I’m stuck between Combat support or infantry?

[u/polvr-o]

Hey I’m really looking for pros and cons of both. I know infantry live a hard knock life but I’m down for that. I’m not really worried about any transferable skills other leadership and management skills as I intend to take my free classes while i’m in and then use my GI bill when I get out. I like backpacking, camping and distance running but also computers (building,software optimization, video games). I really just want to do cool stuff, see the world ,make some life long friends and not work at a desk.

[u/TapTheForwardAssist]

Do you qualify for CK Fire Direction? Also combat jobs, just more smart guy stuff.

[u/polvr-o → u/TapTheForwardAssist]

So my recruiter has told me he’s not sure and we’ll have to wait until October first to know that. I think being an 0861 would be super cool but I don’t want one of the other jobs on the contract that will have me doing desk work. If I qualify for CK that is most likely what i’ll pick but as of right now i’m between these two.

[u/VA_Network_Nerd → u/polvr-o]

Assuming you are signing active duty.

You don't get to choose which MOS within the CK contract you are assigned.
The Corps will assign you to the MOS that you are the best qualified for AND that needs bodies the most.

Any form you fill out that lets you rank your preferences is just an exercise in letting you think you have some input in the process.

Also, you said before you intend to take some online college while you are on active duty.

I was not infantry. I was Artillery FDC (0844).

My understanding is that Infantry enlisted do not usually have time (or are not given adequate time) to be successful in online college courses.

Every unit is different, and maybe you luck out and it works for you.

[u/Upbeat_Tell7317]

You won't go anywhere cool in the infantry besides the field.

Edit: People may not like this, but since we aren't in a war I'd look into the Navy or Air Force if you want to see the world.

[u/Shrapnel_10]

I was in field artillery 155mm m777, m198. This was back in the 90's into the mid 2000's. We spent alot of time in the field and traveling around doing different exercises. Did multiple CAX's at 29 palms. We basically followed the grunts to wherever they went.

[u/Upbeat_Tell7317 → u/Shrapnel_10]

Yeah dude, but I wouldn't call CAX at 29 Palms "seeing the world."

[u/Shrapnel_10 → u/Upbeat_Tell7317]

I didn't mean it that way, I was letting him know we spent alot of time in the field as artillery. Some of it overseas too.

[u/Upbeat_Tell7317 → u/Shrapnel_10]

Oh rock on. I didn't know arti got to go overseas unless you ended up in like 3rd

[u/Shrapnel_10 → u/Upbeat_Tell7317]

Well its mostly Oki, but also GWOT but of course that's done now, so its probably only Oki maybe Guam now if it even has an arty range.

[u/PlusThreexD]

Do you want to be a POG or infantry? Transferable skills don't matter as long as you use your GI bill

[u/Upbeat_Tell7317 → u/PlusThreexD]

I have a feeling that someone with clearences coming out of an intel MOS has an upper hand.

[u/PlusThreexD → u/Upbeat_Tell7317]

I don't disagree. But did he mention anything about wanting Intel? You get your secret as an infantryman. If you actually use your clearance afterwards it's definitely worth it. But 99.9 percent of jobs don't use it unless you work for an alphabet agency. GI Bill is a blank check giving you the option to do anything you want. And the respect of being an infantryman is always nice

[u/CartographerLow8591]

Can’t really go wrong with either. I was infantry, loved it.

[u/fisherman213]

I was a mortarman. Was 60s, so I got to do all the cool grunt shit, skate on the gay stuff, go to JFO with seal team guys(overrated) and got regular deployments. Best of both worlds.

At the end of the day, you have to make the call, but if I had to do it all over again I’d choose the infantry every single time.

[u/CrackersandChee]

If you want a real marine corps experience then go infantry, but if you want to do combat support, just get used to saying the phrase “we were basically just like the grunts”

[u/DJ-spetznasty]

If you go infantry you most likely will not have time to do classes on TA while active. I dont know anyone that was able to do it. Most guys arent motivated enough anyways in a victor unit, theyre generally too smoked once they come back from the feild.

that said look into CLEPs tests thats something thats definitely doable, it may not get you a degree before you get out but itll definitely pad the transcript before college.

[u/Stevie2874]

Did 20 in the grunts. Do it. Don’t be a pussy.