Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Chance of being deployed, ATC marines

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Expert: - 11/4/2008


Question
Good afternoon,

    I was wondering my chance to get deployed as an ATC marine stationed here in Cherry point. A lot of marines here have been at this station for 2-5 years without ever being deployed while I see other lcpl's, pfc's, and pvt's all comming back from deployment in other MOS's. Is there anything I can do to up my chances of being deployed. It seriously feels to me like my whole military career will be ruined if I don't get a chance to go. Whether it be to iraq or afghanistan its definatly a demotivation having to worry about not being able to go. I joined the corps thinking that since we are a very fierce fighting force it's like a given deployment. Now that I'm here it turns out its very unlikely from what I've heard unless your a SGT and above.


Thank you for taking my question :)

Answer
James:

It's refreshing to get a question from someone who WANTS to deploy, instead of the myriad of the usual "how do I get out of the military, this deployment, etc etc" stuff I usually see.  

Your MOS is so specialized that it's going to be difficult for you to get to deploy.  You can try continually pestering your chain of command, to include putting in AA forms, and even requesting mast, to deploy.  However, if it is general policy that you have to have a certain level of proficiency that, say only a Sergeant would have, you'll just have to work with that.  My next suggestion from there is to be the best Marine you can, and try to fast track your promotion potential, meritorously.  

Best of luck and by all means, keep me updated.

Jason

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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