Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Dependent Status

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Expert: - 4/13/2009


Question
I am a sgt with the US Army. My friend Nicole has a child with a guy, Tommy, who is trying to join the Marine Corps. The guy is basically worthless when it comes to taking care of the child. The state basically forces him to pay child support by taking the money out of his paycheck but even then it's not much (the last one was $8) Nicole is asking me questions about why Tommy needs to declare their child as his dependent and why it would make a difference. She doesn't want to give him the child's information because she believes that he will use it fraudulently or get a credit card in her name, something like that. I'm single and have no dependents and I'm in the army, so I really am not an expert on the situation. If you could direct me to a website that has more information (i couldn't find any relating to this specific kind of case) or any advice would be useful. Thanks.

Answer
Chuck:

 Actually, this is a good thing, as long as this guy get's in.  The Marine Corps (or the military in general) will FORCE him to pay child support, and deduct it from his pay (it'll be more than 8 bucks, believe me) for his entire enlistment.  Furthermore, the child will be eligible for free medical and dental care under tricare, as his dependant.   While this guy could certainly turn tail and use the information in a bad way, she could ask to speak with his recruiter and give the information directly to him, IF the enlistment goes through.  

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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