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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/combat patch
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Question
I am currently in the national gaurd. I served with the Marine Corps during Op. Desert Storm stationed in Bahrain. My current gaurd unit has a Red Bull patch for going to Afghanistan. I would like to show that I was over there too. I have seen at least 4 different marine patches on the Guard uniform.
Mike:
First, believe it or not, prior Marines aren't authorized, by army regs, to wear USMC shoulder sleeve insignia. Stupid rule, but true. However, if you choose to violate the regs (lots of former Marines do with little being said), you'll have to find out if the unit you were with would have rated a combat patch to begin with. Using the same criteria as an army unit stationed in Bahrain at the same time period, you may, or may not, be eligble. If you rate a Combat Action Ribbon, you are eligible for the Combat patch with no problem. You will have to use one of the Divisional level patches (1st/2nd etc) if you are going to wear one.
Also, if you choose to do so, know that you are violating Army uniform regs (dumb a rule as that is) and may be ordered to remove the patch.
My advice is to find out if any army units stationed in Bahrain during the same time period, rate to wear a combat patch. If they do, then you can probably wear a Marine Combat patch with little trouble. If they don't, then you don't, because you wouldn't rate to wear one if you had been in the army during the same time period.
Hopefully, that makes sense.
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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