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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Joining the Corp
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Jason,
I've been in the military for almost 10 years. 4 years USN and almost 6 USAF. I'm now thinking about joining the Marines. I'm an E-5. Can you give me any advice as to what I can expect if I do decide to join. What would my boot camp experience be like? Will they start my time in grade over? Woul I be some kind of troop leader in boot camp? Keith.
Keith:
Sorry for the tardiness of my answer; my home computer didn't get the email telling me you had a question. My apologies.
OK, if you do decide to enlist in the Marines, the first thing is, you'll have to go through Recruit training. At the end of that, you'll probably be an E-3. No higher. You may get an automatic promotion to E-4 after 6 months, but it will depend on the "needs of the Corps". You may, or may not, be appointed to a squad leader/platoon guide slot in Recruit Training, but I wouldn't count on that one. Even if you are, those posistions are usually rotated around throughout the training cycle.
If you are still on active duty, BTW, you'll have to wait until you EAS before you can even try and enlist. I would talk to a Marine Recruiter to find out if they will reenlist you into the Corps or not; they are somewhat particular about taking Prior Service folks, it's best to check with the recruiter to make sure.
Good luck!
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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