Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Badges and insignia

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Expert: - 11/30/2007


Question
Jason, I am here in Iraq and just talked to former Marines.  I am in the Army National guard now and I served for 13 years in the MC infantry. (active duty).  I have a CAR X2 from the MC.  I was being told that it would transfer to the Army as a CIB/CAB.  Is that true?  I read about the patches from you.  That does suck!!  Just serving my time till retirement.  Any help would be a great help.
Semper Fidelis and Once a Marine......ALWAYS A MARINE!
Randy

Answer
Randy:

  Yeah, the army is jacked up, no doubt.  And, quite frankly, if you earned one of those SSI, I'd for sure wear em and the army can kiss it1  :)  It's a Marine thing...what can I say....

 As far as your CAR converting, yes, it WILL convert, but (there is ALWAYS a but in the army) it's going to depend on several factors.   The first of which is what MOS you had when you got your CAR.  If it was anything other than 0300, then it will convert to a CAB.  If you were an 0300, then you can convert it to a CIB.  That's the basic rule.  Now, here is the 'rub' so to speak.  IF you convert it, you CANT wear the CAR you earned.  The army says you can't have both.

So, it's sort of up to you.   I'd probably convert it, since you'll likely be wearing ACU's far more than your (whatever the army is calling dress greens).  

As a buddy of mine, (retired Force Recon) said, "The money comes from the same pocket, it's just a different suit you wear to work every day..."

Stay low, and keep the faith, bro.  Semper Fi!

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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