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My daughter is a Senior in High School and wants to enlist in the Marines right away in their delayed entry program so she can schedule to leave for boot camp as soon as possible after graduation. Since she is only 17 I would have to sign a parental consent form. When I met with the recruiter he indicated that even if I signed the consent and she enlisted, that if she changed her mind about enlisting in the next few months that she could simply not go to boot camp and the Marines would treat it as though she had never enlisted. Is that true? Although I don't think she will change her mind as this has been her plan for 3-4 years, it is difficult for me as a parent to sign the consent.
Also - she is only 4'10" and weighs about 97 pounds. The recruiter indicated she may have to have a height waiver but since she is very athletic and strong that it shoudn't be problem. Does that sound right?
Thank you for your service. God bless you.
Martye:
Ma'am, thank you! Yes, she might need a height waiver, but she should be fine. My wife was about her height and weight when she went through Recruit Training in 1986 and she did just fine.
What the recruiter said is true about her enlistment.
And, while I realize that this is difficult, if this has been her dream, I assure you that you will never be as proud of her as when she becomes a Marine! Semper Fi, Mom.
Good luck to both of you, and all the best. (BTW, I went through Recruit Training at 17, and my parents had to sign for me as well..they felt the same way you do :) ).
Jason
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Answers by Expert:
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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