Expert: Jason Grabill - 12/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have joined the Marines and I am married and I have a few questions. I signed under security forces which I understand is a special duty under the 03 field Infantry. Will we get Family Separation pay, BAH, BAS, While I am in basic? How much is that pay if she lives in WA if so? I am also curious where is all my MOS training at? Will she be able to accompanie me after basic? Where will I most likely end up after MOS training? I am sorry for the million questions I just don't completely trust recruiters and mine dose not know much about my MOS.

ANSWER: Ryan:

 First, congrats on your decision.

 Family Sep doesn't begin until you've been away for 30 days.  And, quite frankly, I'm not 100 percent sure you get it in Recruit Training.  Ask your recruiter about that one.

 You WILL get BAH in Recruit Training, and everyone now gets BAS.  But, since you are being provided meals by the gov't, that will get deducted, so basically you won't get it while you are in recruit training.  The same thing happens on active duty when you get MRE's, you gotta pay for 'em.  Stupid I know but that's the gov't for you.  

 Check with your recruiter regarding the location you'll draw BAH for.  I'm not sure if it's where you go to Recruit Training or your home of record.  I know what it 'used' to be, but things might have changed.  

  If you live in Wa. state, you'll go to Recruit Training in San Diego, and Infantry school at Pendleton.  Security Forces training the last I recall is in Norfolk.   And, if you didn't select a 'coast', you'll end up whereever the Corps needs you.  Simple as that.  Could be east or west coast (in MOS training you'll likely get to pick one or the other, or 'overseas').

 Lastly, I highly suggest you go to www.leatherneck.com and make a profile, then check out the forums there.  They are the most current and up to date information on the web, with Marines, poolees and DEP'ers as well as retired and former Marines.  There is a search feature and thousands of questions similiar to yours have been asked and answered.  It's a great site and I highly advise going there to check it out.  Best of all it's free!

Good luck!

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jason,

Thank you for your time. I just have 2 more questions if you could help me. How long is Infantry school and will my wife be able to live with me then. Also How long is Security Force training?

Answer
Infantry school is 6 weeks.  You cannot take your wife, and you won't have time to be with her even if you do.  Security Forces school is about as long, and, again, you won't be able to see her.   You'll be busy.

If she wants to come and see you at training during a weekend you have off, then that's workable for you.

It's not against regulations for her to come and stay while you are in training, but there are no quarters available for her to live in at either place, and the gov't won't pay for her to come.

In the long run, it's better to wait until you get to your final duty station and go from there.