Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/OCC and NCS

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Expert: - 7/31/2007


Question
Dear Sir,

I was told by a retired USMC LtCol that it is harder to attend OCC or PLC once you reach the age of 24 and beyond because of age waivers. This was not my understanding--Is this true?

I have a friend leaving in Sept for San Diego with a 4 year, but I plan to finish my degree and pursue a commission. My friend had not heard of the National Call to Service program. I understand they have an NCS option for both enlisted and commissioned that requires 15 months AD after training, and a two year option either on AD or in the SMCR. What is your opinion of this program? Are NCS Marines treated different within the Corps in regards to promotion, etc? Just weighing all the options.

Thank you for your time, sir.

Brandon

Answer
Brandon:

  I haven't heard of that program, either.   I'd suggest talking to a recruiter to get the full scoop.  I can tell you that no matter the program, Marines are all trained the same, same recruit training, SOI, etc.

 Talk to a recruiter for more information though.  They'll know what direction to point you in.

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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