JACKSONVILLE, N.C. - Marines wishing to step out and face new challenges outside of their original occupational specialty have the opportunity to do something a little different with special duty assignments.
These secondary billets allow a Marine to widen their base of knowledge and experience within the Marine Corps.
“Marines can learn new skills and face different challenges than they normally would,” said Gunnery Sgt. Casondra Smith, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron career planner.
Performing a special duty assignment can also assist Marines with their careers by adding points toward their cutting scores or benefiting their fitness reports, said Smith.
These billets can send Marines all over the United States and the world. The billets range from recruiters and drill instructors to Marine security guards and combat instructors.
Marines wishing to travel around the world may be interested in the MSG program.
Marines stand guard and protect U.S. embassies and classified materials in embassies all over the world. Those who participate in the program also earn a top secret security clearance.
Marines wishing to have a direct impact on the future of the Marine Corps have the opportunity as recruiters to put Marines into the Marine Corps and provide great community outreach.
The recruits are transformed into basically trained Marines by their drill instructors while in boot camp and molded by their combat instructors in the School of Infantry.
“It’s a challenge. SDAs are not just a cake walk but they are worth it,” said Smith.
Special duty assignments are usually for Marines on their second term of enlistment, said Smith.
However, the MSG program is available to junior Marines who meet the requirements.
The MSG program is expanding and is looking for exceptionally qualified and mature, single sergeants and below, added Smith.
For Marines who wish to learn more about these opportunities they should speak with their squadron’s career planner.
“The Headquarters Marine Corps Special Duty Assignment Selection Team may choose a Marine for SDA so sometimes it is better to be proactive than reactive and choose an assignment that you want to do,” said Smith.