Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Lateral Move

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/26/2008


Question
I have been in the Marine Corps for 3 years now and I am looking at my re-enlistment options. My MOS right now frankly bores the hell out of me and through a series of puppy love mistakes during my time as a poolee I changed my mind about my career choice. And as a former 0311 I would like to ask you how dumb of a move would it be for me a airwing cpl or sgt at the time to lat move to the 03 field. The Corps more than likely only has another enlistment out of me so this isnt really a career question just if it would sit well with the grunt community having a airwinger sgt jump into their ranks.

Answer
Stephen:

 While it's not an uncommon wish, it will be a difficult road to travel.  As a Cpl or Sgt in the wing, you may or may not be directly supervising junior Marines, but in no case will you typically be telling them to 'take that bunker'.  In the infantry, you will.  Something you need to take a long hard look at.  

 It does happen, but it will be a culture shock for you in many ways, not the least of which is that there will be LCpl's who likely have far more 'trigger time' than you, and those will be the real (rather than the appointed) leaders of your squad and platoon, rather than an AirWing Cpl or Sergeant.  That's just the way that will be until you earn the grunts respect.  

 If you are bored, why not look towards something that is still 'cool' but where you are perhaps on more level playing ground, such as Intelligence, or Counter-Intelligence?  Both are good MOS's and will challenge you.  CI is a 'lat move' only MOS, Intel used to be.  There is also EOD, which is a 'lat move' only MOS.  Look into them as well.

 Good luck!

Jason

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.