Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/medal/ribbonqualification?

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Expert: - 9/30/2007


Question
served usmc 81-88 recieved a navy merit. unit citation for support of operations in beirut/multi natl. peacekeeping force, awarded (1)in 1983 and a second in 1984. i was never actually in country nor in the med. my units were in this theatre while i was at sea in support of the operations. does this qualify me for the armed forces expeditionary medal, under the guidelines of "operations in direct support of the UN" or: "assistance to friendly nations" ? if so, this will automatically qualify me for the natl. defense medal, correct.

Answer
Mike:

  Sorry for the delay, wasn't on the computer all weekend.

If you were never actually 'in theatre', no, sorry, you don't qualify for the Expeditionary medal for either operation.  You would have had to have landed ashore, or been in direct support offshore, of those operations.

No one from that particular time period rates a National Defense Service Medal;  the cut off for that was in the mid 1970's, it was brought back for Desert Shield/Storm, and cut off again in mid 1990's.  Brought back again after 9/11 and still being awarded.

 You have 2 Navy Unit Commendations as well as a Sea Service Deployment ribbon with 1 star, that it sounds like you rate from these deployments.

Best regards,

Jason

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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