Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/MOS0311, getting advance training

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Expert: - 6/26/2009


Question
Mr. Grabill;
I am a USMC officer candidate turned poolee opting for infantry.  What are my chances currently of being able get slots in certain Airborne schools or other advanced training once I'm in the Fleet?  I would have opted for Recon, as I am more than physically, mentally, spiritually and intellectually eligible, however my less-then clean record (DUI, negligent driving) makes a 0321 contract MOS unlikely.  Is it easier to obtain advanced training as an officer or enlisted (I hope to get as much training as I can before reapplying to OCS)?  Of the non-coms I've talked to, I have been getting different answers, however my old OSO gunny tells me it is very difficult to obtain this kind of advance training without having a recon MOS.
If you have any questions of me, please do not hesitate. Thank you very much for your time.
Very respectfully,
-Brandon McCarthy

Answer
Brandon:

 Your Gunny is correct.  Airborne slots are rare and slots to Ranger school, rarer yet.  Unless you are in an MOS/Billet that requires that sort of training (0311 usually is not) it's difficult to obtain, either as an Officer or enlisted.  It's always been that way.

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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