Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Security Forces - Presidential

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Expert: - 8/20/2008


Question
Hello - my son has signed up to join the Marines, going to basic training next July. He says he has signed up for security forces - presidential something-or-other, but when I try to find any information about it on the internet, I come up empty. I visited with the recruiter, but he didn't do a very good job explaning this position to me. Can you tell me what you know about this?

Answer
Meredith:

 It sounds to me like (based on what you've told me) he's going to be working at/near the White House, or Camp David.  Which means he'll basically be assigned to "8th and I" in Washington DC for 2-4 years (depending on his enlistment) and then move on to the Fleet Marine Forces as an Infantryman or to Marine Corps Security Force Company.  This is what is known as a "W" clearance (or Whiskey clearance) from what I recall.

 Not a bad assignment but will be much in the way of guard duty.  Try running a search for "Camp David Marines" and see what you come up with. That should help.

Best of luck!

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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