SMCR lieutenants get more time to go infantry

[unhappycamper]

SMCR lieutenants get more time to go infantry
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Mar 16, 2009 6:50:37 EDT

Newly commissioned officers in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve now have more time to decide whether they want to go infantry, a move that makes them eligible for a $4,000 bonus.

The incentive for second lieutenants who join the infantry officer military occupational specialty is not new, but the time frame to contract for that 0302 MOS is, said Lt. Col. Craig Wick, Reserve Affairs’ plans officer-in-charge.

“The major change is that we now offer it while they’re at (The Basic School),” he said.

The details are outlined in Marine administrative message 0123/09, approved Feb. 25. Previously, officer candidates wanting to be infantry officers with a Reserve unit had to sign a written agreement before attending Officer Candidate School.

“We’ve determined that the infantry battalions are our top priority,” Wick said. “It’s also the greatest need, percentage-wise.”


Rest of article at: http://marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/03/marine_lieutenants_031609w/%2e