Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Uniform and Weapons

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Expert: - 2/19/2009


Question
Hello Mr. Jason I have a question about the uniforms and "new weapons" used now in Iraq. First of all, One of my older friend has a so called "MARPAT" uniform, it's dark green and black, which to me looks like you would stick out greatly compared to the US Army's ACU uniform with the lighter colors. Is this the actual colors of the uniforms?

Also I was reading on the SCAR-L/H and the gun book said that the Marines (special forces) use them. But then I read that you still use the Colt m4. which is it?

Last I was wondering about body armor I know alot about this "dragon skin" armor that is better than the interceptor, It took 40 rounds of an AK-47 with the AP rounds and all of them failed to penetrate the vest. The army said it failed but the "rumor" is the army does not want the best armor for their soldiers, they just want to give them bad armor and keep having new fresh soldiers everyday. What armor does the Marines use? I'm sorry to ask all these questions, but so far only the Army has come to my high-school, and I couldn't find the answers anywhere else. I was hoping on joining the army, but I began to look at the Marines, to me they seem to call out more than the army. Thanks for your time Mr. Jason

Answer
Taylor:

 Go and talk to a Marine Corps recruiter.  They'll be able to help answer many of these questions.

 MarPat comes in two different versions, the dark green and the desert. The army only has the one uniform.

 Marines use several varieties of weapon, it depends on the unit and the situation.

 Ignore the nonsense that the military doesn't provide the best stuff it can for it's people.  That's left wing twaddle designed to demoralize future recruits for the most part.  Body armor is body armor, and nothing is perfect.  It's true the dragon skin was rejected but there were more reasons for that than most of us need to know.

 Call a Marine Corps recruiter at their office, and have them come to your school, or even your house, and talk to you.

Good 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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