How does the Marine Corps work?

I'm thinking about enlisting in about a year or so and was wondering how exactly everything works. I know all about the ASVAB and the AFQT and the tests you have to take. However I guess my real question would be what should I do and when should I do it to ensure that I first get into the Marine corps and second get the MOS I want. I have heard that during different parts of the year the Marines are taking more recruits and are offering them different jobs depending on the availability, I'm just wondering if that is true and if so when should I talk to a recruiter about getting 03xx on my contract. Once I get into the Marines and get through boot camp I have heard when you go to SOI you make a sort of "Wish list" for the MOS you want. I want the MOS 0311 so what should I do to get 0311 Rifleman and when should I try to get 0311 i.e. what time of year are the Marines looking for the most infantryman? Anyways how do you think I should go about enlisting and trying for the 0311 Rifleman MOS?