My son took his ASVAB

[Bobbytaz]

My son has been very interested in the Coast Guard for a very long time, recently the Marines have taken an extreme interest in him, started with his wrestling meets. The Marine recruiters took him on Thursday to take the ASVAB, he did so good, he qualifies for every job in the Marines. We are taking him to the Coast Guard recruiter on Monday. He has talked to members here about both, and most say the Coast Guard is the way to go, but it looks like he is leaning towards the Marines. Either way, I am proud this is the direction he wants to go. I have to say, the Marine recruiters in Smithtown are great salesman, and happen to be great guys. We like the early entry program they offer, and they told us because its early he can pick his MOS, is that true? They said its a contract that is binding. I have heard horror stories about this. Like I said, he is leaning towards the Marines, I am just trying to ease my wife's worries. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Bobbytaz]

Forgot to mention, they actually called him on his 17th birthday.

[Barnslayer]

Which MOS (or what in general) is he most interested in? As an outsider, I'm guessing that each branch has it's unique strengths.

[Bobbytaz]

If he goes with the Coast Guard, he wanted to be a Gunners Mate. The Marines have a lot of different jobs, he is looking into all of them.

[Bobbytaz]

I just spoke with him, he may want a career in law enforcement when he gets out, so that really narrows down his choices.

[Barnslayer]

I just spoke with him, he may want a career in law enforcement when he gets out, so that really narrows down his choices.

Why? Doesn't each branch have their own military police? Plus, if he tests really well, they may send him to college on their dime.

[C6NY]

Good for him. If he wants a specific MOS Just make sure everything is done in writing before he raises his hand.
Heres the MOS for Marines. He might have seen this already but in case he hasn't. It isn't an easy rating to get into.

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/5811new.htm

[Bobbytaz]

His GT score is 117, like I said, he did really good on the test.

[CaptMike]

Realize they will lie there asses off to get him. My son did well and his military career is a cluster fuck. Make sure the recruiter follows up on what he promises and sign nothing until you are sure.

[Dan 0351]

Being in military law enforcement will not help him in the least to get on any local PD, nor will it really help him once he gets on the job (Veterans get 2.5 points, only to used once for getting the job or on a promotional exam, no matter what MOS). If his police bosses recognize his service, and he's very squared away, that could help him get into a decent unit- but it's certainly no guarantee.

My buddy retired as a 1st Sgt in the Corps. When his son joined, he got Infantry, which is what he wanted. After School Of Infantry, he got sent to an NBC (Nuke/Bio/Chem warfare) unit in the northeast, which he wanted nothing to do with. Ironically, he wants to be in LE when he gets out - so an NBC background will be extremely helpful to get him into a specialized unit in the PD, but only after he gets on.

My recruiter promised me Infantry. The day I was set to leave, mom crying at the door as the 'recruiter took me away', 14 hours of processing at Ft. Hamilton, plane tickets in hand for Atlanta to catch The Bus to Parris Island, I was told there was a problem....."Um, sorry, you didn't get Infantry, you got NBC. After boot camp, instead of 5 weeks of Infantry Training School (now SOI) in N. Carolina, your training is 52 weeks in California". My best friend joined with me. Instead of Infantry, he got armored, tracked vehicle repair. We refused our orders, got driven home in silence, and watched the ball go through Bill Buckner's legs that night.
3 weeks later I got to Parris Island, a quick 13 week stop-over before going to Infantry School. Lol

GET GUARANTEES. There's even programs to guarantee promotions (not that I agree with it) by a certain amount of time in, etc. Tell your son to DO HIS HOMEWORK.

Hope some of this helps and good luck. You're right to be proud of a kid who wants to join the military in this day and age - there's still hope for our country!

[Huntington Guy]

ASVAB scores count, but everything today is by contract. If he wants something specific, get it in writing, period. Don't take anyone's word or handshake for anything.
If he is a strong student he may want to consider an academy. USCG is by application and competitive evaluation, all other services require a Congressional Appointment.
CG is a very different service than it was pre-9/11, they reinvented themselves in many ways, all for the better IMO.
The decisions your son makes here will shape his life, ask questions, speak to more than one recruiter and ask more questions. He is 17, he has plenty of time to do it, doing it right is the trick.
I may know a little about this topic, PM me any time.

[Bobbytaz]

Tomorrow he takes his physical, so we will know at days end if he is in the program or not.

[bigbore44]

Congrats to your son AND yourself. Good job Dad. Best wishes for his career to go the way HE wants it to.

[M-14BULLETTS]

CONGRATS and be careful , get as said before his primary mos in writing,and possible two or more choices if option one is not available ,., or he may end up a cook or a cleaner .
word to live by ,,,,,,never trust a recruiter , never volunteer, keep your ears open and mouth shut , do not mess with cooks or paymasters

[Bobbytaz]

CONGRATS and be careful , get as said before his primary mos in writing,and possible two or more choices if option one is not available ,., or he may end up a cook or a cleaner .
word to live by ,,,,,,never trust a recruiter , never volunteer, keep your ears open and mouth shut , do not mess with cooks or paymasters

Funny thing, he originally wanted to be a cook in the Coast Guard. They also have a $20,000 sign on bonus right now. $40,000 if you have an associates degree.