Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/tranfering from navy to marines

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Expert: - 9/10/2007


Question
Mr. Grabill,

I am a Petty Officer 3rd class in the Navy and have two years left including my extension. Soon after joining I realized I would have much preferred the Marines and decided I would transfer. I know I can do Blue-to-Green and go Army but that still is a hair short of what I want. Is there a similar program to go into the Marines? I have tried to use my career counselor to get answers but I simply get the run around. Any information, good or bad, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Seth  

Answer
Seth:

  No, there is no 'blue to green' program for Marines.  I had answered a previous question incorrectly saying that there was such a thing, but I was wrong in that.  

 You can make the attempt, if your MOS is 'over', to get an early out from the Navy to re-enlist into the Marine Corps.  I've heard of this being done but it's a difficult process, and even more so if your command isn't helping.  (Huge amount of paper involved).  Realistically, for you, it might just be easier to complete your time, save up your leave so you can go 'terminal', and during that time, go and talk to a Marine Corps recruiter and do an immediate re-enlistment.   You will still have to do recruit training and all that, but it's likely your best option at this point.

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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