Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/From Army reserves to Marine Corps

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Expert: - 6/15/2007


Question
QUESTION: I"m a former Marine who is in the Active Army Reserve now, but I'd like to know how I can switch to Active duty Marines..it would be really appreciate it if you can provide me with any help on this one, thanks very much, Cpl. Saenz

ANSWER: Cpl Saenz:

  As long as you are not on active duty with the reserves, the switch should be easy.  Talk to a USMC recruiter who will get the process started for you.  Be forewarned, it may take some time to do this (6 months seems to be about right from what I hear) but keep after them.   It may take less time than that.  

Best of luck, and Semper Fi!

  Sgt G

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, I"m actually in the Army reserves active, so I guess that would make it harder. I've heard about a waiver about it.

Answer
Cpl S:
 
  I should have made that clearer;  if you have been 'activated' and are on active duty right now, yes, it will be almost impossible to change until you get off that active duty period.  If you are simply in the reserves and doing drill, then the switch over won't be that difficult, just talk to a regular USMC recruiter.

v/r
Sgt G

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

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Jason Grabill

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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.

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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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