Any recruiters? (Prior service question)

[hump_drop]

I was 0311 on active duty, and I came into a National Guard unit in December 2000. I am getting ready to deploy to Iraq next month with this Army National Guard unit.

When I come back, I will have about 8 months left on my Guard contract, and of course, I have spent way way way too much time being called "Sarge" or "E-5." I want back in the Marine Reserves.

I am not so much concerned about retaining rank, as I can get that back, what I want is my damn self respect and to be a Marine again, to be around Marines.

Do any of you know if they will take me back? I will be at around 12 years of service then, 4 years active, 8 National Guard.

[DanCross]

Sergeant; I'm obviously not a recruiter and can't speak directly, but I once had a Staff Sergeant who was prior service army. He'd enlisted, done a tour active duty (including a rotation through Desert Shield/Desert Storm), gotten out and stayed in the Guard for another four or six years, gotten out entirely, done a couple of years in the 1stCivDiv, and decided he wanted back in. The Army was giving him the run-around so he enlisted in the Marine Corps. That gentleman was one of the best SNCO's I've ever had the priviledge to serve under yet. His story sounds remarkably similar to yours, and I don't think he had too much difficulty getting back in.

And, of course, Sergeant, just because you've spent 8 years running with the doggies doesn't mean you ever stopped being a Marine. :-)

[yellowwing]

You got that right Dan! :marine:

[GunnyL]

hump_drop,

You need to talk to a prior service recruiter. Contact your local Marine Corps Reserve unit and ask to speak to the Prior Service Recruiter that is recruiting for their unit. They can give you the most up to date information. A regular Recruiter couldn't give you the information you need. My first inclination is that Rank wise if you are only an E5 with 12 years of Service you won't be qualified but I could be wrong.

I've known a couple of Marines in the "Nasty Guard" but they were all 100 times as squared away as their Army Counterparts. As far as I'm concerned, they could use the Marine Corps leadership within their ranks. You may want to pick up a couple of stripes and try and make a difference where you are right now.
Bottom line, the Marines I knew were Marines wearing Army Uniforms. You can take the Marine out of the Corps but you can't take the Corps out of the Marine.
Once a Marine, Always a Marine!

Best of Luck in Iraq Devil Dog,

GunnyL

[ALSEUT]

As for us Marines that are in the Gurad We are trying to bring the training stard up a little high, but the Army just don't get it