Post: #1

After doing some searches I'm surprised this hasn't popped up on the forum.

Well, the MSG program is fucking awesome. You're basically a gatekeeper (opens the embassy's gate) and security guard in some country for a year. Sure, there's nothing glamorous about that. But you rotate to 3 different countries but recently some guys have been asked to serve in a 4th country due to lack of personnel. Because of ....Benghazi!...congress mandated more MSGs at different posts. This is ironic since MSGs foremost mission is to protect sensitive information. Only missions that process classified info got MSGs, until ....Benghazi.

Conditions vary, you can go from Belgium to Mozambique in a year. Surprisingly 3rd world countries are better because they don't micro manage. London and EU embassies micromanage you to make sure you don't fuck up and cause a "diplomatic incident".

Here's what it provides for you....

• A top-secret security clearance (for that job after the military)
• Extra pay because you're abroad and probably in some shit hole
• Stipend to hire a maid and a driver.
• Nice accommodations, you're living INSIDE an embassy compound. No barracks.
• Free time to study or travel to countries nearby
• Central location to travel elsehwere
• Access to VIPs (local high society social circle)
• A pretty fun time
• Marine bar....the name tells it all, a bar inside the compound and Marines run it.
  

The bad

• No girls allowed in the sleeping quarters/house.
• Curfew, 0000-0700 or 0200-0700 depending on location
• Some State diplomats will treat you like crap
• Some of your superiors will treat you like crap and are horrible managers, this being the military...it won't be a surprise.
• Micromanagement in some posts
• Must request permission to sleep at a girls house or go out past curfew
• Some posts are understaffed, you might not be able to take a lot of vacation time off.
  

Requirements

• E-2 through E-8, O-3 through O-6. They're different programs, officers (mostly O-3s) stay in one central country and travel country to country inspecting posts.
• E-5 and below must be single, E-6 can be married. I don't know about Os.
• Must have one year time on station (waiverable).
• U.S Citizen
• 90+ GT score or retaking it and scoring a 90+
• No NJPs within the past year
• Must be able to get a Top-Secret Clearance....in other word no fuck ups.
• No visible tattoos while in uniform.
  

Process:
MSG recruiter will come by, you submit your package, if selected you will go to a board, then get approved for MSG school, leave to Quantico, graduate from MSG school, receive 1500 to buy some suits or dress clothes, go off to your destination. Your supervising officer can't refuse to sign your package, if so....you can tell the MSG guys and they'll come down on him. MSG was understaffed a while back to the point they visited and persuaded guys to sign up....I never heard about that before so take it as a good sign. They probably became flexible with some of their requirements to let more guys in.

Poon will be easy to collect, you're well build, with cash and a driver. Some of the MSGs I've met have a girl back home or are gay so info on MSG Game is not available. I've heard multiple stories about black guys swooping it in EE. Most don't want to go to Western Europe due to the restrictions. EE is better as it's less restrictive and your money has more power. You get 3 countries, countries are based on level 1 - safe, most likely western country (UK); 2 - Somewhat safe (All of Latin America except Chile) and 3 - high risk countries (pakistan). Collecting money for Marine Ball will be one of your extra duties, selling cookies and stuff. Staties usually hate you but when the ball comes...those mofos are the first to get drunk. A few weeks before an officer will send a letter saying "have fun" or "Marines are not to be intoxicated. They must demonstrate the values of the Marine Corps.". As I said, it all depends on your CO.

MSG appeared on my radar as a friend got in the program. He went through MSG school for 9 weeks, then go shipped off to Africa and he had a lot of fun. Sometimes he would get his driver to take him to Cape Town for a few days and when he came back the cooking lady made him a fresh meal. The guy is a retard, he did something (don't know what, probably something with alcohol) and got kicked off the program. He's now in a dusty desert without a security clearance and 3.5 years left in there. He got to meet Bill Clinton and had a good social circle from the rich people in his city.

Post: #2

Is this something you can get into right after basic? Easy to find a solid gig after you get out?

Post: #3

MSG is cool. I've partied at a couple of Marine Houses, in Caracas and Cairo.

The problem is that MSG is such a small part of the USMC and highly selective, it's also a matter of luck when they procure personnel -

But if you enlist hoping for this, it's much more likely you'll be in a line infantry company in Afghanistan or deploying with the Fleet Marine Force.

You're always better off getting a guaranteed MOS in something you like. For example if you enlisted for a guaranteed school as a Navy Machinery Repairman (machinist) or a cryptolinguist in any branch if you pass the DLAB and can get a clearance, or an aircraft mechanic, or a Seabee, or whatever job you like.

Get the training GUARANTEED IN WRITING on your enlistment contract.

Post: #4

I know someone who did this and it worked out very well for him. Picked up languages on the job (some obscure ones, too), learned a lot about foreign trade while working with diplomats and so on, and then he worked his contacts into a lucrative import/export career afterwards. Good gig if you can get it.

Post: #5

(09-04-2013 03:49 AM)renotime Wrote:  Is this something you can get into right after basic? Easy to find a solid gig after you get out?

Nope, you need to have stayed one year on station. Example for infantry: Basic => SOI => More schooling => first station => completed one year in station.

They're hurting bodies so the one year could be waived but there's no way they'll choose someone right out from basic.

(09-04-2013 05:50 AM)Sp5 Wrote:  MSG is cool. I've partied at a couple of Marine Houses, in Caracas and Cairo.

The problem is that MSG is such a small part of the USMC and highly selective, it's also a matter of luck when they procure personnel -

But if you enlist hoping for this, it's much more likely you'll be in a line infantry company in Afghanistan or deploying with the Fleet Marine Force.

You're always better off getting a guaranteed MOS in something you like. For example if you enlisted for a guaranteed school as a Navy Machinery Repairman (machinist) or a cryptolinguist in any branch if you pass the DLAB and can get a clearance, or an aircraft mechanic, or a Seabee, or whatever job you like.

Get the training GUARANTEED IN WRITING on your enlistment contract.

You're right, enlisting JUST for MSG is a bad gamble. The needs change every few months and who knows what will happen after your first year in station. Back in the Iraq surge many MSGs were sent to Iraq but now 2000 MSG slots opened and MSG recruiters are asking to see packages even if the person is not interested. Past MOS of MSGs that I've met: 0311, cook, janitor...so one's luck could vary. The problem they face is lack of experience when they return to their primary MOS after MSG.

Getting it writing is the best idea, and you learn some new trades. Although I believe the best jobs are those with clearances, but that's my opinion.

(09-04-2013 08:02 AM)RexImperator Wrote:  I know someone who did this and it worked out very well for him. Picked up languages on the job (some obscure ones, too), learned a lot about foreign trade while working with diplomats and so on, and then he worked his contacts into a lucrative import/export career afterwards. Good gig if you can get it.

It's pretty good if you get a good team and country. After all it's what you make of it. Some guys play XBOX all day, others network and learn languages on their own.

Post: #6

Marines have to complete a B billet in order to advance their career. It does take away from your primary MOS but it is necessary. Drill instructor, Career Jammer, Recruiter, Embassy Duty, all count. MSG is the best option if you have the discipline to stand still for hours on end and deal with bureaucrats. That was my choice, but when asking, they said my MOS was too critical. Bullshit. I would have reenlisted and got stuck in some shit show like the drill field. I got out.

All the guys I know that did MSG loved it. They were in Moscow, Mexico City, Bangkok, ect partying it up and banging girls. A lot of chicks go for the Marines. I talked to an Estonian 9 that had dated a Devil Dog. Fuck she was all things hot.

I wouldn't join for the purpose of going MSG, but yes, pick your MOS wisely and make sure to come out of boot camp and E-2 at least. Make sure your school is around a year long, like optics or crypto, so you have a solid skill to fallback on later. For a a forward thinker, MSG will provide the opportunity to network. Most guys finish their time and want to go back to roosterpoop Idaho.

Post: #7

What are some MOS's that MSG's look for? Or does it even matter what you go in as?

And what are some good MOS's that the private sector are in need of?

Post: #8

(09-04-2013 04:19 PM)renotime Wrote:  What are some MOS's that MSG's look for? Or does it even matter what you go in as?

As long as you can cut the requirements and present a good package, you're good to good. They don't look into any particular MOS specifically although you should consider Ali's incident about his critical MOS. The MOS I know are infantryman, cook, and a cook.

Quote:And what are some good MOS's that the private sector are in need of?

Ali knows more about this than I do. All I know is....security clearance = bright future. Intel analysts get paid very well after leaving (90+ K). Although I would recommend staying around 6 years to get plenty of technical and managerial experience. The "fun" jobs in the military don't have civilian brothers, there are electrician job openings but none for tankers.

Post: #9

Holy fuck don't join the Marines just on a dream to be embassy personnel. A recruiter will sell you the dream of banging exotic foreign chicks. It's not until you enlist that you see how the military can fuck you every which way.

Post: #10

(09-04-2013 07:18 PM)cool Wrote:  Holy fuck don't join the Marines just on a dream to be embassy personnel. A recruiter will sell you the dream of banging exotic foreign chicks. It's not until you enlist that you see how the military can fuck you every which way.

No one recommenced others to join just because of embassy duty, this is mostly for those who are already in and to give them a path to enjoy their time instead of being in crappy 29-palms or in FMF.

Post: #11

Had a friend who was stationed at the Embassy in Rome. Our birthdays were on the same day and he drunk so much that he entered a new realm. He wasn't on Earth for a good 4-5 hours. Needless to say he didn't make it to work the next day. He was back in the states within a few weeks. I've never seen someone get orders so fast. Anyways, I didn't really envy you guys, way too many micro managing like you stated. Curfews and shit in Europe....pointless.

Post: #12

Army reserve branches to msg with the right credentials?

Secret clearance
113GT
80overall asvab
8 month deployment iraq
7 yrs time in
A few minor awards and consistent pt recognition

Whats my odds?

Post: #13

I would much rather become a Foreign Service Officer.

http://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service

Post: #14

(05-21-2014 06:04 AM)TonySandos Wrote:  Army reserve branches to msg with the right credentials?

Secret clearance
113GT
80overall asvab
8 month deployment iraq
7 yrs time in
A few minor awards and consistent pt recognition

Whats my odds?

I don't think you can directly enlist into an MSG position. You pick another MOS and then apply to the MSG program once you're in. After the Benghazi attack, they are expanding the MSG program so there will be more slots available. But it does seem like boring work; I remember talking to on MSG who said he couldn't wait to go back to his normal MOS and "be a real Marine again." Though the parties at the Marine House in many countries are the place to be on a Friday/Saturday night.

Post: #15

Thanks. I feel cool with that position though. The war is finishing up so jobs like that will be the few security ones left. You can go contractor at a consulate, but I'd rather stay in if I do that. It's either something like msg or helo flight warrant officer for my dreams

Post: #16

(05-21-2014 05:44 AM)DoomsdayIlluztrious Wrote:  Had a friend who was stationed at the Embassy in Rome. Our birthdays were on the same day and he drunk so much that he entered a new realm. He wasn't on Earth for a good 4-5 hours. Needless to say he didn't make it to work the next day. He was back in the states within a few weeks. I've never seen someone get orders so fast. Anyways, I didn't really envy you guys, way too many micro managing like you stated. Curfews and shit in Europe....pointless.

Europe embassies get the most red tape because the last thing the US government wants is "Drunk Marines goes nude while drunk" on German/British/Spanish morning news. Africa gets some restrictions due to the security situation but not as much.

But yeah, if you ever want to see efficiency at work......just watch an MSGer fuck up and see how fast it takes for him to get shipped back to Quantico.

(05-21-2014 06:04 AM)TonySandos Wrote:  Army reserve branches to msg with the right credentials?

Whats my odds?

MSG is only available to Marines.
Are you married? If so, you must be E-6 or above.

Post: #17

Is there transition available or would i be signing my life over to hustlers? Not married

Post: #18

(05-21-2014 09:28 AM)TonySandos Wrote:  Is there transition available or would i be signing my life over to hustlers? Not married

If it's even possible, you would have to go through Marine boot camp.

I'm sure they don't let E-4 or NCOs directly transition without that, it's a rite of passage.

You're better off doing a warrant program, in my opinion.

Post: #19

(05-21-2014 09:28 AM)TonySandos Wrote:  Is there transition available or would i be signing my life over to hustlers? Not married

As SP5 said, go warrant.

Every person who transitions must go to bootcamp. Not to mention, MSG is just for three years. Warrant is permanent.