So Confused

[MilitaryMom]

Is it possible for someone to help me understand/figure out a problem?

My son graduated from PI on 5/11, he is at MCT and due to graduate/move on tomorrow. When he graduated PI all was well with his MOS and contract, he was going on as his contract stated, he reported to Camp Geiger on 5/21 and when I spoke to him on Sat. all was still well and his MOs was the same, he had even been told by a superior that with his scores and all they were anxious to get people like him into the MOS he chose.

Well all of a sudden (a few hours ago) he calls home to tell me he had just been called in to see a Master Gunnery Sgt and was told his swim qual wasn't high enough and they were revoking the MOS in his contract (crew cheif) and instead of shipping out to Pensacola in the morning as was planned he was being reassigned as a truck driver and being sent to FT Leonard Wood....

He's all upset, says they told him he broke his own contract by not qualifying higher on the swimming, we're all upset and freaking out, I called the recruiter who now thinks I am a total nut case and kept telling me "but M'am they don't do swim quals at MCT, that was at PI and he passed"...

My son is upset, he didn't even get a say or anything as to what they reassigned him to, he doesn't even believe that he failed anything to begin with....and he's being shipped out first thing in the morning and can't do a thing about it or find out what happened or went wrong, is there anything we can do?

Why would something as drastic as this be done with no warning?

[SSgt Blue]

Ok I’ll try and make some sense of this for you. I’m by no means an expert but this is what happened to me. I went to boot camp and did my swim qualification and I got a first class which at that time was as high as they would let us go (in boot camp). I went to SOI not MCT (MCT is every other MOS but Infantry) because I’m a Grunt (infantry). I went through School Of Infantry and become a machine gunner. When I got to about the last week before I hit the fleet I was assigned to a helo company, didn’t happen because of my swim qualification. I was one of four marines that went to the boat company in 1/4. I seen Marines that were going to go to the boat company get dropped out of that same spot because they only got a second or third class swim qual in boot camp dosent cut the musterd. It may seem like a very minimal thing but it is very significant for a crew chief to be able to swim and very good at that( I think you have to have a first class and higher don’t hold me to it). He will have the chance to upgrade later but what happened is the staff looked at his over all scores and they made a decision that best fit how he did on the ASVB most likely. Your son scored very well in the mechanical section of that test I’m assuming. If he still wants become a crew chief he will have to take it up with his command ASAP. If it is guaranteed in the contract he needs to bring it up also and the staff will take that into consideration maybe. Bottom line is this. The Marine Corps will do what is best for them and Marines have to like it or like it and B^&*@ about it later. I’m sorry MOM but that is pretty much how it goes most of the time. If there are any SNCO’s that would comment also, it might help.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

I think Sgt Blue is dead on. Sometimes the Corps doesn't quite 'think' right but instead acts to fill slots where they are needed. I had been an Intelligence Specialist for almost 8 years, but after I re-enlisted (with broken time) they made me a Field Radio Operator. Had to send me to MOS school and the whole bit, which made no sense at all to me at the time. But, I did what I had to do.

Enough about me. He needs to go, ASAP, to his 1stSgt and from there right on up the line, if possible. He may need to request mast as well. All that being said, however, if he 'voided his own contract' by not getting a high enough swim qual, there might be very little he can do. He might, however, ask to go to another MOS that is open if they are going to void him. That is worth a shot as well.

Keep us updated.

[SSgt Blue]

Yes, if you have to request mast. But tell him to let his Sgt's know your eles there will be H$## to pay if he skips them.

[GySgtRet]

I don't know your son's name and or rank as you have not provided it here. I will assume that he is a Private then. Make sure that as much as you possibly can do not let him go UA this will just make things ten times worse than they really are.

Lets think things out for a second folks. Mom you said he was shipping out to MT school at FT Leonard Wood. The claim is that he disqualified himself in some fashion, i.e., swim qual. It is very important that as a crew chief that he has a high swim qual. The problem that I have with some of the advice is he will not be at a Marine Corps command he will be at a Army joint command the structure there will be very different at a student company therefore making it more difficult to do anything. If your son has a copy of his contract have him read it completely. If it points out things such as disqualifying factors as swim qual and he knew what he had to score to get it and he claims that he make the qualifycation possibly his records have not transcribed to his record yet? Possibly your son hasn't interpreted what he was told? None of us were there at the time any of this happened and I am not calling anybody's son or daughter a liar I want to make that very clear. Try to communicate with him again if possible and get his scores recommputed if you can. He can't make it seem like he doesn't trust that I guarantee will not set well with a MGySgt.

As previously stated swim qual isn't part of MTC. I have to admit I am very confused obn this issue. Please keep us updated if you can.

[MilitaryMom]

Thank you all for you responses, we are going a nuts here trying to figure out what can be done and if we can be of any help for him.

Kevin (my Marine) just called a few minutes ago and I relayed your advice, I had spoken with him briefly about an hour before that and gave him all the suggestions from here. He seems very dispondent over the entire situation, they pretty much caught him totaly off guard and blind sided him with this entire thing.

He also says that yes they pretty much have UA'ed him, didn't give him any options just handed him papers that said this is what your going to do and where your going then said see ya.

As late as yesterday evening when he was talking to his PLT, something or other (sorry can't remember what rank he said) he was all set in his crew cheif MOS, but now the MGySgt whom he'd never spoken to before says his swim quals in boot weren't good enough, news to us all...

GySgtRet, Kevin is a PFC, he graduated Parris Island a month ago today and just turned 19. He went to his Plt. superior and spoke to him about what is happening and says he's been told he will be able to meet with a higher up tomorrow morning over this. The only mention in his contract is he must pass swim qualification, it does not state anywhere a specific level, the excuse Kevin was given today is that the level is listed in some "book" which is actually a computer program he went over when picking a MOS before he'd even joined.

Unfortunately Kevin for the most part can be a quite type guy, not one to make a fuss or rock the boat, so he just sat there dumbfounded when it was dumped on him late this afternoon. He wasn't given a chance to absorb the situation or "process" it and ask questions or respond and they haven't given him any time for it, as he is due to graduate in the morning then now fly to MO. Hopefully he will be given the chance tomorrow morning before things are too late.

I truly feel bad for him, he took his choice of joining the Marines so seriously, interviewing all the branches several times each to make sure he was making the right decission, then spent 3 months going over the various MOS fields to make sure he chose the one he felt he would be and do best in. His intent when joining was to make a career in the Marines so to choose what he would truly enjoy and would be valuable to the Marines as. Also if for some reason a career in the Marines wouldn't be possible, he'd have a skill to take with him that he could do something with. He spent a lot of time aganozing over what he thought was right and best and now this....

Again thank you for all your help!

Susan

[greensideout]

Your Marine serves the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps does not serve him. When that is understood, there is no confusion.
I wish him well and hope that his duty is what he signed up for.

[KawiGunny]

Your Marine serves the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps does not serve him. When that is understood, there is no confusion.
I wish him well and hope that his duty is what he signed up for.

That is true but you could have chosen better words. A little on the harsh side.

[greensideout]

That is true but you could have chosen better words. A little on the harsh side.


Hello Gunny,

"Harsh side"? Naw, this is a Marine site and I think that I choose my words well.

[MilitaryMom]

Green,

Thank you for your wishes towords my son. Actually my son serves God and his country.

[MilitaryMom]

Kawi, Thank you and I agree, but then again one of the greatest things about our country, the freedom to say what one pleases and the freedom to disagree.

[greensideout]

Humm, I did not disagree in any way? My mother worried too while I was in Vietnam.
Your post reminded me of the time that I had to report to a duty station on Christmas Eve. No one was there as they had all left to be with family.
The "Old Corps".

[KawiGunny]

Hello Gunny,

"Harsh side"? Naw, this is a Marine site and I think that I choose my words well.

Again you are right. This is a Marine site but it was built to accomodate family members also. It's one thing to talk to Marines that way but to a fellow Marine's parent.... I still think that was harsh.

[greensideout]

Green,

Thank you for your wishes towords my son. Actually my son serves God and his country.


Actually, your son serves God, Country and the Corps.

[jetdawgg]

http://s164.photobucket.com/albums/u17/jetdawgg/th_untitled-2.jpg
Feed him some of this also. He will feel better..........Best of Luck

[Osotogary]

MilitaryMom-
The verbal landscape here at Leatherneck.com is about as varied as an inner-city asphalt playground to a grassy knoll somewhere in Kentucky. Tons of information is volunteered and wholeheartedly given. Some of it is quite short and to the point and at other times, with references and all, that information can be quite a literary achievement in terms of length and context.
I personally like the short and sweet method of Greensideout. Maybe it's a male gender characteristic...I don't know.
Whichever way the information comes toward you, MarineMom, know that someone is going to give you the best information available at the time or point you in a direction where other information will be available.
Stay steady. Best of luck. Take care.
Gary

[MilitaryMom]

Gary,
Thank you very much for your kind words, don't worry about me, I am not the thinned skinned type, while 99% of the time I am very respectful and courteous, I have unfortunately had moments myself when I didn't engage my brain before I did my mouth or fingers and things came out brusque or offensive to another.

I do always try to think before I "speak", I fully believe that once said it can never be taken back, always be prepared to stand by your words and also be prepared that they can at times hurt deeper than a physical wound. If you can dish it you have to be able to take it.

I grew up in the military and have 4 sons, so am quite used to "mens ways" lol. Just don't make me go "MOM" on y'all or get on my broom, lol.

[CWSaffels]

Green,

Thank you for your wishes towords my son. Actually my son serves God and his country.
MOM; We (Marines) are all 0311's to start with, from the 4 star Gen.,to the no striped PFC. What the Corps need at this point in His Career is to be the best truck driver he can be to support the Corps , freedom,and him self. Time will help him. I think the GySgtRet is right about the chain of command. Be sure to follow that chain!!! He will have a chance to try again but he has to show the Corps that he can and will do any and all t hing to help the Corps succed at its mission. When he proves that he is a Marine Then they will look at him. With Favor. I am one of those Viet Nam Marines and we all have a little different out look on things. Some are a little gruff and we don't know the differents. Tell your son good luck and GOD bless.


Sempri Fi
Once a Marine, Allways a Marine

[MilitaryMom]

Thank You CW,

As of now Kevin has been put into Logistics he will be completing his current schooling at Ft. Leonard Wood then will be moving on to New River Air Base for more training.

He has also been meritoriously promoted to LCpl.

Also I will be leaving about 3 AM tomorrow to go pick him up for a 96 hour leave he's been granted for the Holiday/weekend with 28 dozen cookies (once a Mom always a MOM, lol) I made yesterday for the Marines who didn't get leave or a chance to go home.

[CWSaffels]

Thank You CW,

As of now Kevin has been put into Logistics he will be completing his current schooling at Ft. Leonard Wood then will be moving on to New River Air Base for more training.

He has also been meritoriously promoted to LCpl.

Also I will be leaving about 3 AM tomorrow to go pick him up for a 96 hour leave he's been granted for the Holiday/weekend with 28 dozen cookies (once a Mom always a MOM, lol) I made yesterday for the Marines who didn't get leave or a chance to go home.
MOM;


SEMPRI FI

[GySgtRet]

I bet every kid in the neighborhood hung out at your place every summer, cookies for the Marines that didn't get leave, that is very nice of you. Better watch out though your sone may come home with a few of his new family...LOL If he has made LCpl already he is in no trouble at all. Something evedently went wrong at MCRD that we don't know about at this point or your son doesn't know how to say it or what to say?

Keep the faith MOM and have a great 4th of July...!!!

[MilitaryMom]

GySgt,

Thanks and a very Happy Fourth to you and yours also!

LOL, I have always had the home to hang out at and I would welcome any other Marines that need a place to go, my doors are always open when I can help.

Everyone is stumped as to what happened at Geiger, they've been great at Ft. L Wood trying to help my son and get him to a MOS he would like to make a career out of.

[CARTEEUSMC]

I do not remember any kind of MOS training at New River Air Station. Me thinks he is going to MWSS 272, however I do not think they do MOS training there in logistics.

And by the way if you showed up with cookies on base, I would be hitching a ride back to your house, even if I did not know Kevin!

Semper Fi

By the way my old office was S4 at MWSS 272, New River Air Station, although I was in a safety billet I was apart of logistics S4:marine:

[MilitaryMom]

Cartee,

It wouldn't be the first time I brought a truck load of Marines/Sailors/Soldiers home with me, I have never been the one to let anyone stay behind if I can help it and it isn't necessary. When my oldest had his PIR from Navy boot on 12/23 in 99, I made 7 trips with the rental car in an ice storm to bring everyone without family there back to the hotel for a pool, pizza and sub/hero/grinder (geeze I never know what to call them lol) party.

Sorry not trying to look ignorant here but I haven't a clue as to what MWSS 272 even is.

All I do know is that he will be staying an extra 5 weeks in MO, for some type of additional training then is going to Camp LeJeuene and New River Air Base for more training and that after that his duty station will/should also be New River, as he will be assigned to an air wing. This info was told to me by the First Sgt. there at Ft L Wood....

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Marine Wing Support Squadron is what it stands for. New River is home to the helicopter squadrons on the East coast. He'll get to do, and see, some fun stuff! MWSS Marines support individual helo squadrons in things like military police, food service, supply (logistics), motor transport, etc etc.

Hope that helps!

[GySgtRet]

Marine Wing Support Squadron 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. I was stationed there in the 80s. That is the home of the Marine Corps V-22 Osprey. He should be interesting. Your son may even deploy from there in support of the Marine Air Wing. The headquarters for the 2nd MAW is at Cherry Point about 50 miles north of the New River, Camp Lejeune area. Here is the link to New River Air Station http://www.newriver.usmc.mil/ I hope this helps it may answer some of your questions that you may have.

[MilitaryMom]

Sgt L and Gy Sgt,

Thank you very much for the information! I will be sure to check out the link to try and understand more.

I'll also be asking my son more about everything later today when we get a chance to have some quiet time to sit and really talk.

Was a long trip there and back yesterday, this old lady isn't used to driving 19 hours straight anymore :) and since we got home everyone has been vying for their turn to have some time with him including the neighbors who were waiting outside with fireworks to shoot off as we passed by last night.

[davblay]

You sound a lot like my MOM! She had three sons in the Corps at the same time and one in the Army, all at the same time. I have always wondered how you MOMs do it! It must be a Tennessee thing as I live in Tennessee myself. You have the courage and strength of an Angel yet you have the compassion of a Saint! GOD BLESS you and all of your sons MARINE MOM, with your strength and encouragement, our country will be all the stronger.

Thank you for taking care of our Marines, Sailors and Soldiers, as I know they appreciate it! My prayers are with you and your family.

[Sgt Leprechaun]

Thank you Mom! And, get some rest. Come back when you get the time. Spend time with him first! We'll always be here....

:)

[MilitaryMom]

Dave

Thank you so very much for the compliments, I am seriously flattered!

Honestly I am nothing special, just me, it's the way I am. Always have and always will defend to my death not just my kids but all serving our country.