Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/So as long as i sign in to...

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Expert: - 5/6/2006


Question
So as long as i sign in to guarantee my self in the infantry, ill be put in it? Or i have a greater chance of being put in it?

An yea i heard of that "every marine is a rifleman first." what exactly does that mean? that there marksmanship skills are always tested or something?

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Followup To
Question -
Im looking to get into the marines special forces. But heard a lot of stories of guys being put in jobs they didnt want to be in. Like a friend of a friend who joined for the infantry and ended up driving trucks. Id be lying if I said for sure the story was true. But thats not the first time I herd this. I was just asking for your opinion on this subject.
Answer -
Joe:

  Ok, to begin with the Marines do not have "Special Forces".  That is the Army.  And, the Marines will put the enlistee where he or she is best suited, the contract you sign, unless you sign up for a "Guaraunteed" job, basically just says that you are enlisting, and the Marine Corps will make every attempt to put you in the job you request.  That doesn't mean you automatically get that job.  Not everyone can be Force Recon or whatever, the Corps needs truck drivers and mechanics too.  Besides, in the Marine Corps, ALL Marines are considered "Riflemen first", guys and girls.  

 If you really want Infantry, then make sure the contract says "Guaraunteed Infantry".  If it isn't in writing, it's not going to be honored by anyone, and once you are in, it's too late.

Best of luck,

Answer
Joe:

 So as long as i sign in to guarantee my self in the infantry, ill be put in it? Or i have a greater chance of being put in it?

 That is correct.

 An yea i heard of that "every marine is a rifleman first." what exactly does that mean?

 Exactly what it says.  Every Marine is a rifleman first, no matter what their job is.  All Marines, regardless of job skill, go through Infantry training school.  

that there marksmanship skills are always tested or something?

 Every year, sometimes more than once a year, you go to the rifle range for a week.  

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.

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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