Friday, September 30, 2011

Marine ranks: PFC-plus



Hmmm, I think I lost a post somewhere. Well it's been a crazy few weeks, I can't believe it's been so long since I posted. I'm sorry. My Marine has been promoted a level to Private First Class (Sept. 1, 2011) and has that little thingy on his clothes now. next Wednesday he graduates from his MOS and Thursday gets on an airplane to his permanent duty station at 29 Palms, California.



Some of the other recruits received the PFC designation in boot camp already, This can only happen under very special circumstances: If you were an Eagle Scout, in High School JROTC or had Prior Service in the military. You can also get it meritoriously out of boot camp if you are an excellent recruit. Or two referrals in the DEP, as a platoon honor grad, over 15 credit hours of college, or are in the top 10 percent in your series. leatherneck

Anyway, whatever the timing, I am still ridiculously proud of my fabulous Marine son!

Up up and on the way:
"In the United States Marine Corps, the rank of Private First Class is the second lowest, just under Lance Corporal and just above Private, equivalent to NATO Grade OR-2, being pay grade E-2. It was established in 1917 to match the newly created Army rank, although it is actually one grade lower." wikipedia

15 comments:

  1. just wait till you see your good buddy go down... and then you put him 6 feet under... but first you say good bye to boots rifle and kevlar in country... youll see how great it is... rah... semper gumby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Anonymous Coward -- I can tell by your post that you MAY have been in-country / deployed / whatever -- but words are SO easy to type without personal experience needed. All one need to do is listen to Veterans talk, then mimic their patter on the internet to sound like a pro.

      This is the site of someone's Mother and you are stomping all over it with your comments. How dare you. Again, I call you a coward for your anonymous actions. I wish for your mother to be treated 100 times worse than you have treated this Marine's mother.

      Delete
  2. im only 13 and i think its a mircle that these men give there lives for mine and millions others. im going to be in the infantry when i get older. keep up the great work men.

    brendan rogers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brendan,

      Congratulations on your choice to be an infantryman. There is no one more important to a mission than they are. They have the toughest job of anyone but also have the most pride in a job well done.

      I was a combat photographer and spent many, many days in the field with the infantry from the US Army, US Marines, British and Scottish Armies, Romanians, and the new Iraqi Army. During those times I guess I was an "infantry photographer" and experienced the exact same difficulties they did. I know their job well and have seen how well they do it.

      Always remember -- only One person in 300 has guts enough to join the military. That means you have more courage than 300 of your classmates.

      Congratulations.

      Delete
  3. I am the proud father of a young Marine who was just promoted to Lance Corporal. Semper Fi.

    I thank God for these fine young men and women who sacrifice so much for all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am a senior in high school, and am currntly a Marine Corps poolee. When I walk in my recruters office it gives me alot of pride to be in the company of such great people. And I hope that i weill have what it takes to become a Marine. Semper Fi

    ReplyDelete
  5. people talk peace in re no war can be inevitable. they so oh why don't we just pull the troops out then well have no war. Well its the rock hard truth that if we didn't have brave men and women in service for this country we couldn't sleep in our beds at night they sleep any where and anytime the can to defend this country and all she stands for. so if any of you have any thing against them for having the courage and receiving the pride of serving this great nation than we can put you I warzone then lets see how you feel about war. to all the outstanding soldiers I salute you


    SEMPER FI

    ReplyDelete
  6. There is no one happier than a newly mented Marine Corps mom unless its her new Marine. If not your son whose son? These young men now take the flag and sword and protect us while we sleep..Thank you for your service. Former Marine.

    ReplyDelete