Yep, I knew how to read and write, they didn't think a bullet sponge was befitting of a man with my GT score.
Another list WVU is on
- Thread starter Marine03
- Start date
Nope, I was a 5th award expert by the time I got out. I didnt PET out like some did if they had previously shot expert 2 in a row. Loved shooting and was damn good at it.
All that aside, I had every intention of enlisting 03 until I took my ASVAB. The recruiter basically told me no. He had a quota to hit for alphas and there was a 7300 field that needed filled. Got a nice $5k sign on bonus, thought I was going Air Traffic Control and ended up flying UAVs. Worked out in the end. We weren't your typical wing unit. We didn't hang out on airfields. We were a MEF asset, and as such got whored out to the RCTs when we invaded back in 03. I spent some time with 1/7, 3rd LAR, STA, and even Recon. I got to live the life in short chunks without all the bullshit that accompanied it. STA guys were probably the most fun to work with.
I started out in Security Forces, then worked over to the FMF after that stint. My asvab had to be much higher than a normal grunt due to the security clearance involved with the nukes. I got to do some cool schools, CQB, CCI, CCIT and Air Assult course at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne. In addition to all the normal shit, jungle. Mountain, etc, etc. Used to like the Cooperative Osprey exercises. I was with 2/2 and 2/6 also. I knew a lot of folks in 1/7, would've been from 1997-1999 range though
Security forces? Good shit. One of imagery analysts was retread from 2nd FAST company (I think). Don't remember what boat he floated on though. Sgt Jesse Young from Gary, IN. Had another retread that came to fly with us who was with River Boats down in Panama. He had some cool stories as well.
I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. Worked out well, got me into a career field in which I'm able to make a damn fine living. I'm actually JFO right now in Kandahar and getting ready to head back home tomorrow. My trips these days are short, like 2 weeks at a clip when I come over to check on my teams.
Yeah I had a blast, locked and loaded at all times. Had some good times, but very boring as well on occasions. Good for you, glad it worked out. Other than leadership, my career field has little to do with my military career. I'm now a SUPT of Operations with a railroad, around 400 people I'm responsible for.
