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Expert: - 11/30/2006


Question
On Jan. 10, 2005, I was sentenced to 2 yrs. defferred for the crime of criminal mischief. It was a state jail felony, $1,500-$20,000. I was talkin to a recruiter and she told me that I may never get to join the Marines. I really don't believe her. I know that I messed up, but I want to change my life and get in the direction of the right path, plus the discipline I need to become a better person. I know I have what I want, and that is to earn the title and become one of the few, the proud, a Marine. I really want this and I'd like to get help in getting there. Here's my question: my cousin who is in the Marines now, told me that I can get a military waiver so that I may join the Marines. Is this true? I'm at risk of going to prison, something I really don't want. Is there anything that the military can do to prevent that?

-thanks

Pedro  

Answer
Pedro:

 You might be able to get a waiver for the charges, if that is the only thing on your record.  My suggestion is to talk to a recruiter, explain the entire situation, and go from there.   Again, if that is the ONLY thing on your record, you may be ok.   You might also try speaking with either the prosecutor, or your probation officer (if you are on probation), about your desire to enlist, and see if they can have the charges either expunged, or reduced.  You can even try talking to the judge who sentenced you, and again, explain what you are trying to do.  IF this is the only conviction, and it's your first offense, you might stand a decent shot at getting this reduced or even eliminated.

 FYI, if you have other charges, or drug useage that is extensive, you won't be able to join.

Best of 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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