Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/hello again im pretty sure...

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/7/2005


Question
hello again im pretty sure i will join the marines, but i want to finish college first, im trying to get a better idea of what exactly im looking at when i do join, an i just wanted to no if i sign up for four years should i expect to leave when the 4 years are up or will i be kept longer than i actually sign up for,  an does this change for marine special ops, an my last question is assuming i could pass the tests an that i had the skill could i get into the special ops or would i just get put were im needed most,   especially now that were in war an all?

thanks a lot for your help


Answer
Nick:

  I've been on vacation, just getting this question.   You can't sign up for 4 years, the enlistment is 8;  but you do 4 active, then 4 inactive.  Which means, basically, that you are on active duty for 4 years, and they can call you back on active duty for the remaining four years if they need you.  It doesn't change, it's that way for everyone.

  There is no actual defined "Special Ops" in the Marines like the army has.  The whole Corps is "Special Operations".  You'll have a choice as to what you want to do when you talk to the recruiter.

Best Regards,

Sgt G

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.