AboutJason 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).
Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984
Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyist
Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable)
Publications I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.
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...
Question Jason,
I have a son-in-law that is in boot camp in San Diego, we have learned that he made Squad Leader and is now a Guide.
Could you help me explain what is taking place here for my daughter?
Answer Mike:
Congrats on both jobs for your son in law! Squad leader is a position given to recruits who exhibit, or could exhibit, leadership skills that the drill instructors want to see them have. There are usually 4 squad leaders in each platoon, each platoon consisting of 60-70 recruits. Platoon Guide is a step higher, there is only ONE Guide per platoon, and that Recruit carries the platoon flag (known as a Guidon, it's on a pole) and is also considered the 'senior' recruit in the platoon, as such, he is responsible (Just as a Platoon Sergeant would be) for whereabouts, health, general welfare, and conduct of the platoon at all times. It's considered a very, very, prestigious position and one that is not given out lightly to just anyone. If he can keep the job (it does get rotated around depending on the whims of the DI's) he would stand a good chance at getting a meritorous promotion upon graduation. That's more money as well as rank.
