You'll give your wishlist, and based on your grades at TBS and the needs of the Marine Corps, they'll assign you something on that list. The input of the staff has some impact on this, so if you are particularly well suited (or badly suited) for an MOS, they may adjust it. However, college major probably will not have much impact--I'm talking about things like a prior reporter from civilian life getting Public Affairs Officer (true).

 

[wavescrashing]

Skittles-I'm actually applying for MECEPS at the moment so I haven't been accepted into the program yet. I just started my senior year of college, so if and when I get accepted into MECEPS, I will just finish off my senior year and receive my bachelors in computer science (depending upon what courses get transferred to the new school). On your sidenote, I was referring to pilots, sorry about the miswording.
Thanks for your help

 

[Crowbar]

I'm actually applying for MECEPS at the moment so I haven't been accepted into the program yet.

If you haven't already, read this thread. If the program's the same as last year, the message should come about some time in April soliciting applications. Then the results are released in the October-December time frame.

The Marine Corps doesn't really care what your degree is in, there are pilots with everything from aerospace engineering to music degrees. When I went through TBS, if you thought you were "specially qualified" for a certain MOS you could submit a request to get it, excluding pilot/NFO. The only people I saw get approved for that were prior enlisted translators who ended up back in sigint or something similar. Yes, your wishes will be looked at but for us a large part of it was what the SPC thought you would be a good fit for. One of my buddies went from his 21st (adjutant) to his 3rd (infantry) MOS choice-the SPC did some wheeling and dealing because he thought the guy would make a good infantry officer.

 

[wavescrashing]

Thanks for the great info. As it states not to do in your MECEP thread, I had been drilling my education officer for knowledge and application assistance. Your thread gives me a new view point on sources of information and guidance regarding MECEP.

 

[Crowbar]

I had been drilling my education officer for knowledge and application assistance.

If they know what they are talking about, they can help you. I went through a rash of education officers whose training consisted of, "Once you sign the TA paperwork, make a copy and file it here." Ask your OIC if he knows anybody that went through the program that you can talk to. I found that once you start asking that kind of question, people come out of the woodwork wanting to help you. The truth is, nobody is going to be as excited or interested in your application as you are. That's why you have to make yourself the expert on the program.

There are several current and former MECEP students lurking around the site. Keep asking questions or send me a PM if you want. Good luck.

 

[skittles215]

Crowbar is right about the Marine Corps not really caring about what degree you have. My husband has a Sports Management degree and I have an Accounting degree. I've also met lots of people from all different sides of the spectrum.

Oh as for the pilot MOS at TBS...sometimes there are a few slots BUT they are HIGHLY competitive slots. (most of the people who are chosen have pulled A LOT of strings).

 

[aro7382]

wavecrashing - I'm sure you know of all the options available to you, but if you are starting your senior year I would think that MECEP would not be right for you. Espeacially if you get accepted to a college that doesn't take all of your previous credits, MECEP prep, graduation before MECEP acceptance, and such you would just be wasting your time. Have you thought about going ECP or MCP. I think those would be much more suited to your situation from what is posted in your thread and more of a direct route to a commission
Also if you go to the TBS website
( www.tbs.usmc.mil/pages/mymos/all_mos.asp ) it lists all the MOSs offered and talks about the process also. Good luck with the application and if you have any questions PM me.

 

[KBayDog]

wavecrashing - I'm sure you know of all the options available to you, but if you are starting your senior year I would think that MECEP would not be right for you. Espeacially if you get accepted to a college that doesn't take all of your previous credits, MECEP prep, graduation before MECEP acceptance, and such you would just be wasting your time.

Worth considering, but not entirely true. A good buddy of mine (same MECEP Prep class) had a year left in school when he was accepted. He went to Prep, finished his last year of school, and commissioned upon completion of OCS (basically, a year after MECEP Prep). It took him no longer to finish school/commission than it would have to go ECP/MCP.

That was his situation, though - your mileage may vary.

 

[wavescrashing]

aro-I've looked into ECP before deciding on MECEP. The problem I personally had with ECP was that I'd still have the same work schedule with NROTC and my courses added on to that. I've spoken with Marines who took the ECP path and most of them waited until receipt of their bachelors. I think that with MECEP, I can take on a larger class schedule, complete my degree plan on time, and have more time to focus on physical and mental preparation for OCS and TBS. Thanks for the link by the way.