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 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.
