Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Becoming a parachuitist

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Expert: - 8/13/2006


Question
Im planning to get into the marines and into a unit that works with parachuit jumps.  I tried to do research on Mos 9962 and another field but keept comming across acronims that i cant find info on.  In words a civilian could understand what would be the course of action and requirements i would need to be a parachuitist?

Also, I'm in college right now about to graduate with a criminal justice degree.  I know having a college degree gives you a chance for chance for officer school and a higher starting rank but If i plan on not becoming an MP will the fact that i have a BS degree still play a role is anything?  

Answer
Brian:

 First, apologies, I didn't get your email until today, that I had a question.  Home computer acting goofy.

 9962 is the USMC designator for 'parachute qualified Marine'.  That's why you can't find anything.

 There are very few MOS"s in the Marines that are para qual'd;  Rigger (guys who fix and pack parachutes), Air Delivery specialist, and Recon Marine.

 As far as the degree goes, you'll need to speak with an officer recruiter to get more information.  A regular USMC recruiter will be able to direct you to the nearest officer level recruiter.

Good luck, and again, sorry for the delay in responding..
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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