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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Can I join the marines reserves while still in high school?

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Expert: - 3/3/2008


Question
Hey Jason. Can I join the marine reserves while still in high school? Heres my situation: I turn 17 this may at the end of my junior year in high school. Is it possible for me to join the marine reserves, while still in high school, and go to boot camp this summer before my senior year of high school? It shouldn't interfere with my school very much since I think the marine reserves work a weekend each month and 2 weeks each year. I can probably get excused from school if necessary. Thank you for your time.

Answer
Josh:

 No, the split option program you are thinking of is only done by the Army and Air Force.  The Marines do not offer this because the training is longer.

 Talk to a recruiter to see what other options are available to you for the Marine Corps.

 You also might want to go to www.leatherneck.com/forums , create a profile and talk to others who are 'wannabee' Marines, Poolees, active duty and retired Marines.   Lots of good information there.

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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