Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Whether to choose Active or Reserve?

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Expert: - 6/11/2007


Question
I'm returning to MEPS this month, and I'm thinking about changing my status from Reserve to Active. I am a married woman with a child, and I'm not to sure which one would be the best route. One of my main concern is tuition assistance for college, and I recently read that there was no assistance for reservists...but my recruiter said if I enlist 8 yrs, I am eligible for the GI Bill. And I was wondering if reservists receive any other pay and/or allowances besides drill pay? And if there are medical/dental benefits in reserve? And if not what is the point of the reserve?

Answer
Hi Fawn:

  Active is probably the best way for you to go if you want the GI bill benefits as well as the other bennies that go with being on AD.  Reserves are good if you want to work a full time job and stay at home, while getting 'some' benefits.  Also, some  of the National Guard outfits will give you fantastic benefits as compared to even active duty.  Some states give fully funded tuition to their guardsmen.  Something to consider.

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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