Continuing to serve after active duty By MC2 Ryan McLearnon American Forces Network Sigonella MEDITERRANEAN SEA - Separating from the U.S. military can be both exciting and daunting, especially for service members accustomed to the military’s structure and stability. The civilian workforce holds many options for prior service members; from those who leave the military after one tour to those who retire from the service. For some individuals, continuing a livelihood at sea in a civilian capacity is an enticing proposition. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) offers these former service members an opportunity to continue their service at sea as civil service mariners, whom are commonly referred to as CIVMARs. David Murrin, a former service member, chose this route after making the decision to leave active duty military. In 1986, Murrin began his DoD career pathe joining the U.S. Marine Corps right out of high school. After several years in the Corps, he applied and was accepted to a Massachusetts maritime academy. After transferring to the Reserves, Murrin earned his bachelor’s degree from the academy in 1991, which eventually led to his first tour aboard MSC fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). A week after graduation, he found himself aboard a ship that was participating in Operation Desert Shield. Murrin quickly rose through the ranks of civil service mariner workforce, and now currently serves as a civil service master aboard Grumman, the highest ranking position equivalent to a combatant ship’s commanding officer. “The biggest difference I notice, especially from when I was enlisted, is everyone that is with MSC is here because they want to be here,” Murrin said. “There’s no obligation. If you want to resign, you can do so tomorrow and just go start looking for another job,” he said. Murrin remembers the frustration some of his fellow Marines felt during his time on active duty, specifically recalling how some Devil Dogs “had buyer’s remorse and would say ‘oh I’m locked into this for three, four years,’… sometimes there was frustration that would bleed over.” Murrin says that’s not usually the case with MSC. “Normally we get mariners that are prior service members and they’re looking forward to this experience.” Even though Murrin sites the contrast between civilian and uniformed member service obligations, he credits his military experience with preparing him for a successful career as a civil service mariner. “The Marine Corps gave me a good base, a good familiarity with missions, and a solid foundation,” said Murrin. “I find that the longer I’m with MSC, that’s more of the rule than the exception as far as who the command employs. We have a lot of former military because they are comfortable in this environment.” MSC operates the ships which sustain warfighting forces and deliver specialized maritime services in support of national security objectives in peace and war. For those interested in the MSC mission or possible careers, please visit the Military Sealift Command website at: msc.navy.mil/.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 06:11:32 +0000
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