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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Joining the military as an officer
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Question
I am currently a 2nd year student in college and I've been thinking about joining the military for a few months. During and immediately after high school, the idea of serving was the last thing on my mind. But something in me has changed, I want to serve because I want the experience of being in uniform. I want to know what military pride feels like, I see guys in uniform and what to know what it's like. So I've decided to try for a commission when i earn my B.A. The more I think about it the more sense it makes. If i join the military as an officer I can get experience and travel. Are these good reasons to join? How do I know that I'm making the right decision? I've been thinking about joining the Marines as visual information, public affairs or intelligence officer. Can i go into my specialty as soon as I finish the basic school? or are the Marines like the Army in terms of job selection for officers? What is it like being a marine officer?
P.S. Sorry for all the questions, but I'll never know if i don't ask.
Thank You for Your Time
Jason
Jason:
It makes perfect sense to ask questions, keep doing so!
Wanting to travel, see the world, and get experience are all valid reasons to join the military..not a thing wrong with that, believe me.
With the Marines, your choice of jobs will depend on what your class standing is after TBS; then they assign you to where they want you to go. Yes, you can fill out a dream sheet, but there is no assurance you'll get it.
Check out the book I referred you to in my other answer, that will give you alot of good information!
Best regards,
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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