Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Leaving

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Expert: - 12/9/2003


Question
I'm not sure if you'll be able to answer this question, but perhaps you'll know the answer due to your relationships with other military personnel, if not from your own experience.

What I'd like to know is the process for leaving the military after being overseas. Let's say, you were overseas in a branch of the military and your time was up and you were going home and were going to carry on with a normal, citizen-ish domestic life. You're parting from the military. What processes would take place to make this happen once you got back on US soil?

Answer
Luke:

  I'm not quite sure what you are looking for on this one, but I'll try my best.

  There is an 'out process' that happens with everyone in the military, no matter the location they are at.  This process usually takes months to complete;  physicals, briefings, all sorts of things.  What most people do is take what is called "Terminal Leave", which is leave you haven't used yet, that is built up.  They use that time to go back home and get situated, while still drawing full pay and benefits from the military.

 The military will send you, and your household goods, and your family, back to your last address (usually where you enlisted at, or your home of record is) free of charge.  No matter where you are.

 Basically, that is about it.  I always counseled my Marines when they were getting out, to ensure they at least had some sort of job waiting on them 'back home', and do some prior planning.  The military puts on lots of job fairs throughout the year, for people getting out.  Anyone can go.

 Don't know if that is the answer you were looking for or not.  Email back if you need more info.

Semper Fidelis,

Sgt G

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

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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.

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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.

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United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

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I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

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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.

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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...

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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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