Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/I want to join the marines...

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Expert: - 12/16/2004


Question
I want to join the marines an get into the infantry,  but I just found out about my fathers illness,  I still want to join but would like to no a couple of things.

Being that my fathers sick id like to stick around an see him a few times a year so what I want to no is how often I will be deployed an for how long, also when im not deployed can I choose which base to stay at in this country so I can choose to be at leased in the same state as my father when im not deployed.

Thanks a lot for your help


Answer
James:

  Based on what you've told me, I would not join the Marines at this time.  Simply put, you won't be home much during your first 2-3 years in the Corps, and even when you are not deployed, you'll be training.  Deployments are rather open ended these days, even though there are end dates, you can be extended.

  If you are serious about the Marines, then go ahead and enlist.....but, I will tell you, the needs of the Corps come first, and often as not, you'll likely be dissappointed.  You 'may' get to pick a base to be stationed at...if you are going Infantry, your choices will be:  Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Camp Pendleton, Ca., 29 Palms, Ca.    That's it.  Other MOS's have a few more bases, but not many.

  Have you considered the active reserve?  You'd still be a Marine, just a part time one. And, you'd get to stay at home.  They do deploy, just not as much.  However, if you want Infantry, and there is no local Infantry unit nearby, you may not be able to get it.

 Good luck.

  Sgt G

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.

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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.

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United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

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I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

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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.

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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...

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United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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