Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Expert Profile

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 in the area

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.

What do you like about this subject?

I enjoy helping people learn more about what the military does, and how they wear uniforms, customs, traditons, and general information on careers

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I try to learn something new every day. I've been studying this stuff since I was 9 years old!

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

You can tell pretty much where and when a military member served by 'reading' the ribbons they wear! You can also tell if someone is FAKING military service the exact SAME way! No kidding. By the way..it's also illegal to wear awards you didn't EARN.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Lots of people 'claim' to have seen combat and been awarded all these valor medals for service in the current conflicts...usually if someone is bragging about how many people they've 'killed', they are full of crap and an "Xbox warrior" in their mom's basement.