SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Enthusiasm: it's one of the intangible characteristics that separate Marines
from every other branch of service. Austere conditions, limited resources, and
daunting odds are reduced to nothing more than minor setbacks when put before a
group of Marines.
This is exactly the mindset shared by security force
Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 took to their latest range,
while deployed in Southwest Asia, August, 19, 2015.
"I'm not the type of person
who enjoys shooting in static positions at a fixed yard line," said Sgt.Torrence
Nelson, a platoon guide and weapons instructor with MWSS-371. "I think that it
lacks realism, and Marines lose interest in that. Shooting on the move and
engaging targets from multiple yard lines sparks interest within the Marines
because it forces them to have a more combat oriented mindset. It’s a more
accurate simulation of what they would be doing in an actual combat environment.
Taking all that into consideration, we decided to create this
range."
Training and motivation go hand-in-hand for Nelson, a Las Vegas
native. Without both being present, he doesn't feel as if he is pushing Marines
to their limits.
“I try to apply a certain energy to things that helps to
engage others. Without motivation, a Marine just becomes a body following
orders; with it comes strong bonds that help you to overcome nearly
anything."
Nelson's desire to train and inspire stems from his
understanding of the platoon plays in protecting Marines. He knows their efforts
make others successful. Nelson seeks to inspire them through actions and not
just words.
"Our mission as Security Forces is to protect Marines on our
base," said Nelson. "It really comes down to protecting military assets and
personnel. Standing post for hours every day becomes tedious. It becomes boring.
And, we don't want Marines to lose sight of what they are here for. Marines
perform not because they’re told to, but because they see value in it. That
creates better results 10 times out of 10. "
The platoon’s enthusiasm is
easily mirrored in the security force Marines. Although they were drenched in
sweat and the sweltering heat continued to climb, none of it seemed to hinder
their performance.
"You have to have enthusiasm while out here," said
Lance Cpl. Ethan Johnston, a security force Marine with MWSS 371. "If you don't you
aren't going to sound off and you’re not going to be in the moment. Staying
fully aware of what you are doing is important no matter what. Even if it’s just
training you need to be fully engaged with what you do or you won't be
effective.”
Understanding what inspires people is just as important as
understanding what you are teaching them to accomplish, says Nelson. Once Nelson
discovered the right ingredients for success, he made sure to apply it
everywhere he could.
"It's an overwhelmingly good feeling knowing that we
play such an important role out here," said Nelson. “Knowing that what we do
prepares Marines to save lives, leaves me with a feeling that can't really be
described. At the end of day, I want the Marine out here to leave with
revitalized morale and a sense that what they do is important. We are doing what
needs to be done to protect those back home."