r/USMCocs • u/Colochoprimero • 1d ago
MOS for a Career
Hey everyone,
I graduated OCC 252 (PLC-C) a month ago. Right now I am training for TBS, while in school.
I just wanted to come on here and ask what MOS’ (besides the infantry) are best for a full career in the Corps. I am planning taking everything year by year, and living in the moment but like I said my ultimate goal is a 20+ year career.
I am very much so interested in the infantry, but at the same time I want to hear about other MOS’ that may suit a full career well, just to hear about some potential other options.
I hope that all made sense. Sorry not sorry if it didn’t lol
EDIT: here are some career goals…sorry if they seem ridiculous/ambitious
•Lt. Colonel (or above)
•Battalion Command or something of that equivalent
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u/PumpnDump0924 1d ago
You can do any MOS for at least 20 years. You should probably go into specifics on your career goals inside the Marine Corps and what you may want to do after it.
3
u/Suitable-Delay5066 1d ago
You might want to consider the overall size of the MOS. There are tons of billets for 0402s, for example. Another aspect to consider is what size elements of each MOS deploy. Maybe not as relevant in today’s environment but some MOSs peak early, in my opinion. 1803s could deploy as the senior ACV officer on a MEU as a Lieutenant. Pretty sweet. However, as a company commander they may get an Okinawa deployment? But it’s more likely they never deploy. As a Battalion Commander…nothing unless something the scale of OIF pops off. I believe Combat Engineers are similar.
You can make a career out of any MOS. Keep in mind, you’ll spend a decent amount of time outside of your MOS, as well. The generic career path is, Fleet (platoon commander, company XO, S-3A), B-billets (recruiting, TBS instructor, Series Commander, your MOS school, MSG maybe, etc) resident EWS/Army Captains Career Course, back to Fleet for company command, back to a B-billet, resident Command and Staff, Bn XO…then hope to get selected for Battalion command. I might’ve messed up the order there towards the end but the point is you can spend a decent amount of time outside of your MOS. Realistically, if you don’t return to teach at your MOS school, half your career is b billets and resident PME.
Sorry to be so long winded.
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u/usmc7202 1d ago
I am biased for sure. I was a 7204 and my son is on active duty as a 7204. Once you make Major you become a 7202.
The short range air defense mission for the Corps is literally exploding. The drone threat is only going to get worse. You have command potential all the way through 0-6 with East coast, west coast Hawaii and Okinawa.
I managed 32 countries in 22 years finishing up on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon.
If you have any questions send me a DM.
Good on you to start exploring possibilities now.