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Expert: MARK A. HOWELL - 7/22/2009


Question
I've read the marines have exceeded their quota to 117% and have stopped accepting recruits. I want to join in september. My recruiter said this was not a problem but that does not make sense to me. Could you please tell me more about this specifically? Have they stopped accepting recruits altogether? I'm 22, received my diploma but have no college education. If that's what their looking for?
Thanks very much for you knowledge and time.  

Answer
Rochelle,
A lot of major corporations have a "fiscal year" which they operate by.  The military is no different.  Their fiscal year begins on  October 1st.  So the quota for 2010 recruits will be released to the recruiters on October 1st, telling them how many new recruits they can accept for 2010.  In September your recruiter will prepare your paperwork so you will be first in line when the new quota comes out.  Be aware though, just because you actually join on October 1st, you may not actually report to basic training for several months.  They have to clear out that backlog of the extra 17% they accepted from 2009 before they can send you.

The reason they are allowed to exceed 100% is that next year they may only make, say 85%, of their goal so the little bit extra from the previous year helps even it out.

It sounds a bit confusing, but believe me it works out in your favor.
Colonel H

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

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MARK A. HOWELL

Expertise

All military questions, any Service. 30 years experience & two Ph.D.'s. 4 times Base Commander. Worked with Army, Navy, USMC, USCG and several foreign military units. Veteran of Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, and 10 civil wars in Africa.

Experience

Air Force Colonel with 30 years experience. Air Force Base Commander 4 times. Highly decorated.

Organizations
Org of Am Historians, Wild West History Assoc., Disabled American Veterans - Life Member, Am Motorcyclist Assoc. - Life Member, North Am Hunt Club - Life Member, NWTF - Life Member

Publications
Numerous book reviews published in the Journal of American History. Two books submitted for publication.

Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in military history, Columbus University (Summa Cum Laude) Ph.D. in history, Northfield University, London, England (Summa Cum Laude) Master of Arts degree in history, Marshall University, WV Bachelors degree, double-major in history and mathematics, Salem College, WV Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL Squadron Officer School, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL

Awards and Honors
Legion of Merit Defense MSM MSM x 5 Joint Commendation Mdl AF Commendation Medal Army Commendation Mdl Joint Achievement Mdl AF Achievement Medal Outstanding Volunteer Mdl

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