Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Life as 2nd Lt.

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Expert: - 7/10/2006


Question
Jason,
My son is a firstie at USNA. He is in Quantico, at Leatherneck camp, as I write this.  His desire is to become a Marine officer and try to get MOS of Combat Engineer. (He's a system's engineering major)

As a parent of a future Marine, I'm wondering what life will be like for a 2nd Lt.  What can he/we expect over the next couple of years?  What possible jobs & deployment would he look at as a combat engineer?

Thanks.
Rob Minor

Answer
Rob:

 Combat Engineer 2nd Lt's typically lead a platoon of Marines, many not much younger than him (18-23) in the fine art of blowing things up, and putting them back together again.  (Seriously.. :) )  He will be deployed quite a bit once he gets to the Fleet Marine Forces...and, in my opinion, that's a good thing.  He'll get to do what he's been trained to do.  He could go out with a MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit) aboard ship, or, go directly to a "theatre", be it Iraq, Afganistan, or some other place.  As an Engineering officer, if that is what he gets, his unit will be in demand not only to blow things up, but to build things;  bridges, houses, roads, etc.  

 Hopefully, that gives you some small insight into what he'll be doing.  I can pretty much say you won't see too much of him during that first year or two;  his command will keep him well on the go, even when he's 'stateside'.  Plus, he'll have his Platoon of Marines to look after, and his Platoon Sergeant (usually a wise 'old' Staff Sergeant or Gunnery Sergeant of 28-32..) will want to train him as well.

 The best advice I can personally give to you, and to him, is to listen carefully to his senior Sergeants.  They have 'been there done that', and many times will keep him out of trouble.  Conversely, when the platoon does well...it's "The Marines did it".  When the platoon screws up "I did it".  If he takes that philosophy to heart..his Marines will literally die for him.  No man can ask for more.  The privledge of leading Marines is one of the finest things he will ever do in life, I assure you.  Neither you, nor he, will forget it.

And, lastly, Welcome to the Marine Corps family Mr Minor.  We are truly a "Band of Brothers".  Enjoy the experience.

Please don't hesistate to write further if I can be of any assistance to either you, or your son.

Semper Fi.

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.

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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