Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/enlisting with a college degree

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Expert: - 4/23/2008


Question
I am currently a junior in college and have been thinking about joining the military after I graduate. I haven't really chosen for sure which branch I am thinking about (though I am leaning towards Army). However, the Marines have always remained on the table... If one enlists in the Army with a Bachelor's degree, he will go in as an E-3 right off the bat, and I heard that in the Air Force it just depends on how many college credits you have accumulated and your GPA.  My question is does the Marine Corps have a similar program where if you enlist with a Bachelors degree you will come out of Basic at an elevated rank?  Thanks so much for your time.

Chris

Answer
Chris:

 Why go enlisted if you already have a degree, why not go officer?  

Talk to a recruiter from all the services to see which one is best for you, then make your choice from there.  

 As far as I can recall, yes, you would graduate Recruit Training with LCpl (E-3) rank if you go enlisted in the Marines.  But, a recruiter can give you the most up to date information.

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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