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

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Expert: - 9/3/2009


Question
My boyfriend is seriously considering the Marines. If you ask me, there is no doubt in my mind that he will join. He wants to join through OCS, since he will get his degree December 2010. He will be done with all of his course work in May 2009, but will have to complete his student teaching next fall.

Would it be possible for him to enroll in the OCS session for May of 2009, graduate from that, finish his student teaching in the fall, and then go to TBS? I read something about a delayed enlistment program, but I wasn't sure if that could be applied to OCS.

Also, if he decides to go though OCS in May of 2009, what is the absolute latest he should start his paperwork for that? He plays basketball at his school and doesn't want the recruiter contacting him all throughout the season. Would March be too late to start the paperwork?

Also, do you have any other tips for his situation? This is a very big decision and anything you could tell us that might be helpful would be very appreciated.

Tiffany

Answer
Tiffany:

 At this point, he should be talking to an officer recruiter to get the scoop.  Delayed enlistments are only for enlisted Marines although his actual 'active duty' time wouldn't begin until TBS.  

 I'm afraid there isn't alot of information I can give you at this point, since it seems that you have done your research.  I'm confused about May of 09, tho, I assume you mean May of '10.  He needs to get in touch with the officer recruiter ASAP so he can get the process started, that's the way to go.  March, in my opinion, would be waaaay too late.  He needs to start the process now, as it takes some time to do.  The OSO (officer recruiter) won't 'contact him' all through the season, but quite frankly if he's more worried about basketball......well, you get the idea.

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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