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

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Expert: - 7/7/2009


Question
Hi,

First of all, I'd like to say thank you so much for this service you are providing. It is greatly appreciated for someone of your position to take the time to answer our questions. My boyfriend is in extreme need of discipline and structure in his life. He has made many mistakes, and even though he is still very young (24), he is desperate for an opportunity to straighten out his life and do something with himself. We live in a lower class neighborhood and do not want to end up a statistic. He did three and a half years in prison for burglary of a habitation and has unsuccessfully been able to find a job. It is definitely his own fault, as no one sent him out to do what he has done but now he is really trying to make something of himself and like I said before, not turn into a statistic. He wants to try to get into the military and wants to know if he has any chance of this happening. Is it worth him making an effort to get a lawyer and trying to get a pardon? Is there other ways for him to go about to get in one of the military branches? I thank you for your time and prompt response. Once again, your assistance is greatly appreciated. Have a great day!

Sincerely,
Melissa

Answer
Melissa:

 Thank you for the kind words.  However, I'm afraid the news I have for you is not good.  With his prison time and conviction for a felony, he is not eligible to enlist into the military without getting a complete expungement of his record.  A pardon, which can only be obtained from the Governor of your state, will likely take years to accomplish, and unless he has been a stellar member of the community since his release, is an unlikely prospect at best.  

 Sorry for the bad news.

Best regards,

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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