You are here:
Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Choices for my son
Advertisement
Question
My son has been so strong headed about joining the Marines, however I have suggested that he talk with and check out other branches of the service and compare. He is very immature in a lot of his actions and behavior I fear for his decision ability in a live action situation on the ground verses maybe a ship. If he goes into boot camp as a Marine and doesn't graduate what are his options??? He has ADD will this affect his ability to enlist??
Chris:
First, he really should talk to a recruiter, but he will not be able to enlist with active ADD if he is on medication or has a medical diagnosis for it. In any service. If he were to enlist and not make it through recruit training, it would be a "training discharge" for "Failure to adapt" to military life, more than likely. While it's not the best kind of discharge, it's not a bar to federal employment or most other jobs. (These types are almost always 'under honorable conditions').
Comparing other branches is a good thing to start with, but, again, if he has ADD, it will be difficult for him to enlist in any branch of the military.
Jason
Related Articles
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.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.