Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Changing Status

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Expert: - 4/14/2008


Question
QUESTION: My son will be coming home at the end of this week from 29 Palms CA and he wants to change his status from Reserves to Active Duty so how should he go about this? He did look into going active when he got to CA but was told he would have to go through his MOS training first then when he was done with that and gets to his unit which is in Allentown, Pa thats where he would let who ever know about going active. Is this true? He is so proud to be a Marine and it took him a long time to get in and as his mother I am so proud of him also. Hope you will be able to answer my question.
Thank you

ANSWER: Missy:

 Yes, the information he got is correct.  Once he checks in to his unit, he should talk to the career planner, who can help him switch from reserve to active duty.  Good luck!

Jason

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

QUESTION: Thank you. I have one more question could you tell me how long it will take for my son to change from reserve to active duty? He was told by another Marine it could take up to 2 to 3 years.

Answer
Missy:

 No, it shouldn't take nearly that long.  I'm thinkin six months at the longest.  The sooner he talks to his command, starting with the career planner, the quicker it will go.  They will point him in the right direction.  If that doesn't work, the Company 1stSgt is the next person to talk to.

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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