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

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Expert: - 4/24/2010


Question
Good Day sir,

I'm currently in the process phase of making a life changing decision and I wish for you and your colleagues to put any illusions of mine to rest. Before you do that here is some background about me and the question I wish answered.

I have always felt that my potential has never been fully tapped, life always seems to throw me curve balls and my goals, and focus deviates with the changing hours. I'm of avg build, but below average physical aptitude. Flat feet with the most common hereditary form of color blindness. I wish to be a politician but feel the only way to take on the political world without losing the sense of the people I wish to represent I need to start from the bottom and work up. I have my AA in political science and wish to be a USMC JAG. Is it possible to finish my degree in a timely manner(like 2 years) and then through the marines attend law school in the states and take the bar exam? I read online to get my 4 yr bachelors before doing the PCL or OCS Law but in a way I want my road to be ever more challenging. Also while I'm enlisted I do not need to be enlisted in legal services while I complete my degree correct? So for example I can be a rifleman and work towards completing my poli sci degree online, etc? Something to that nature... I want to experience as much as possible because I believe that will make me a better JAG and civil servant in the end. In a comical comparison I wish to have the moral judgement of Abe Lincoln, and FDR with the ability to kick ass like Bruce Wayne, haha...

Answer
Robert:

  You can attend college while enlisted, that's not an issue.  You don't need to be in legal to get a law degree.    I'd highly suggest you talk to a recruiter, though, since only a recruiter can tell you if the flat feet and color blindness will disqualify you.  (They shouldn't, but sometimes its a matter of degrees on both, and only the doctors at MEPS will be able to say for sure).

 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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