Prior Service Recruiter Bessemer, Alabama

Are you a Prior Service Marine that has contemplated rejoining the finest fighting force in the nation? Maybe you miss the uniform and hanging out with your fellow Marines? Or possibly you are thinking about how some of the benefits such as Tricare, commissary/base access or some extra money would really come through in a clutch? If so you are in the right spot!

This page is designed to connect Prior Service Marines to me, the Prior Service Recruiter. Together we can explore what benefits you want from your continued service and how the Marine Corps Reserve can help you accomplish them.

Some of the advantages of the Marine Corps Reserve are as follows:

- Tricare Reserve Select (Medical) and Tricare Dental Program coverage at a fraction of the cost of civilian coverage

- Bonuses may be available in monetary lump sums ($10,000-$20,000) or in the form of points towards promotion

- Retirement is earned in the Marine Corps Reserve based on a point system and adds to your previous Active Duty or Reserve time

- Retraining/Lateral Moving is possible to an Occupational Specialty Field that you are interested in

- Rank is retained and the opportunity for promotions or bonus points towards the next rank are possible

- Some units are flexible in the Marine Forces Reserve allowing you to drill with some units when your schedule allows or only for one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer

- Locations include but are not limited to Millington, TN; Chattanooga, TN; Huntsville, AL; Bessemer, AL; Montgomery, AL; Gulfport, MS; New Orleans, LA; Virginia; California; Hawaii; Japan; Germany

Many Prior Service Marines are hesitant to consider the Reserves due to prior experiences, misconceptions or an already full schedule in their civilian lives.

Some common misunderstandings when it comes to the Marine Corps Reserve are:

- Loss of VA disability

- Contractual Obligation

- Loss of rank

- Inability to balance civilian obligations with the Marine Corps

- Lack of medical and dental benefits


All of those reasons and misbeliefs are completely understandable but I am here to tell you that there is a component of the Marine Corps Reserve and unit to satisfy anyone's schedule and goals. The same benefits you received on active duty to include medical and dental are still available to you and your family as a member of the Marine Forces Reserve and your current disability will not be rescinded. There are opportunities for advancement in rank and incurring an obligation/another contract is not necessary.

As Prior Service Marines you have already experienced situations and accomplished tasks that others could not possibly understand or imagine. Our brotherhood is forged in determination, sweat, blood and persistence. Honor, courage and commitment are words that we swore by and Once a Marine, Always a Marine keeps us bound no matter where we are in life. Your leadership, expertise, drive and experience are vital to the fate of our Corps. Are you willing to answer the call to mold the future leaders and shape the path of the United States Marine Corps as a member of the Marine Forces Reserve?

If you have any questions or would like to hear more about the options, benefits and opportunities available to you as a Prior Service Marine do not hesitate to leave me a message, chat or utilize my contact information.

Sergeant Sierra E. Austin
6th Marine Corp District
Prior Service Recruiter
PCS Bessemer, Alabama
(205) 718-1404 (cell)
(205) 426-0555x268
sierra.austin@nmci.usmc.mil