HI i just joined the marines (i'm in the DEP right now) my MOS is going to be Data Systems and i hope to get a job of a programmer once i graduate from Boot Camp. My question is what kind of things do i program and what languages do i need to know? i asked my recruiter he has no clue what a programming language is, and all the military forums are people who are going into infantry or going to be pilots so i figure hey we're all programmers here one of the folks here might have been in the marines and could tell me. Thanks for your help.

Marine Corps (USMC) Enlisted Job Descriptions OCCUPATIONAL FIELD 40, DATA SYSTEMS The data systems OccFld includes computer systems analysis, software design, and computer and peripheral equipment operation functions in support of Marine Corps information systems. Formal schooling is provided to Marines entering the data systems OccFld. Types of entry level jobs available include work as a programmer or as a small systems specialist. There is a wide variety of billets available in the OccFld at divisions, wings, force service support groups, major posts and stations, and Headquarters Marine Corps. The opportunity to serve in various category "B" jobs (MOSs 8000-9599) is also available. Marines entering this OccFld will receive MOS 4000, Basic Data Systems Marine. They will participate in routine data systems functions while training for a designated MOS within the OccFld. Primary MOS's MOS...Job Title...............................Authorized Ranks 4066..Small Computer Systems Specialist...MSgt to Pvt 4067..Programmer, ADA...............MSgt to Pvt 4099..Data Processing Chief.........MGySgt Secondary MOS's (See Note Below) 4068..Data Network Technician.......MGySgt to Sgt 4076..Computer Security Specialist..MGySgt to Cpl Note: A secondary MOS is a "job within a job." It denotes a special skill or training that the Marine holds in addition to the general requirements of his/her Primary MOS. Marine Corps (USMC) Enlisted Job Descriptions http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/marineenjobs/bl40.htm

Steve, I'm surprised your recruiter didn't point you in this direction. A good source of information. http://www.tpub.com Stuart

Thanks guys LOTS of help. My recruiter thinks the internet is nothing more then a place to get free music. Hes a nice guy and is working REALLY hard to get me up and going for boot camp. He just doesn't know much about computers. Thanks again gives me some more information then what the 1 paragraph paper told me.