How to Join Marine Engineering

Combat engineers build in war zones.

While Marines have a reputation as being fierce combat soldiers, not every Marine is just a rifleman. Marine combat engineers use the technical training the Marine Corps equips them to clear mine fields, work with explosives, and construct fortifications, roads and the essential infrastructures soldiers need in any given combat area. To join the Marines as a combat engineer, you need to prove to the Corps you have the aptitude to succeed as an engineer.

Instructions

1. Take as many mathematics courses at your high school that you can handle. You will need to demonstrate strong mathematical skills to the Marine Corps to enlist as a combat engineer.

2. Talk to your local Marine recruiter and schedule a time to take the practice Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (practice ASVAB). Look at your scores and see if you did strongly enough in the mathematics section. If you did not, or felt unsure of yourself when answering the math questions, practice the types of problems you got wrong until you feel comfortable with the subject matter.

3. Schedule an appointment with your recruiter to take the real ASVAB when you feel you are ready to achieve your maximum score. Go to the testing location on the appropriate date and take the exam.

4. Contact your recruiter after your scores come back, and ask him if you scored high enough to qualify for combat engineer training. If you didn't, discuss your options for retaking the ASVAB. If you did, and are certain you want to enlist, have your recruiter write up your enlistment paper work, specifying combat engineer as your desired Military Occupation Specialty (MOS). Sign on the dotted line and start physically preparing yourself for boot camp.

Tips & Warnings

• Enlisting in the Marine Corps is a legal commitment that you can't get out of. Make sure you are certain in your decision before you sign anything at the recruiters office.

• Be are that just because your enlistment contract specifies combat engineer as your desired MOS, it is not a legal guarantee that the Marine Corps will assign you to combat engineer training after boot camp. There is a chance you might be assigned to another position. When you enlist, you are serving your country and the needs of the Marine Corps, not vice versa.

References

• Military.com: ASVAB and Marine Corps Jobs
• United States Marine Corps: Combat Engineering
• United States Marine Corps: Frequently Asked Questions