Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Marine Corps PLC

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/29/2007


Question
I have wanted to join the Marine Corps for some time now but my parents are almost violently agaisnt the idea of me joining the military at all, (Dad was drafted into the army during Vietnam)  I am 19 years old with about 20 college credits and was wondering if i could join the PLC course for the Marine Corps.  My Marine Corps Recruiter told me to enlist in the reserves first and apply for PLC later, is this a good option or is he just trying to meet his numbers?  any info you have is greatly appreciated and thank you for your time

Mike

Answer
Mike:

  Enlisting in the reserves is certainly an option, but if you are already IN college, try for the actual PLC program instead.   Most 4 year schools have officer recruiters located at them, or nearby.  Talk to one of them.  

 Again, yes, the reserves are an option (and will help pay for the rest of college, esp if you are in a local community college or a college that doesn't offer PLC) but if you are in a college that does offer that, then go that route instead.

Jason

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

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.