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

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Expert: - 11/29/2007


Question
Hi,

I have a question regarding the MECEP program. Do you know anything about this program and how one would go about applying for it? I have been enlisted in the Corps for three years now, and I am currently a Corporal. I have an interest in making this a career, but I would like to do so as an officer instead. My main question is, do you have to already have a bachelor's degree? I know that a couple years back I knew a Marine who did not yet have a degree, but was discharged from active duty and put on reserve duty. In the meantime, she had to enroll in a college with a JROTC program, and participate in that while working towards her degree. She had to sign a contract stating that upon graduation she would agree to be commissioned back into the Marine Corps. I am afraid that if you have to have the degree prior to applying for MECEP it will take me a very long time because I am in a highly deployable MOS that doesn't leave much time for school. Please let me know what my options are if you have any expertise in this subject. Thanks in advance!

Answer
Ashley:

  I'd first suggest talking to your career planner and see what options are open for you.  You can also check the HQMC website and Marine online for information as well.  MECEP, I believe, has a requirement that you be under age 21 when you apply, but I'm not 100 percent sure on that one.  Yes, there are programs where the Corps will pay for your college, and you come back in as an officer.  These are used quite a bit.   Again, your career planner will have the most up to date information on this.  It sounds like this would be the best option for you based on your MOS and deployability issues.

 If the CP isn't any help, check with your 1stSgt, or a trusted officer;  likely they know of some prior enlisted who went this route and became officers themselves.  They would be your best source of information.

Semper Fi and good luck!

Jason

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

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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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