Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/marine corps plc

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Expert: - 6/16/2007


Question
i have wanted to be a pilot in the military since i can remember. within the last two years after researching and talking to recruiters i have decided the marines sounds like the best fit for myself. i am interested in the plc program, and am currently not a freshman, but am beginning a new degree and will be in college for another four years. the local recruiter tells me the route to plc is to first enlist in the marine reserves and then apply for the plc program, possibly putting me at risk for deployment, with the local marine units seeing very regular service in iraq, something i have no interest in. my question is this: is the recruiter telling me i have to enlist in the reserves so that he can fill his quota or is this really the only way to join the plc program? thanks

adam

Answer
Adam:

   No.  I believe you can go PLC right from college.  However, that policy may have changed;  but I don't think so.  Talk to an officer recruiter in your area, they can give you the right information.

 Also, if you really want to be a Marine officer, knock off the "i don't want to deploy" talk.  That is a quick way to get de-selected from officer training.  Marines deploy, that's what they do.  Lastly, to make pilot training, you'll have to be top in your class in all aspects, as pilot training (or any other kind) is not 'set in stone' in the Marine Corps, but assigned based on ability, performance, and the needs of the Marine Corps.

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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