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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/My son wants to join the Coast Guard as an Officer

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Expert: - 12/8/2008


Question
Dear Mr Grabill: My son is currently a jr in HS. He is an LE3 in the MCJROTC program. Next year they are expecting him to be the CO. His goals are to enter the Coast Guard as an Officer either via as a pilot or on the ship. But going through the Academy, thus far, has been less than positive in getting there. We have already spoken with the regular Recruiters. He has groomed his life for the past three years to get there. What is the proper road to take? With today's economy, the Academy is our only option for school. And I don't want to break his heart.

Answer
Tina:

 I'm not sure exactly what you are asking me here, ma'am. It sounds like he is laying the groundwork for an appointment to the CG academy.  And, it sounds like he's doing a fine job thus far.  Academy appointments are designed to be difficult, with many hurdles to jump before you get there.  Regular recruiters won't be much help to you in this area, because it's really not their area of expertise.  Academy admissions are handled through the academies themselves.  

 Now is the time, though, to start making contacts with those who make the appointments, which is your local congressmen.  Start getting letters of recommendation from local officials, including the clergy.  Look for areas that might need improvement, such as community civic activities and whatnot.  

 All those things will help when the time comes.  

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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