Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Qualifications for Marines

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Expert: - 1/30/2009


Question
Hi,
I have a few questions, and, any help or advice would be highly appreciated.

First I was wondering if I would qualify to be a marine with 1 misdemeanor offense, being a Minor in Possession of alcohol. I am off probation and went through probation perfect with no violations.

Secondly will a GED be okay? I received it in June of 08, and did not have to make up any test, passed all of them.

Last, I was wondering if you had to have previous military background to qualify, example being, having to be in the Navy before qualifying for the SEALS. Im not even positive if you have to be in the navy first before qualifying to be a SEAL, but, it makes since.

I want to be a Marine, and will do whatever it takes to be one. I messed up when I was 17 and got 1 MIP that was dropped and 1 MIP that is on my record. I am now 19 and in college, have not been in any trouble yet, and mentally stronger than I have ever been, and in great physical condition.

Thanks for your time, and again I appreciate any help you can give me and advice is highly appreciated.

Answer
Micheal:


 You really need to talk to a recruiter, who can give you all the options and answer every one of your questions.  

 However, I'll help the process along so you know some answers and issues....

 The MIP isn't a big deal and it's waiverable.

 The GED is going to cause you problems.  The Marine Corps only accepts a few people with GED's each year.  They are considered a 'low catagory' enlistment that requires several waivers and approvals before enlistment, and you may be required to obtain college credits before they will take you.  Talk to a recruiter ASAP as there are only so many slots per month nationally that the Marine Corps takes.

 No you don't need prior service.

You may want to go to www.leatherneck.com/forums ; fill out a profile, and surf the poolee section of the site.  There is also a search feature.  Good place to network and talk to other poolees, Marines, and friends of Marines.

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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