Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/French Foreign Legion

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Expert: - 3/11/2008


Question
QUESTION: I don't know if this is your field, but my son that is being discharged from Marines with general discharge for failing drug test and failing to disclose juvenile charges wants me to research parameters of joining French Foreign Legion with this background.  Any ideas?

ANSWER: Nancy:

 A hard way to go, for sure.  The Legion is much stricter these days than in the past, and these disqualifiers may work against him.  Also, there is no way he can enlist while in the United States, he would have to travel to France to do so from what I understand.  

 You might try a search using the term "French Foriegn Legion Enlistment" or "French Foriegn Legion Recruitment" for starters.

 Lastly, HE is the one who should be doing the research, not you.  I have great sympathy for you for what you must be going through, I assure you.  But tell him to get off his rear and do it himself, you've likely had your heart broken once already, no need to get dragged into this any further if you can.  

 Again, you have my heartfelt sympathy.

Warmest Regards,

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I agree with you, but he is still being held in Pendleton and has not access to research nor any concept of when he may get home.  He actually is so hyper he was going to learn French while being held in legal, but you are for sure correct about the broken heart issue.  THanks again

Answer
Nancy:

 Ah, I get it now.  That does make some sense.  The best I can tell you is to do what you can, within the limits of what you are able to.  

Here is some information on the Legion:

http://www.geocities.com/foreignlegionlinks/

Hit this one as well:

http://malaysia.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080225174559AAZqtD7

 The learning French part isn't a bad idea...simply because it will give him something to occupy himself while he waits for the eventual outcome to his case.

 Best regards,

  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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