Expert: Jason Grabill - 1/5/2009

Question
Hi! I want to start off by saying this website is phenomenal! It has answered so many questions and concerns. But I am still very nervous. My Fiance just enlisted in the Marines and leaves for boot camp Feb. 9, 2009 (next month). He chose to study Diesel Mechanics. At first I didn't like the idea of him possibly being sent to IRAQ and never coming back to me. But after months and months of him being miserable and him pleeding "it's in my blood!!" I've decided to loosen the rains and give him support to join the Marines. We've also decided to do the "paper wedding" before he leaves for boot camp, save a couples months and come back home for a week to do the official ceremony. I guess my main question and concern thats freaking me out is I dont know what to expect!! He leaves for boot camp, does the 21 days riffle training, then what? We move to his station for his job training for 6 months, then what can I expect after that?

I'm just really freaking out because I have an amazing job here, my friends and family. I'm afraid to leave the familiar for the unknown and UNGUARANTEED!! Whats his probability of him going to IRAQ? And if he does go, where do I go?


Thank you all for all you do!!!!
~Amber

Answer
Amber:

 Realistically, it's his choice to make, and you were right to support it.  While it may be painful to you, if you didn't let him do it, or give him your blessing, in the long term, he would have held it against you, and been miserable.  

 What to expect?  Well, he'll be at recruit training for about 3 months.  After that, he'll have Infantry school (all Marines are basically trained riflemen, no matter what job they have, and that goes for the females as well), then his MOS school.  If his school is only six months, you may not be authorized quarters there (probably not) which means you'll be living out in town 'on the economy'.  It may be difficult to find housing in that situation.  Something to consider.

  After MOS school, he'll be assigned to a Fleet Marine Force unit, and you'll be eligible for base housing.  You'll have to make a choice here, whether to go with him, or to stay at home.  

 Likelihood of an Iraq deployment?  High.  Count on that or Afganistan.  It's what Marines do.  However, Iraq right now is safer than some of the bigger American cities, so going there is just another deployment for someone with his job.  When he deploys, you would either stay in your housing on base, or stay off base, or go back home, that would be your choice.  

 Good luck, it's alot to think about for sure.  You might consider going to www.leatherneck.com/forums, fill out a profile, and check out some of the questions and answers from Marine spouses there.  It's a good site and I'd encourage him to sign up as well.  

 All the best,

   Jason