Stories

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. – Col. Ian R. Clark, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, congratulates the Marine graduates of Expeditionary Warfare School, Command and Staff, and Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton May 26, 2016. The College of Distance Education and Training mission is to design, develop, deliver, evaluate, manage, and resource distance learning products and programs across the Marine Corps training and education continuum in order to increase operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tony Simmons/Released) - Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. – Col. Ian R. Clark, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, congratulates the Marine graduates of Expeditionary Warfare School, Command and Staff, and Career Course Seminar on Camp Pendleton May 26, 2016. The College of Distance Education and Training mission is to design, develop, deliver, evaluate, manage, and resource distance learning products and programs across the Marine Corps training and education continuum in order to increase operational readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Tony Simmons/Released)

Staff NCOs have a new Career Course option

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The Marine Corps strives to keep its service members educated and ready to assume leadership roles of greater responsibility. To ensure readiness through good leadership and decision-making skills, mandatory periods of military education are required for every rank.In January, staff sergeants from across

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lieutenant General David Berger, I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, presents SSgt. Kurtis Carpenter, an armorer with 1st Intelligence Battalion, and Louisa, VA. a meritorious promotion certificate on Camp Pendleton, April 4, 2016. Meritorious promotions are a way for the Marine Corps to reward outstanding performance and highlight the dedication and spirit among those who serve within it. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan Boynes/Released) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lieutenant General David Berger, I Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, presents SSgt. Kurtis Carpenter, an armorer with 1st Intelligence Battalion, and Louisa, VA. a meritorious promotion certificate on Camp Pendleton, April 4, 2016. Meritorious promotions are a way for the Marine Corps to reward outstanding performance and highlight the dedication and spirit among those who serve within it. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jonathan Boynes/Released)

I MEF CG, Sgt. Maj. Meritoriously promote new SNCOs

Meritorious promotions are platforms which allow commanders to entrust the most qualified Marines with more responsibility, resulting in a more efficient, well-trained fighting force. “Giving Marines an opportunity to excel results in more Marines excelling,” said Sgt. Maj. David A. Wilson, I MEF Headquarters Group sergeant major. “When there is

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Colonel Willard ‘Willy’ Buhl (left) and Dwight Trafton (right), a retired colonel, stand at attention for the conclusion of Col. Buhl’s retirement ceremony on Feb. 12, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The ceremony was to commemorate Buhl’s 34 years of dedicated service to the United States Marine Corps. Buhl was formerly the director of Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force and is from Los Gatos, Calif. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Colonel Willard ‘Willy’ Buhl (left) and Dwight Trafton (right), a retired colonel, stand at attention for the conclusion of Col. Buhl’s retirement ceremony on Feb. 12, at Camp Pendleton, Calif. The ceremony was to commemorate Buhl’s 34 years of dedicated service to the United States Marine Corps. Buhl was formerly the director of Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force and is from Los Gatos, Calif. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Angel Serna/Released)

Director of EOTG sets down the mantle after 34 years of service

Military personnel, veterans and family members gathered for the retirement ceremony of Col. Willard ‘Willy’ Buhl on Feb. 12 at Camp Pendleton, California. The service commemorated his 34 years of dedicated service to the United States Marine Corps.Buhl’s career and lifelong journey as a Marine was forged from his desire to join the ‘family

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Cpl. Richelle Delapaz, left, guides Kayla Morley through an obstacle course at North Terrace Elementary, March 25, 2016. Approximately 30 Marine volunteers with the Single Marine Program facilitated a series of exercises and competitions including an obstacle course relay race and tug-of-war as part of a Physical Education Fitness Challenge. The challenge encourages children to stay active and helps Marines engage with their local community. Delapaz, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, is a field radio operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. Morley is a second grade student at North Terrace Elementary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel/RELEASED) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Cpl. Richelle Delapaz, left, guides Kayla Morley through an obstacle course at North Terrace Elementary, March 25, 2016. Approximately 30 Marine volunteers with the Single Marine Program facilitated a series of exercises and competitions including an obstacle course relay race and tug-of-war as part of a Physical Education Fitness Challenge. The challenge encourages children to stay active and helps Marines engage with their local community. Delapaz, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, is a field radio operator with 9th Communication Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group. Morley is a second grade student at North Terrace Elementary. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel/RELEASED)

Students face Marine Corps PE Fitness Challenge

The Marine Corps is known as the few and the proud. The ideals of honor, courage, and commitment, which are engrained into every Marine during their initial training, are designed to produce not only excellent war fighters, but quality citizens who lead by example. Approximately 30 Marines from I Marine Expeditionary Force volunteered to facilitate

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Marines coordinate fires for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during an M142 HIMARS live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton March 16, 2016. During the exercise, Marines coordinated fires based on hypothetical combat situations they might encounter while deployed. The HIMARS rounds are aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and can travel to altitudes up to 75 kilometers and can precisely engage targets up to 40 miles away. The Marines are with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines coordinate fires for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System during an M142 HIMARS live fire exercise at Camp Pendleton March 16, 2016. During the exercise, Marines coordinated fires based on hypothetical combat situations they might encounter while deployed. The HIMARS rounds are aided by Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and can travel to altitudes up to 75 kilometers and can precisely engage targets up to 40 miles away. The Marines are with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

5/11 hones long-range capabilities during field exercise

Marines with Battery S, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted an M142 HIMARS live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 16, 2016. “We are here so the battery can become more proficient as a unit in launcher operations as well as operating as a decentralized

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Petty Officer 1st Class Savannah Dukes guides a group discussion during a Coalition of Sailors and Marines Against Destructive Decisions (CSMADD) event at Camp Pendleton, Mar. 16, 2016. CSMADD targets service members between the ages of 18-25 and puts them in a position to influence their peers to make better decisions while also assessing their own ability to make sound, responsible choices. CSMADD was founded by Dukes, the lead petty officer of 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group in January, 2016. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan/RELEASED) - Petty Officer 1st Class Savannah Dukes guides a group discussion during a Coalition of Sailors and Marines Against Destructive Decisions (CSMADD) event at Camp Pendleton, Mar. 16, 2016. CSMADD targets service members between the ages of 18-25 and puts them in a position to influence their peers to make better decisions while also assessing their own ability to make sound, responsible choices. CSMADD was founded by Dukes, the lead petty officer of 1st Medical Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group in January, 2016. (Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan/RELEASED)

Protect What You’ve Earned: Marines and Sailors practice Sound Decision Making

Decision making, on a daily basis, is the foundation of every service member’s professional and personal lives. Some decisions are small, domestic and harmless, while other decisions can directly affect the livelihood of others and have long-term consequences. It is no secret even military service members are capable of making bad decisions and

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A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. - A Marine with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion performs rifle drills during a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group March 17, 2016 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. The shooting package helps to better prepare these Marines for an upcoming deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Recon Marines conduct shooting package to prepare for 11th MEU

Marines stood on-line and performed pistol drills as an instructor yelled the importance of performing weapon fundamentals properly.Marines with Company A, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, conducted a combat marksmanship program led by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, March 17, 2016, at Marine

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Cpl. Brier Avara and Cpl. Marissa Ezinga perform tactical column maneuvers during military operations on urban terrain training at Camp Pendleton March 3, 2016. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion conducted a five-day offensive training evolution in an effort to better integrate military police officers with infantry units. Avara, a native of Monroe, La., and Ezinga, native of Vallejo, are military police officers with Company B, 1st LE Bn., I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles/Released) - Cpl. Brier Avara and Cpl. Marissa Ezinga perform tactical column maneuvers during military operations on urban terrain training at Camp Pendleton March 3, 2016. Marines with 1st Law Enforcement Battalion conducted a five-day offensive training evolution in an effort to better integrate military police officers with infantry units. Avara, a native of Monroe, La., and Ezinga, native of Vallejo, are military police officers with Company B, 1st LE Bn., I Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles/Released)

Military Police Train To Lay Down The Law!

Two Marines held security outside a pink building while a Marine pied his weapon through one of the windows. “Get down on the ground, get down on the ground,” shouted two Marines from inside the structure.Moments later, the security detail signaled to rejoin their team and finish clearing the compound.As they entered the building they shouted,

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I MEF leaders gather for professional dinner

In the midst of flashing lights, ringing bells and sleep-deprived gamblers at Harrah’s Resort in Valley Center, a row of men and women wearing their best formal evening attire walked through the chaos of the casino. The distinguished group escorted their dates, who were dressed to impress, as they made their way to gather for a professional dinner.

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Sgt. Roberto J. Perez, left, is congratulated by Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 16, 2016. The award was presented to Perez by Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, center, for being selected as the I Marine Expeditionary Force noncommissioned officer of the year. The NCO of the year is awarded to a Marine who exemplifies the highest standards of the Marine Corps, both physically and mentally, and has the ability to inspire Marines. Perez is a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Kasal is the sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force. Berger is the commanding general of I MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss) - Sgt. Roberto J. Perez, left, is congratulated by Sgt. Maj. Bradley Kasal after receiving the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 16, 2016. The award was presented to Perez by Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, center, for being selected as the I Marine Expeditionary Force noncommissioned officer of the year. The NCO of the year is awarded to a Marine who exemplifies the highest standards of the Marine Corps, both physically and mentally, and has the ability to inspire Marines. Perez is a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Kasal is the sergeant major of I Marine Expeditionary Force. Berger is the commanding general of I MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss)

I MEF commanding general awards NCO of the year

The Marine Corps is an institution dedicated to duty and encompasses a commitment to excellence. This includes excellence in one’s work, excellence in physical and mental conditioning, and excellence in leadership. One of the foundations of leadership in the Corps rests within the noncommissioned officer, the backbone of the Marine Corps who

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