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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Transfer from Navy Reserves to Marine Reserves Possible

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Expert: - 10/24/2008


Question
Hi Jason,
I am a Navy reserve officer, intelligence background, with 20 yr. reserve service.  I spent a year in Iraq supporting the Army.  It seems that the Navy has taken a 'what have you done for me lately' attitude towards me. In fact, when I returned from Iraq and was awarded the bronze star, my command wouldn't even pay for the medal in order to present it to me.
I'd like to know if you know of any cases of senior officers transferring with as much time in service as I have.  I still want to serve and would go back to Iraq or AFG if I could, but the Navy doesn't care to send me.  I am currently IRR out of frustration.

Thx,
Ann

Answer
Ann:

 You might look into the 'blue to gold' program that the army offers, that would be one way to go about this.

 I would talk to a Marine recruiter.  Since the reserves work differently than the active side, you might be able to pull it off.  The biggest thing will be completing officer training, which you'll have to re-do.   That might be a stumbling block.

 You might also check with the Air Force.

Jason

Keep me updated on your progress, I'd be curious to see if they will let you do it.  I'd go for the more likely chance that the army/air force will go for it, tho.

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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