MOS selections at TBS

[xmonty]

I'm a midshipman putting in a transfer from Navy to Marine option. Before starting the paperwork train, I was under the impression that the USMC either guarantees aviation or doesn't take you at all. I now learn that they'll accept transfers, but may or may not guarantee aviation in the process. So now I'm trying to figure out how MOS selections work in TBS.. I understand they have some voodoo 1/3rd quality-spread system. Anyone have any insight on how MOS selections actually work?

Thanks,
Austin

 

[airwinger]

Hmm,
I wasn't ROTC so I can't jump in on that, plus I was an aviation guarantee so MOS selection was something I watched with mild interest but here is what I saw in my company through summer '02.
About halfway through TBS, everyone gets to fill out an MOS card listing all 22(?) MOS's from 1st to last. I think they had a provision where you couldn't put all the combat arms in the top 5 or something. Then HQMC comes down with the number of slots per MOS and your company staff alots a certain number to each third. So with say 30 infantry slots 10 top third....you get the picture. Then they take your current class standing use that to get you what you want,add SPC recommendation, slots available and finally company commander's decision.
That last one is a kicker since you may get your first choice and some other guy his 22nd. But the CO may give you your 3rd choice so the other guy can get his 5th choice.
For aviation guys its different since you have to me physically qualified and pass the ASTB. My roomate was the lucky enough to be the only guy who passed the NFO requirements in his third so he got the slot.
semper fi,
airwinger

 

[Beaver]

airwinger pretty much nailed the MOS selection. It's quite a mess if you're a ground contract. If you get in on a ground contract but want aviation then you can compete for any slots that might be available. There's no guaruntee that there will be any slots, though. It all depends on what the Corps needs at the time. Right now we have 5 pilot and 2 NFO slots that people are competing for. We should find out all MOS selection results this week or next week hopefully. You do still need to qualify (physically and ASTB) for the slots before you can compete for them and then it's all about how well you're doing here at TBS.
Hope that helps.