OAR/ASTB not required???

[mxracer19]

Alright guys, I finally got all of my medical things worked out. I have a MEPS date set for tuesday, following MEPS that same day I take my PFT, wednesday morning I contract and wednesday afternoon I fly home from college for the summer. My question is, my recruiter was going down the list of requirements. He mentioned MEPS, my SS and birth certificate, my PFT, college transcripts, LOR's, and the application itself, but when I asked about the OAR score of the ASTB he said it wasn't necessesary. He told me that at this time since I had to have my eyes lased, I wouldn't be able to apply for an air contract(which I already knew), and that I was only applying for OCS (first session PLC). He said my SAT (1150) was high enough that I wouldn't need to take the ASTB just to go to OCS. When I came back, I would have my eyes lased and then I would switch to air(Which was the original plan). He said I'd switch to an air contract, but I wouldnt actuallypick my MOS until TBS. From everything I've read, I gather that the ASTB is required for air, but half of that score is considered your OAR and is required just for OCS. In addition, I gather that you can apply for SNA/SNFO right off the bat, and that sounds alot like picking an MOS to me...I'm a bit confused and I'm just trying to make sure I have everything EXACTLY right. Does any of this sound strange to you guys?

Thanks alot
Matt

 

[Slammer2]

If you're a ground contract then you go to OCS as ground. Afterwards at TBS you select your MOS. If you go as an air contract, then the ASTB is required. I'm not positive on the ground side of things, but you dont need the ASTB. I believe if your SAT is high enough then you dont need to take the ASVAB. Thats the part i'm not positive on but heard something to that effect.

The thing about getting an air contract is that you wont pick your MOS at TBS because you will either be a sna or snfo and it will already be picked. What it sounds like is he's trying to get you to contract as a ground, go to the first session of PLC, then if you want get PRK and try to switch to an air contract either before you go back to ocs or before you commission.

 

[mxracer19]

right on, thanks alot. Thats exactly what we're trying to do with my contract. I was just a little fuzzy on whether or not the ASTB was required for ground. Thanks alot, that answers my question!

 

[JZAB]

No, the ASTB is not required for ground contracts in the Marines. However, in the Navy they use the ASTB for their OAR or whatever they call it. Don't worry and good-luck.
Jzab

 

[ArkhamAsylum]

If all else fails, try to take your ASTB prior to TBS, as the company XO will make you feel like you're inconveniencing the entire Marine Corps by taking it during TBS.