Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/hi im just wondering about...

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Expert: - 2/21/2005


Question
hi im just wondering about the marines an wanted to no if i sign up for 4 years can the military keep me longer, especially if i ever get into special ops.  Also I no the marines get vacations but not if your in war right,  i mean if i joined id be sent strait to Iraq an wouldn't get time off. Is this right.  My last question is if I want to be in special ops or become a sniper could I get into it, or would I just be sent strait to Iraq as infantry. (Assuming I had enough skill to do it of course)

Thanks alot !  

Answer
John:

  The standard enlistment contract is 8 years, 4 on active duty and 4 inactive.  Marines get leave, and you don't spend an entire 4 years in Iraq or wherever you are deployed, it's usually only 6-7 months.  You would have to try out to be a sniper, after serving some time in the Fleet as an Infantryman.  You will not be sent 'straight to Iraq' as Infantry.  It will depend on what you enlist for.  

Sgt G

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

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Jason Grabill

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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.

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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.

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United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

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I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

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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.

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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...

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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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