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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/enlistment DEP
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Question
My son is 17 and will be traveling to the MEPs location for the second time tomorrow to be sworn in under the DEP and supposedly select his "job" base don his ASVAB/MOS and availability. He still has his senior year of high school to finish and will graduate in May of 2011. My fear is that he will be pushed into signing an "open" contract because he is naive and believes those at MEPs/recruiter are looking out for his best interest. From what I have read on many forums, this does not seem to be the case. Do you have any suggestions for him before he signs on the proverbial dotted line?
Kim:
My apologies for the delay....I was away for the weekend.
It's highly unlikely that he would be given an "open contract", unless he has very low ASVAB scores. The Marine Corps is only assigning those for the most part to those who cannot, or do not, qualify for other jobs. It's easier for them to fill 'slots' earlier rather than 'later', and makes for a more satisfied Marine in the long run. Our local RS where I live isn't even entertaining the ideas of 'open contract's' unless the poolee has a GED...and they enlist very, very few of those these days.
Please let me know what he chose and the outcome. Again, I apologize for the delay.
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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