thedrifter
07-26-09, 06:57 AM
The first decision or last: Marine re-enlists in Iraq
7/25/2009 By Cpl. Jo Jones , Multi National Force - West
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —
When Sgt. Matthew Duncan deployed to Iraq in January 2009, he had a choice to make: stay in the Marine Corps or get out and pursue a career as a high school band director. With the end of his first four years of service just eight months away, Duncan sought the help of Multi National Force - West career planners.
“The career planners were very professional and knowledgeable and helped me out a lot,” said Duncan. “They made it a very easy process out [in Iraq].”
When not deployed, Duncan serves as a tuba player with Camp Lejeune’s 2nd Marine Division Band. Duncan has been playing the tuba since he was in the seventh grade, so he wanted to combine his passion for music and love of the Marine Corps into one job.
“I wanted to stay in the band, and I love the camaraderie that the Marine Corps offers,” said Duncan.
After evaluating his future goals, Duncan, now serving as the assistant operations chief with the Multi National Force - West intelligence section, decided to continue his music career in the Marine Corps and re-enlisted while serving aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 15, 2009.
Duncan said career retention specialists, like Master Sgt. Michael Shepherd and Sgt. Brandon Koppenhaver, were very professional and eager to help him make the decision that best fit his needs and interests.
Shepherd said many Marines re-enlist in Iraq because it is unique to re-enlist in a foreign country. Koppenhaver added that first time re-enlisters like Duncan have other incentives available to them, such as promotion points, bonuses, duty station preferences and opportunities for special assignments like becoming a recruiter, drill instructor or guarding embassies.
Shepherd said there are about 25 career planners located on forward operating bases throughout the MNF-W area of operations, who are focused on assisting nearly 3,000 first-term Marines currently eligible for re-enlistment.
Shepherd said it is rewarding to make a difference in the lives of the Marines and their loved ones.
“I enjoy helping Marines accomplish their goals,” said Shepherd. “We hope that the Marines will re-enlist, but our jobs are to prepare those Marines for the next step.”
For Marines like Duncan, who choose re-enlistment as the next step, they can rest assured they made the right choice.
“I was really happy with my re-enlistment,” said Duncan. “I feel energized, highly motivated and highly dedicated to the Corps.”
Ellie
7/25/2009 By Cpl. Jo Jones , Multi National Force - West
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —
When Sgt. Matthew Duncan deployed to Iraq in January 2009, he had a choice to make: stay in the Marine Corps or get out and pursue a career as a high school band director. With the end of his first four years of service just eight months away, Duncan sought the help of Multi National Force - West career planners.
“The career planners were very professional and knowledgeable and helped me out a lot,” said Duncan. “They made it a very easy process out [in Iraq].”
When not deployed, Duncan serves as a tuba player with Camp Lejeune’s 2nd Marine Division Band. Duncan has been playing the tuba since he was in the seventh grade, so he wanted to combine his passion for music and love of the Marine Corps into one job.
“I wanted to stay in the band, and I love the camaraderie that the Marine Corps offers,” said Duncan.
After evaluating his future goals, Duncan, now serving as the assistant operations chief with the Multi National Force - West intelligence section, decided to continue his music career in the Marine Corps and re-enlisted while serving aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 15, 2009.
Duncan said career retention specialists, like Master Sgt. Michael Shepherd and Sgt. Brandon Koppenhaver, were very professional and eager to help him make the decision that best fit his needs and interests.
Shepherd said many Marines re-enlist in Iraq because it is unique to re-enlist in a foreign country. Koppenhaver added that first time re-enlisters like Duncan have other incentives available to them, such as promotion points, bonuses, duty station preferences and opportunities for special assignments like becoming a recruiter, drill instructor or guarding embassies.
Shepherd said there are about 25 career planners located on forward operating bases throughout the MNF-W area of operations, who are focused on assisting nearly 3,000 first-term Marines currently eligible for re-enlistment.
Shepherd said it is rewarding to make a difference in the lives of the Marines and their loved ones.
“I enjoy helping Marines accomplish their goals,” said Shepherd. “We hope that the Marines will re-enlist, but our jobs are to prepare those Marines for the next step.”
For Marines like Duncan, who choose re-enlistment as the next step, they can rest assured they made the right choice.
“I was really happy with my re-enlistment,” said Duncan. “I feel energized, highly motivated and highly dedicated to the Corps.”
Ellie