Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Son Wants To Serve

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Expert: - 2/2/2006


Question
Jason,

I'll preface this by saying my 17 year old son graduates this year and is desperate to serve.  He tried the Army - made a 95 on the ASVAB, passed all physical aspects until the eyesight.  He has a refractive error of -11, but corrects to 20/20.  The Army waiver was denied two times. LASIK is not an option at this point because of his age.  His eyes have stabilized though.

He wants to be in infantry and thinks maybe he should pursue the Marines.  I know the standard answer for waivers in ANY of the forces is not to expect one.

I just want to know if you have experience or know of someone I could contact before my son goes back through MEPS for the Marines only to be shot down.  He's so determined and I admire him for his fortitude.

Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

Jamie

Answer
Hi Ma'am:

  First, let me congratulate both you, and your son.  Both on his yearning to serve his country, and on your willingness to help him serve our country.  

  I would check with the Marines (being a former Marine, I'd say he should have done that first...  :)  ) and let the recruiter know up front what the problems were.  That way, the Recruiter can start the ball rolling, if there are waivers to be taken care of, and things like that. Some services are different, and more picky about things, than others.  When I enlisted, my eyesight was horrible, but the Marines didn't care because it was correctable.  

 Again, talk directly to the Recruiter, he'll be your best answer up front, instead of going through a middleman or third party, who may, or may not, be up on the current requirements.

 Thanks to both of you for your willingness to serve our country.  Please don't hesitate to write back if you need more information.

Best Regards,

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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