Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/volunteer physician opportunities for USMC

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/5/2010


Question
I am a physically fit 55 year old infectious diseases physician with 24 years of broad clinical experience.  As an uncle of a recently commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps, I had the privilege of attending the ceremony in Quantico a few months ago and was overwhelmed by the altruism of the new officers and families. I would like to explore the possibility of volunteering my time, on weekends or for several weeks each year, in providing medical care to Marines. I feel a strong moral obligation to give something back to the young men and women who are defending us. Would be grateful for any concrete guidance.

Answer
Sir:

  Alas, there are no opportunities to volunteer in this capacity.   However, the good news is, the military as a whole is ALWAYS looking for medical professionals, and many times, age is not a factor.   I would suggest you contact a navy officer recruiter for your area (you'll likely need to go to a regular recruiting station and they'll get you started) and explain what you are interested in doing.   I believe opportunities might exist for you to do what you seek, in a reserve capacity.   The recruiter will be able to get you started.

 (FYI, the Marines use the Navy for medical and religious services, they do not have their own, so the Navy is your best route if you want to serve with the Marines).


Best regards...and good luck!

Jason

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.