Expert: Jason Grabill - 4/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: hey jason, im 19 seriously considering the marines i just dont know too much about it, i heard of the marine corp and the marine reserves, just not sure of the difference if any? also after the training what happens..you come back home and wait to see if your needed? b/c i see like you eaither have to sign up for 3 or 4 years..that doesnt mean your away for 3 or 4 years straight right? also one last question i have is i was reading about that test that you take and thats how you get picked on the job you get in the marines is evrey single job you get have that chance to say go to like iraq right now? basically im not trying to go to iraq really i just dont know how it all works...please help jason...
ANSWER: Dave;

  Active duty Marines serve full time.  Reserve Marines go to recruit training, Infantry training, and MOS school, then come back home and serve 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks a year.  

 Active duty Marines are 'away' from home for the entire enlistment.

 The ASVAB is the test you take to enlist that tells you what jobs you are qualified for.  

 If you enlist in the Marines, you WILL deploy to Iraq.  So, if you don't want to go, don't enlist.  Just that simple.  If you don't want to be away from home, don't enlist.  Because even the reserves are deploying.

 Speak to a recruiter for the exact details on the ASVAB and the reserve units nearest to you if you are still interested.

Jason

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

QUESTION: hey jason thnx for getting back to me..i have just one more question..ive been looking into like marines, airforce, navy and the airforce really sounds the best and they have good programs..i just dont understand b/c when your done with the training where do you go? also do you think after going into the airforce youll be deployed to iraq? i dont care about leaving home i just dont want to take the chance of dieing.

Answer
Dave:

 If you 'don't want to take the chance of dying" then don't join the military.  That chance is always there.  I suggest you speak with the individual services recruiters and see what they have to offer.  The Air Force also deploys to Iraq.  

 After training you go to wherever the military sends you, whichever base they need you at.  Sometimes they will let you pick your choice of duty station, but that is up to the recruiter.

Jason