Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/RE2B...is it good enough to join the USMC?

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Expert: - 4/9/2010


Question
Hello Sir. I am  currently getting separated from the Air Force for arriving late to class. I received an LOC and 2 LORs. My first shirt told me i was getting sparated with an Entry Level Separation (ELS) and said that it wouldnt affect me in any way if i tried to reenlist. Well i've been thinking about joining the USMC and i have spoken with a recruiter about my situation. He said that my eligibilty of reenlisting would depend on what code i get discharged for. i wasnt aware of that so went to talk to my section commander and he said that i would be getting an RE2C. the recruiter had said that i had to get an RE1 in oder to reenlist without a problem so i went back to talk to my SC and he said that the most he could do would be to give me an RE2B. he also stated that noone not even people who fail academically get an RE code of 1. so i was wondering if the codes were different in the AF than in the MC. I honestly do want to join the USMC but im afraid that not getting the right RE code would hinder my chances of joining. Im not sure of what to do at this point...

Answer
Neisa:

 An RE-2B in the Air Force is 'General Discharge', meaning the Marine Corps likely will not take you at this time, as it would require a waiver from HQMC, and they are not granting many waivers these days.  Also, realistically, if you can't make it to class in the Air Force, what makes you believe that the Marine Corps would be different for you?  It would be far more challenging both mentally and physically, and if you were 'late' with the Marine Corps, they'd charge you with "Unauthorized Absence", take pay and rank, then discharge you.   

 The First Shirt is correct about the AF NOT granting RE-1 codes to anyone but regularly, honorably disharged (end of enlistment) Airmen.

 Realistically, you could certainly talk to a Marine Corps recruiter, but at this point, I wouldn't assess your chances as being very good.   You *might* consider the Army National Guard, but I understand even they are turning people away.

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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