Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/grades and stuff

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Expert: - 10/22/2007


Question
QUESTION:   I am only 15 but i am looking ahead into my future. I have always wanted to become a officer in the marines. but i don't know how good of grades i need to get into the marines. i have a 90 average.Also i was wondering for one of my friends sakes can you get into the marines with a ged. thank you very much.

ANSWER: JD:

  Your grades sound fine to me.  You'll have to go to college to be an officer, though.   It requires a 4 year degree.

 The Marines typically don't take very many folks with GED's, he'll have to score very high on the ASVAB test to get in with one.  

Jason

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QUESTION: what kind of college do i need to go to? I am very interested in this please give me your own personal opinion ? How good of grades do you need in math and what math classes do i need to take to get in?

ANSWER: JD:

 Try for a college that offers some type of OCS/ROTC program.  These can be easily located by searching on line, some even offer scholarships.

 I would say a good "B" average would suffice, but the higher the grades the better your chances overall.  College level math and science courses will be optimal.  Talk with your guidance/career counselor about these.   College information I know very little about, but they will be able to give you a better and more concise answer.

Jason

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QUESTION: thank you very much. what would happen if i didn't go to college? Could i still make it to a sergeant in the marines? Also do you have to be an officer to carry the berreta 9mm for a side arm weapon?

Answer
JD:

  Making Sergeant is totally up to how much you apply yourself.  It's not a 'automatic' process by any means.  You don't have to go to college to enlist.   Carrying a sidearm is mostly dependant on which job you have.  Most guys prefer to carry a rifle, though.

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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