Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Rather large traffic history..

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Expert: - 1/5/2010


Question
I am trying to join to Corps, yet unfortunately my record is a little "tarnished" if you will. I have 11 traffic tickets (nothing alcohol or drug related) and I was accused of a felony but was charged with a misdemeanor. My recruiting SSgt informed me that there would be waivers needed for each infraction, and upon talking to his CO I was informed that my chances of getting in were unlikely, at this time. Is this 100% correct? Or are there things that both my recruiter/myself can do? Are there waivers that may be completed? Would getting written letters of recommendation from members of my community and local government help? Or is there nothing I can do; where I must play the hurry up and wait game until troops are desperately needed and the Corps will turn its back to my prior history?

Thank you for your time,
Adam

Answer
Adam:

 They are correct.  With the bad economy, there are, quite frankly, more qualified recruits with less 'issues' that are likely to get rejected than yourself.  So, yes, you'll have to play the 'hurry up and wait' game as you stated.  AND keep your record clean until then.  Even in the worst of recruiting times, your record might very well have kept you out.  

 Check with the Army or one of the other branches if you still want to serve.  They may be able to help.

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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