Found your videos again today from a cod 4 gold gun video just looking at it for nostalgia. Looked through your other videos and I’ve seen them before never realized all these different videos were by you. Thanks for providing all these entertaining videos over the years.
in order to go FBI OR SS.. YOU NEED AS A MINIMUM A BACHELORS degree or better yet a masters. Yes they will look at your record but you will NOT qualify based on your service record. 45,000 apply each year approx. 400 are allowed to go to training.
I’m planning on starting a package soon, as a LCpl. I’ve heard that the board week is pretty difficult. Mostly what would they be asking or looking for? Or is that not something to worry about
Some people do get all the way through the school house and then get dropped at the board. I knew people that this happened to because their weekly peer reviews were consistently abysmal. Others because of alcohol abuse or behavioral issues that are seen as too big of a risk. The majority of people do pass, however, so I wouldn't worry about it. You already know what it means to be a good Marine (stay out of trouble, PT, PME, etc), and as long as you focus on that, you will pass with flying colors!
Joshjames1234 Thanks, that’s really assuring. I’ve learned not to do stupid shit lol. Active duty at Cherry point but, I’ve got less than year until I can put a package in though due to requirements. guess it’s just enjoy my time here until then.
I am going to give my experience and version of MSG DUTY. I served in DHAKA, MANILA AND BRASILIA. I felt MSG SCHOOL, was very anti 03 , I felt I had to calm it down while going through training. I felt is was unfairly assessed, after tearing a LCPL a new a hole, after he disrespected and punked out a SGT and the Sgt did absolutely nothing, I couldn't believe it , I had never somthing like that before, especially in the GRUNTS. My biggest disappointment of MSG SCHOOL, was the weak NCO LEADERSHIP, my biggest surprise, was how squared away those young LCPL'S were very impressive, you could tell how much they wanted that NCO RANK. I was proud to graduate no question, but felt a little empty. My first post in DHAKA, we had a DETACHMENT COMMANDER, who was not the strongest leader but he cared and took care of us and we took of him. He was a good marine and had a beautiful family. DHAKA was actually great tour, we had a great DETACHMENT and frequent trips to BANGKOK nef said. MANILA, extremely high threat level, tough detachment commander, outstanding detachment, we had our fights and disagreements. That detachment was the closest thing to the GRUNTS I saw. We were always stressed and pissed off at the BOSS AND EACH OTHER , but make no mistake we had each other's backs and we LOVED EACH OTHER. WE EARNED MSG DETACHMENT OF THE YEAR, THAT WAS PRETTY AWESOME. Brazilian people are absolutely amazing, the women are incredible and sexy. Unfortunately for me my detachment commander, was complete P O S. He was this Drill instructor type, that thought he was still on the Drill Field and he thought he could fight. Unfortunately he couldn't fight and he tried to play boxer with me and it didn't turn out good for him. He discriminated against us 03 types, us California types and marines how served in SOUTHEAST ASIA. He showed FAVORTISM like you wouldn't believe. If he pulled that crap in GRUNT UNIT, he face would have been caved in. It was sad to have that experience. IT WAS THE WORST AND MOST PATHETIC MARINE CORPS UNIT I EVER BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH, IT WAS EMBARRASSING. IT WAS THE REASON I GOT OUT OF THE MARINE CORPS AND WENT OVERSEAS TO WORK AS CIVILIAN. MSG DUTY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT, YOU HAVE TO HAVE STRONG LEADERSHIP AND YOU HAVE TO RESPECT AND BACK ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE THE STATE PUKES WILL TRY TO DESTROY YOU. DON'T GET ME WRONG IT WAS GREAT DUTY, WITH EXCOTIC WOMEN, WOMEN WERE AWSOME. IT DEFINITELY OPENED A LOT OF DOORS FOR ME. THAT IS MY MSG EXPERIENCE, NO DISRESPECT TO ANYONE. SEMPER FI AND GOD BLESS.
You don't really "deploy" on MSG duty, which implies a 3, 6, or 9 month tour before returning home for a couple years (like for MEUs and combat deployments). As an MSG, you are permanently assigned to each embassy as an actual duty station. If you are a watchstander, this means you will only be in each post for 12 months, but your time at the embassy wouldn't be considered a deployment, even if it is in a combat zone. The one caveat is the Marine Security Augmentation Unit (MSAU), which acts as a small team to temporarily reinforce security at a specific embassy, normally for 2 to 12 weeks. I wouldn't necessarily call those deployments in the traditional sense. MSAU is something most MSGs never do, and I have no experience in, so my knowledge is limited.
You don't need to be assigned to a spot for over a year to get an oversea service ribbon, as an infantryman I've done 2 UDP's at 6months each I've got an oversea service ribbon with a bronze star
What you received was the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, which is earned after 90 consecutive days in a deployment status (Okinawa permanent personnel being an exception). You'll notice the center of yours is blue, while the center of the OSR is red.
I want to become an MSG after bootcamp, and as an MSG do you get to pick which embassy and country that you want? 2nd question is is it a great MOS for active duty and schooling at a same time? Thank you!!!
You should definitely ask your recruiter and SOI instructors on how you can become an MSG straight out of boot camp. That wasn't an option when I was on the program (2013-2017), since we were required to have 18 months in the fleet before reporting to MSG school. You can request your top 3 regions and top 3 post choices, but are certainly not guaranteed. Your first post you basically have no choice. If you are in a hardship posting, you generally will have more weight when you request. MSG duty is the best time to do school! I completed my AA degree on the program. Definitely enroll and take advantage of that tuition assistance!!
Honestly, it's mostly luck. I was in the perfect spot at the end of my standard 3-year tour: I had about a year left on my contract, and I lobbied my chain of command to let me do another post since by the time I would become proficient in my primary MOS as a saxophonist, I would start the process to leave the military. It just so happened that MSG Bn needed bodies, and they were approving extensions. My detcmdr in Turkey told me he knew people who had done the program for 5 years as watchstanders, but that was in the mid-2000s. It certainly is the job of a lifetime. Best guarantee to stay on it is to do a tour, then come back as a detcmdr.
Hey brother I’m an active duty SGT and I am sending a package to go to the school house. I was wondering how hard are the written test and how hard is the school house in general?
The school house will definitely push you physically and mentally. It isn't as hard as boot camp, but especially since you are a sergeant (and it has been awhile since you were a recruit), there may be some initial culture shock because there are an endless supply of "games" that they play that are reminiscent of boot camp. Written test is nothing to worry about now. There is a lot of detailed information on it, and will require a lot of study time. When I was going through (2013), Saturdays were devoted entirely to studying the week's lessons with your detachment and general review. One thing that I was not expecting was just how challenging the PT was. We had a handful of GySgt Instructor-Advisors (IAs) that would go on casual 12+ mile runs with their students before the first classes began in the morning. They do break you down into ability groups, but even though I was in a "slower" group, the pace was extremely fast (sub 19 min 3 mile). I was stationed in Pendleton before and was already conditioned with the hills, but the snow was an added challenge. Definitely focus on trying to be as high of a first-class PFT as possible before you get there. The majority of people that are dropped are due to past financial, behavioral, or alcohol abuse issues. One person was dropped on the range because they were too slow on the pistol (and couldn't pass eval after 3 tries), even though they led the class academically. It is by no means BUD/s, but it is still definitely something to take seriously and prepare for.
Pursue your dreams! I plan on talking to a Marine recruiter at the end of the end of the year when I turn 18. It was definitely nerve wracking to tell my mom I wanted to because I'm not in a military family and the only person in my family, who was a Marine, had a bad experience. Good luck!🇺🇲
Both! Some embassies have space for the Marines to live "on compound", while others require the Marines to live off-site. Some embassies even have hotel rooms for the Marines, but that is pretty rare.
Slated to go to the school house here in a few months, I haven't been screened in person yet. What are the chances are me traveling all the way to Quantico and getting dropped for an out of regs tattoo that's been in the system for a minute but I still got a school seat?
I would contact someone on the RAST (Recruiting and Selection Team) to make sure you understand exactly what the latest tattoo restrictions are. As you know, tattoo regs seem to change every other year, but one constant is that MSG is a little more strict than FMF.
I'm a big fan, too! At the time, the US ambassador to Spain had previously worked as an executive at HBO, so he had very close connections with A-list celebrities. We also got to meet Karlie Kloss. Harrison came to the embassy for a couple days, and even spent 15 minutes (ish) hanging out with the Marine standing duty. I met him with the rest of the detachment during a "formal" meet & greet, which is very common when VIPs stop by to visit embassies. They normally make special arrangements to meet the Marine detachment in private. I'd say we spent maybe 20 minutes with him, taking pictures and asking basic questions. Honestly it was incredible to meet him and see how different he is in person. He is EXTREMELY soft-spoken, to the point it is nearly impossible to hear him. But it seemed that as soon as we met, he was gone....and now just the memories remain!
Great question! Yes, every full year at an embassy you get the Overseas Service Ribbon. I ended up leaving MSG duty with a star on my MSG ribbon and three stars on my OSR. After a standard tour, you'll have an OSR with 1-3 stars, depending on your contract and when you leave your last post, or if you are fortunate enough to extend and do an extra post. I've heard of many detachments getting unit awards, but those are more rare. It is possible to get an "end of tour" award, normally in the form of a Navy Achievement Medal (for watchstanders) or a Navy Commendation Medal (for detcmdrs).
Unfortunately no, because MSG duty is only for enlisted Marines. However, you could always be part of the MSG program as a commanding officer or inspector. You wouldn't get the same experience living at an embassy, but you would get to travel to at least a dozen different embassies/consulates on a regular basis for inspections.
Considering they are allowing Marines to go straight from SOI to MSG school, I'd say it is worth meeting with a career planner to see what your options are. Since you already checked into the fleet, you may have to wait until you are 12-18 months TOS (time on station) before being able to leave.
I only received the MSG ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. However, I know plenty of people who received NAMs or campaign medals (like Iraq, Afghan, and GWOT-E). Sadly, I missed a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon in Cuba by just a couple years. Oh, and while I did volunteer a lot, my paperwork for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal never went all the way though.
Correct. How much time you have left on your contract determines what happens next. For me, because I only had 17 months left at the end of 3 years on MSG, I argued that it was too short a time for me to move, relearn my MOS, and transition to leave the Marine Corps. I really wanted to stay and do a 4th embassy, and got to live in Spain for a little longer than a year! This all depends on the needs of the Marine Corps though. Things just so happened to work out in my favor. Most people tend to EAS (leave the service) at the end of the 3 year program.
Correct. When I went to MSG school in 2013, you had to have 18 months at your duty station before you were allowed to join the MSG program. This meant that it was exceptionally rare to see MSGs lower than corporal or have their good conduct ribbon. In the couple years that followed, the State Department and Marine Corps decided to literally double the size of the MSG program (increase of 1,000 Marines) to increase security at more embassies/consulates. As I left the program, it was becoming a new standard that Marines would be able to join the MSG program after completing recruit training and MCT/SOI, before checking into their first units.
So if I go into msg right after boot camp what happens after my 3 years if I wanna stay in. Can I pick another job or do I default to infantry or something
You would be at the same crossroads I was: stay in to continue in your primary MOS, or get out. You could change your job field, but this becomes harder the higher rank you are. Generally it is easiest to switch MOSs when you are Sergeant or below.
I’m torn between choosing to have a MOS where it can benefit me as a civilian (legal service) or choose a job that’s action packed (parachute rig or security forces). I plan on becoming an Officer later in my career maybe the end of my first enlistment but I want to get my degree. Am I able to get my degree while I’m in parachute rig/security forces or I’m better off in legal services since I plan on becoming a cop as a civilian some day(couldn’t get MP because my height)??
You have a lot of options! I would definitely sit down with a recruiter. I would say it is very hard to get a degree during your first enlistment, especially if you start from scratch. It took me 5 years to get my AA, and that was with a myriad of college credits, AP classes, etc. Great idea to do the action stuff first, get a degree, and do the legal stuff later. However, considering how challenging it is to get a degree while on active duty, this may be a lot harder than it sounds. Maybe get a degree first? All depends on your mood towards school. I know I needed a break after high school, and it took me a couple years to go back to school.
@@Leanne_is_not_okay All depends on the needs of the Marine Corps. I imagine it would be a challenge, because both MOSs would have to approve of you changing. I have no experience in latmoving, but I have heard of cases of it happening. I knew people that couldn't even do MSG because they needed trombone players to stay. A lot also depends on your chain of command, so you could be lucky, or not.
@@Leanne_is_not_okay Also, see if you can get a waiver for MP. If they need people, they can always make exceptions, but timing is everything. One benefit of going enlisted first is getting the GI Bill, so that could be a motivator of doing security forces depending on your ability to pay for school now. However, there is also the benefit of higher standard of living as an officer, including pay. Lots of pro/cons!
Joshjames1234 I asked for a waiver for MP after meps and they said it is not waivable. I already had a talk with my recruiter and he pretty much recommended me to stick with legal services since I can potentially receive a lot of certificates and education.
Is msg a secondary mos? My recruiter talked to me about this, but I don’t fully understand it. I thought msg was a B-billet. So can I enlist strait into this mos?
@@Collin-bi1nf Nice. Yeah I thought about doing msg. I signed open contract instead because that was all that’s open for me rn 😂 I ship out to MCRDSanDiego on April 24th.
![BLOOD FEUD - BLACK OPS 6 | REALISTIC Ultra Graphics Gameplay [4K 60FPS]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2OgUKhBwdjg/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey I just joined the delayed entry pogram for the marines and I chose this as my MOS thanks for the video
How's it going so far?
First of all, show some respect and be quiet. This is not how Marines carry themselves. Sit down.
If you joined, you put a M on that. Don’t lowercase Marines. If you care - this Marine is not good to go. He looks rusty, non disciplined. Poor form.
@@DarkForestNews-fo3zw fucking boot 💀
Found your videos again today from a cod 4 gold gun video just looking at it for nostalgia. Looked through your other videos and I’ve seen them before never realized all these different videos were by you. Thanks for providing all these entertaining videos over the years.
Aww man, thank you for the kind words! It means a lot. Good times with CoD4!
I’m 18 and I want to join the marines and my mom was a marine and she told me being a msg was super cool, very interesting
Just watched this video, currently going to the school house in 2 months. So excited, Thank you for this
Best of luck to you! You are about to embark on an incredible journey. Enjoy every moment!
I'm going in a few days
Did you make it
@@airforcekid4 yes sir
@@Joshjames1234 thank you sir!
Crazy I just stumbled across your MCT graduation video from years ago and here we are 9 years later. Uhh rah SSGT.
Yut!
I served in AmEmb Singapore as an MSG from 1996-1998. What a small Marine Corps.
I’m going to the school house in march, thank you for this vid.
Rah brother. Can you bring us some more MSG content in the future please? Awesome job, my man.
I'm shipping out at the end of this month with an Aviation contract but I plan on doing MSG duty in the future, thanks for the insight!
Congrats, and good luck!
Same! I’m going to be a crew chief, hbu?
@@bridger6101 I’m actually in right now, I’m an Air Support Operator
@@JTruong77 That’s cool, are you still in A school? Or in the fleet?
@@bridger6101 fleet now
Commentary over my favorite game of all time, say less...subbed! I’m at Det Moscow 🤘
Haha, thank you! And congrats on getting such a fascinating assignment....Moscow is on my bucket list! Are you enjoying your time there?
Joshjames1234 thank you! And yes, it’s great here, so much to do and see. I hope you get to cross this place off your list! 🤞
Read Moscow station and sex, lies and the United States marine corps. A most for all MSG'S.
in order to go FBI OR SS.. YOU NEED AS A MINIMUM A BACHELORS degree or better yet a masters. Yes they will look at your record but you will NOT qualify based on your service record. 45,000 apply each year approx. 400 are allowed to go to training.
Im putting in my package out here in Oki.
Hopefully ill get accepted and use it as a stepping stone for MECEP
Best of luck to you! You have quite a journey ahead. Someone I was with in Spain recently received their commission via MECEP.
I’m planning on starting a package soon, as a LCpl. I’ve heard that the board week is pretty difficult. Mostly what would they be asking or looking for? Or is that not something to worry about
Some people do get all the way through the school house and then get dropped at the board. I knew people that this happened to because their weekly peer reviews were consistently abysmal. Others because of alcohol abuse or behavioral issues that are seen as too big of a risk. The majority of people do pass, however, so I wouldn't worry about it. You already know what it means to be a good Marine (stay out of trouble, PT, PME, etc), and as long as you focus on that, you will pass with flying colors!
Where were you posted? Are you still serving?
Joshjames1234 Thanks, that’s really assuring. I’ve learned not to do stupid shit lol. Active duty at Cherry point but, I’ve got less than year until I can put a package in though due to requirements. guess it’s just enjoy my time here until then.
I am going to give my experience and version of MSG DUTY. I served in DHAKA, MANILA AND BRASILIA. I felt MSG SCHOOL, was very anti 03 , I felt I had to calm it down while going through training. I felt is was unfairly assessed, after tearing a LCPL a new a hole, after he disrespected and punked out a SGT and the Sgt did absolutely nothing, I couldn't believe it , I had never somthing like that before, especially in the GRUNTS. My biggest disappointment of MSG SCHOOL, was the weak NCO LEADERSHIP, my biggest surprise, was how squared away those young LCPL'S were very impressive, you could tell how much they wanted that NCO RANK. I was proud to graduate no question, but felt a little empty. My first post in DHAKA, we had a DETACHMENT COMMANDER, who was not the strongest leader but he cared and took care of us and we took of him. He was a good marine and had a beautiful family. DHAKA was actually great tour, we had a great DETACHMENT and frequent trips to BANGKOK nef said. MANILA, extremely high threat level, tough detachment commander, outstanding detachment, we had our fights and disagreements. That detachment was the closest thing to the GRUNTS I saw. We were always stressed and pissed off at the BOSS AND EACH OTHER , but make no mistake we had each other's backs and we LOVED EACH OTHER. WE EARNED MSG DETACHMENT OF THE YEAR, THAT WAS PRETTY AWESOME. Brazilian people are absolutely amazing, the women are incredible and sexy. Unfortunately for me my detachment commander, was complete P O S. He was this Drill instructor type, that thought he was still on the Drill Field and he thought he could fight. Unfortunately he couldn't fight and he tried to play boxer with me and it didn't turn out good for him. He discriminated against us 03 types, us California types and marines how served in SOUTHEAST ASIA. He showed FAVORTISM like you wouldn't believe. If he pulled that crap in GRUNT UNIT, he face would have been caved in. It was sad to have that experience. IT WAS THE WORST AND MOST PATHETIC MARINE CORPS UNIT I EVER BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH, IT WAS EMBARRASSING. IT WAS THE REASON I GOT OUT OF THE MARINE CORPS AND WENT OVERSEAS TO WORK AS CIVILIAN. MSG DUTY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT, YOU HAVE TO HAVE STRONG LEADERSHIP AND YOU HAVE TO RESPECT AND BACK ONE ANOTHER, BECAUSE THE STATE PUKES WILL TRY TO DESTROY YOU. DON'T GET ME WRONG IT WAS GREAT DUTY, WITH EXCOTIC WOMEN, WOMEN WERE AWSOME. IT DEFINITELY OPENED A LOT OF DOORS FOR ME. THAT IS MY MSG EXPERIENCE, NO DISRESPECT TO ANYONE.
SEMPER FI AND GOD BLESS.
Going in right now as a closed contract MSG can’t wait
thank you for the informational video, but i’m curious on how deployments work. How long are the deployments if you enlist as an MSG?
You don't really "deploy" on MSG duty, which implies a 3, 6, or 9 month tour before returning home for a couple years (like for MEUs and combat deployments). As an MSG, you are permanently assigned to each embassy as an actual duty station. If you are a watchstander, this means you will only be in each post for 12 months, but your time at the embassy wouldn't be considered a deployment, even if it is in a combat zone.
The one caveat is the Marine Security Augmentation Unit (MSAU), which acts as a small team to temporarily reinforce security at a specific embassy, normally for 2 to 12 weeks. I wouldn't necessarily call those deployments in the traditional sense. MSAU is something most MSGs never do, and I have no experience in, so my knowledge is limited.
You don't need to be assigned to a spot for over a year to get an oversea service ribbon, as an infantryman I've done 2 UDP's at 6months each I've got an oversea service ribbon with a bronze star
What you received was the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, which is earned after 90 consecutive days in a deployment status (Okinawa permanent personnel being an exception). You'll notice the center of yours is blue, while the center of the OSR is red.
I want to become an MSG after bootcamp, and as an MSG do you get to pick which embassy and country that you want? 2nd question is is it a great MOS for active duty and schooling at a same time? Thank you!!!
You should definitely ask your recruiter and SOI instructors on how you can become an MSG straight out of boot camp. That wasn't an option when I was on the program (2013-2017), since we were required to have 18 months in the fleet before reporting to MSG school.
You can request your top 3 regions and top 3 post choices, but are certainly not guaranteed. Your first post you basically have no choice. If you are in a hardship posting, you generally will have more weight when you request.
MSG duty is the best time to do school! I completed my AA degree on the program. Definitely enroll and take advantage of that tuition assistance!!
just got done signing my msg contract, leave june 14th babyy!
Congrats, and enjoy the ride! You are going to make some awesome memories, regardless of where you get stationed!
how long can you be a MSG for? It seems like a cool job so I was wondering if it's possible to be a MSG for more than 3 years
Honestly, it's mostly luck. I was in the perfect spot at the end of my standard 3-year tour: I had about a year left on my contract, and I lobbied my chain of command to let me do another post since by the time I would become proficient in my primary MOS as a saxophonist, I would start the process to leave the military. It just so happened that MSG Bn needed bodies, and they were approving extensions.
My detcmdr in Turkey told me he knew people who had done the program for 5 years as watchstanders, but that was in the mid-2000s. It certainly is the job of a lifetime. Best guarantee to stay on it is to do a tour, then come back as a detcmdr.
I graduated at AMYA (Alaska Military Youth Academy) on JBER, going to meps next week to become a MSG
Ship out to bootcamp may 9th then I’ll be off to quantico for msg school assuming everything goes well.
Hey brother I’m an active duty SGT and I am sending a package to go to the school house. I was wondering how hard are the written test and how hard is the school house in general?
School house is very time consuming and will be fed lots of knowledge within a short amount of time.
The school house will definitely push you physically and mentally. It isn't as hard as boot camp, but especially since you are a sergeant (and it has been awhile since you were a recruit), there may be some initial culture shock because there are an endless supply of "games" that they play that are reminiscent of boot camp.
Written test is nothing to worry about now. There is a lot of detailed information on it, and will require a lot of study time. When I was going through (2013), Saturdays were devoted entirely to studying the week's lessons with your detachment and general review.
One thing that I was not expecting was just how challenging the PT was. We had a handful of GySgt Instructor-Advisors (IAs) that would go on casual 12+ mile runs with their students before the first classes began in the morning. They do break you down into ability groups, but even though I was in a "slower" group, the pace was extremely fast (sub 19 min 3 mile). I was stationed in Pendleton before and was already conditioned with the hills, but the snow was an added challenge. Definitely focus on trying to be as high of a first-class PFT as possible before you get there.
The majority of people that are dropped are due to past financial, behavioral, or alcohol abuse issues. One person was dropped on the range because they were too slow on the pistol (and couldn't pass eval after 3 tries), even though they led the class academically. It is by no means BUD/s, but it is still definitely something to take seriously and prepare for.
As prior service, I wish i would have done this. Wonder if there's a program where I can re enlist and go back as msg lol
I wish I could deploy but as an 0111 we don't usually do that
I wanna join the Marines but I don’t know how to tell my mom. She doesn’t like the military lol
I can totally relate - my mom cried in the recruiter's office for 3 hours during our first meeting. I think all moms are the same in that way.
Pursue your dreams! I plan on talking to a Marine recruiter at the end of the end of the year when I turn 18. It was definitely nerve wracking to tell my mom I wanted to because I'm not in a military family and the only person in my family, who was a Marine, had a bad experience. Good luck!🇺🇲
If you are over 18 you're an adult and can do what you want, just don't whine and complain.
Now I just gotta ask did you at least meet one alien? All love bro 😂 W video
Yep, married one! 😁
@@Joshjames1234 😂😂😂
Question? During your time as MSG. We’re you housed on the embassy site or off site and had to commute?
Both! Some embassies have space for the Marines to live "on compound", while others require the Marines to live off-site. Some embassies even have hotel rooms for the Marines, but that is pretty rare.
Slated to go to the school house here in a few months, I haven't been screened in person yet. What are the chances are me traveling all the way to Quantico and getting dropped for an out of regs tattoo that's been in the system for a minute but I still got a school seat?
I would contact someone on the RAST (Recruiting and Selection Team) to make sure you understand exactly what the latest tattoo restrictions are. As you know, tattoo regs seem to change every other year, but one constant is that MSG is a little more strict than FMF.
Nice game play!
What are some cons of MSG duty?
Is that the actor Harrison Ford at 2: 12 mark? Can you elaborate on that? Thanks.
It is! He came to visit us at the embassy in Madrid, Spain in 2016.
@@Joshjames1234 What was the visit like? Friendly guy or just there taking care of regular business like for passports? I love his movies.
I'm a big fan, too! At the time, the US ambassador to Spain had previously worked as an executive at HBO, so he had very close connections with A-list celebrities. We also got to meet Karlie Kloss. Harrison came to the embassy for a couple days, and even spent 15 minutes (ish) hanging out with the Marine standing duty.
I met him with the rest of the detachment during a "formal" meet & greet, which is very common when VIPs stop by to visit embassies. They normally make special arrangements to meet the Marine detachment in private. I'd say we spent maybe 20 minutes with him, taking pictures and asking basic questions.
Honestly it was incredible to meet him and see how different he is in person. He is EXTREMELY soft-spoken, to the point it is nearly impossible to hear him. But it seemed that as soon as we met, he was gone....and now just the memories remain!
Stupid questions but if you get a place overseas do you get any other ribbon than the msg ribbon
Great question! Yes, every full year at an embassy you get the Overseas Service Ribbon. I ended up leaving MSG duty with a star on my MSG ribbon and three stars on my OSR. After a standard tour, you'll have an OSR with 1-3 stars, depending on your contract and when you leave your last post, or if you are fortunate enough to extend and do an extra post.
I've heard of many detachments getting unit awards, but those are more rare. It is possible to get an "end of tour" award, normally in the form of a Navy Achievement Medal (for watchstanders) or a Navy Commendation Medal (for detcmdrs).
Hey can Officer's join MSG like after leaving the Naval Academy
Unfortunately no, because MSG duty is only for enlisted Marines. However, you could always be part of the MSG program as a commanding officer or inspector. You wouldn't get the same experience living at an embassy, but you would get to travel to at least a dozen different embassies/consulates on a regular basis for inspections.
When would be a good time to put in a package ? I’m already 3 months in the fleet
Considering they are allowing Marines to go straight from SOI to MSG school, I'd say it is worth meeting with a career planner to see what your options are. Since you already checked into the fleet, you may have to wait until you are 12-18 months TOS (time on station) before being able to leave.
Was there any other ribbons you got from msg
I only received the MSG ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon. However, I know plenty of people who received NAMs or campaign medals (like Iraq, Afghan, and GWOT-E). Sadly, I missed a Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon in Cuba by just a couple years. Oh, and while I did volunteer a lot, my paperwork for the Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal never went all the way though.
I want to know how I could join, and how difficult is it to pass the school? I have adhd, and I’m scared it would be hard.
Went to Afghanistan as a saxophonist lol
What happens after you finish the three years as a MSG? Do you go back to your first MOS?
Correct. How much time you have left on your contract determines what happens next. For me, because I only had 17 months left at the end of 3 years on MSG, I argued that it was too short a time for me to move, relearn my MOS, and transition to leave the Marine Corps. I really wanted to stay and do a 4th embassy, and got to live in Spain for a little longer than a year! This all depends on the needs of the Marine Corps though. Things just so happened to work out in my favor.
Most people tend to EAS (leave the service) at the end of the 3 year program.
My recruiter is telling me that I can serve MSG after basic and SOI is that true, assuming I make it through the application process and schoolhouse.
Correct. When I went to MSG school in 2013, you had to have 18 months at your duty station before you were allowed to join the MSG program. This meant that it was exceptionally rare to see MSGs lower than corporal or have their good conduct ribbon. In the couple years that followed, the State Department and Marine Corps decided to literally double the size of the MSG program (increase of 1,000 Marines) to increase security at more embassies/consulates.
As I left the program, it was becoming a new standard that Marines would be able to join the MSG program after completing recruit training and MCT/SOI, before checking into their first units.
@@Joshjames1234 Thanks so much man you made the decision to enlist that much easier for me.
If you are a reservist, are you able to put in a package for MSG?
You would have to switch to active first, although you may be able to do it at the same time you apply for MSG.
Do they do a polygraph test?
Yes!
So if I go into msg right after boot camp what happens after my 3 years if I wanna stay in. Can I pick another job or do I default to infantry or something
You would be at the same crossroads I was: stay in to continue in your primary MOS, or get out. You could change your job field, but this becomes harder the higher rank you are. Generally it is easiest to switch MOSs when you are Sergeant or below.
@@Joshjames1234 oh okay thanks man
I’m torn between choosing to have a MOS where it can benefit me as a civilian (legal service) or choose a job that’s action packed (parachute rig or security forces). I plan on becoming an Officer later in my career maybe the end of my first enlistment but I want to get my degree. Am I able to get my degree while I’m in parachute rig/security forces or I’m better off in legal services since I plan on becoming a cop as a civilian some day(couldn’t get MP because my height)??
And can I lat move to security forces in my 2 year mark in the marines?
You have a lot of options! I would definitely sit down with a recruiter. I would say it is very hard to get a degree during your first enlistment, especially if you start from scratch. It took me 5 years to get my AA, and that was with a myriad of college credits, AP classes, etc.
Great idea to do the action stuff first, get a degree, and do the legal stuff later. However, considering how challenging it is to get a degree while on active duty, this may be a lot harder than it sounds. Maybe get a degree first? All depends on your mood towards school. I know I needed a break after high school, and it took me a couple years to go back to school.
@@Leanne_is_not_okay All depends on the needs of the Marine Corps. I imagine it would be a challenge, because both MOSs would have to approve of you changing. I have no experience in latmoving, but I have heard of cases of it happening.
I knew people that couldn't even do MSG because they needed trombone players to stay. A lot also depends on your chain of command, so you could be lucky, or not.
@@Leanne_is_not_okay Also, see if you can get a waiver for MP. If they need people, they can always make exceptions, but timing is everything.
One benefit of going enlisted first is getting the GI Bill, so that could be a motivator of doing security forces depending on your ability to pay for school now. However, there is also the benefit of higher standard of living as an officer, including pay. Lots of pro/cons!
Joshjames1234 I asked for a waiver for MP after meps and they said it is not waivable. I already had a talk with my recruiter and he pretty much recommended me to stick with legal services since I can potentially receive a lot of certificates and education.
Is msg a secondary mos? My recruiter talked to me about this, but I don’t fully understand it. I thought msg was a B-billet. So can I enlist strait into this mos?
I just enlisted for msg yes it’s a secondary mos
@@Collin-bi1nf Nice. Yeah I thought about doing msg. I signed open contract instead because that was all that’s open for me rn 😂 I ship out to MCRDSanDiego on April 24th.
@@a.c.s_1940 going to PI the 24th good luck bro
@@Collin-bi1nf Thanks bro. Good luck to you too!
Im thinking about MSG then hoping for MSF is that a good option boys?
Can all Moses be msg?
Thank you so much
Yes, every MOS can apply!
Band???
Aye I’m cpl so it’s a chances I can get sgt