Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Questions about OCS

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Expert: - 3/23/2008


Question
Hi,
I'm morally and physically ready to apply for OCS. The only thing that is
holding me up is that I have to wait 2 more years to apply for a citizenship. By
then I'll be around 30 or 31, depending on how long the process takes. My
question is will I be disqualified because of my age?
Also, I have a Bachelor's degree of statistics from The University of Hong
Kong. It is a british university and it is accredited. However, due to limited
funding, we had to finish our education in 3 years. I had a total of 180 credits
which is more than what is required to get a Bachelor's degree in any
universities here in the US. My question is, will I be disqualified because I
obtained my Bachelor's degree in a 3-year period instead of 4?
I'd appreciate it if you could get back with me. It means a lot to me to be able
to be a leader of Marines.

Answer
Helen:

 It will depend on if your BA degree is from an accredited university, on if the Marines will accept it as use-able for commissioning.  I think all that matters is the degree and/or number of credits, but I'm not sure.

 I would suggest talking to a Marine Corps Officer recruiter who can give you exact answers to these questions.  

 As far as age goes, yes, that would normally be a DQ.  I would get in contact with an officer recruiter as soon as possible.  One possible option you might consider, if you are eligible to work in the United States, you can enlist in the Marines now.  If you do that, then your active service time will be deducted from your age.   A recruiter can explain that better than I can, but that's basically how it works.

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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