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Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/soon will be AWOL
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my son had a week leave, but told us he had six. He has told us that he does not want to go back to the Marines. He finished boot camp in Jan. and about two months ago got his first fleet station assignment. He is due to be deployed, we think, in Dec. to Iraq. Right now he is UA, but after six more days, he will be awol. We have tried every way we can to convince him to go back and take his lumps, but he says he will stay home a couple more weeks. What would you suggest? he is 19.
Evelyn:
In six days he will be in 'deserter' status. At that point he'll basically be in deeper trouble than he's in right now. His best chance now is to man up, be a Marine, go back and take his punishment, and do his deployment. Otherwise, he will regret this for the rest of his life. Tell him, (and mean it) that at the 30 day mark he becomes a deserter, and on day 31, you will be contacting the FBI and turning him in. The Marines will jail him and give him a bad conduct discharge from there. After that, he'll no longer be considered a Marine, and the most likely job he'll be able to get is the guy who sucks the poo out of portajohns, or uses a coat hanger to clean the sewer screens. You will be unable to work for the goverment, even as the janitor at your local elementary school. Prepare yourself for a life of backbreaking manual labor with no chance of advancement. Your chances of having your Bad conduct discharge for desertion, during time of war, will be slim, and none.
You are welcome to print this out and advise him that THIS Marine, and any others he may run across, esp. those who have already done their duty, will consider him a lowlife coward for, well, the rest of his life. There will be other names used as well. Man up, do you duty, and be a Marine. It's that simple.
Sorry for the harsh language, but that is the way it will be for him, not just now, but the rest of his life. He needs to get used to hearing it. No Marine will have any sympathy or use for him, nor will most other folks.
Ma'am, my heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your husband. Do what you can to get this kid back to the Marines, for his sake, and your own peace of mind.
My best wishes to you and good luck. Hopefully my words will hit home and he'll do the right thing.
Jason
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you! your comments were right in line with what we had been hearing from others knowledgeable about this. We finally arranged for our son's best friend's father, who is former Air Force, current law enforcement officer, to talk to him. Today he called the local recruiting office and his staff sgt at his command and will be heading back this weekend. Thank the Lord! and thank you for your helpfulness. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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