Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Recruiting questions

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Expert: - 12/11/2008


Question
I have been trying to get into the Marine Corps for a while now.  When it had all started I originally was going to go Air Force but did not like the recruiters.  I went to the Marines because it is what I originally wanted.  The marines set up my packet and we completed the waivers I had needed to get in.  Went to MEPS and apparently the paperwork got messed up so I came back.  I have scored a 69 on the asvab and completed all of my physical and mental testing fine.  No problems there, my problem is that when I was 16 I pretty much became guilty by association of some crimes that were committed.  The judge I guess was not being leiniant towards me that day and he gave me 2 felony charges.  I am now 23 years old and have not been in trouble by the law since.  I have attended some college and have a good job to were I do not need to get into the military but it is something that my wife and I have wanted to experience for a long time now.  I have been given the run around quite alot and even promised that if I got 15 college credits then the CO would complete the waiver for me so that I could be shipped off to Paris island.  When I walked into the recruiting station with my sealed transcripts the CO took me in the back room of the recruiting office and told me "Sorry son but, We fucked you".  I gave up for a while but it is a dream that I do have and I would rather not give up on it.  My main question for you is.. How would someone who is smart, healthy, passionate about becoming a marine, but who made a stupid decision with friend selection 7 years ago get into the Marines?  Is there ANYTHING I can do to make this dream come true?  If you can help me out or chat with me more about my situation I would highly appreciate that.  If not please help me find someone who can.  Thank you.

Skyler Higgins.

Answer
Skyler:

 Not sure what the real deal is here, unless those charges were pretty serious.  It sounds like this was done as a juvenile which in many cases (not all and perhaps not yours) are waiverable.  Some felonies are not.

 I'd suggest trying to get your records expunged and try again.  Other than that at this point, it sounds as if you will be unable to enlist.

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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