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

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Expert: - 1/30/2007


Question
I've been thinking about joining the marines as an officer. I did some research and came across a program called PLC. The program allows college students to attended a 10 week boot camp, according to several websites, signing up for PLC does not obligate a person to the military. Has anyone done PLC, and decided to not except a commission? What is PLC like? Can I really sign up for PLC without committing to the marines? Can I really attend PLC for a summer and if I don't want to be in the marines, that's it? I've been struggling with the idea of serving for a few months. Even though I never really imagined myself as a marine growing up. The idea of being in uniform is something that I'm getting use  to. Is PLC a good way to "test the waters" before actually making a commitment?  

Answer
Hi! Yes, I would say it's a very good way to test the waters.  If you can locate a copy at your local library, "One Bullet Away" is a somewhat recent example of a book written by someone who went the PLC route.  Worth picking up a copy, several chapters on PLC.

Yes, there are those who choose not to come back, the Marine Corps takes a chance when it does this, most people do return, but there is no obligation to do so.

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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