Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/in writing

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/3/2007


Question
QUESTION: Hi, i am a poolie right now and ship for boot camp in july. i am an admin marine. can they change my MOS to infantry and send me to a combat zone and breach the contract? and also are there stop losses in effect right now?

ANSWER: Greg:

 That's not something they normally do, but it CAN be done based on the "Needs of the Marine Corps".  Also, I have bad news for you...EVERYONE is going to the combat zone in the Marines these days.  If that isn't what you want to do, then find another service, because that is where you are going, one way or the other.

 It's only a 'breach' of contract if they guarantee you Admin as an MOS, in writing.  

 There are no stop losses in effect at present.  If you are a poolee, stop loss is the last thing you should be concerned about.  Worry about getting through recruit training and MOS school first.

 Marines are a combat/expeditionary force.  That's what they do.  

Jason

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: sir, the navy has told me no. i am re-evaluating what the corps does and deciding whether i am staying in or not. but if my recruiter signs and puts things in writing is the marine corps obligated to it? or is my recruiter too low on the food chain to have any say in the matter. stuff like gaurantees and things.

Answer
If it is in writing, on your contract, then it will happen.  It has to be a guaranteed MOS school, though.  Anything else won't work.

I'd also advise going to www.leatherneck.com/forums and speaking with the active duty Marines and recruiters, as well as poolees, there.  They can give you some outstanding insight and the information will be something worthwhile you can use.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.