My Marine Monday (on Tuesday)

Had to wait until today so that we could have the latest update.

This morning he graduated from MCT - Military Combat Training.  As I mentioned once before, every Marine is a rifleman first.  Regardless if they are Infantry, so they are all trained for combat.

Last night he received his next set of orders which is:

To report to his MOS school of training in Ft Lee Virginia.  His MOS (Military Occupation Specialty) is"
2111 - Small Arms Technician.
Job Description: Small arms repairer/technician in the grade of Private through Lance Corporal, under supervision, performs basic duties incident to inspection, maintenance, and repair of all small arms, less vehicular mounted weapons. The small arms repairer/technician also completes basic shop administrative forms and records utilizing technical manuals. At the Corporal through Gunnery Sergeant level the small arms repairer/technician performs, trains, and supervises various duties incident to inspection, maintenance, and repair of all small arms, to include vehicular mounted small arms. The small arms repairer/technician also prepares, maintains, and supervises a shop maintenance and management program and coordinates maintenance and repair of small arms according to grade. text taken from here

Basically, he is the fix-it guy.  Makes sure that all weaponry is sound and ready for use.  It is a deployable MOS.  Generally, this guy is assigned to a battalion and then deploys with that battalion to keep their weaponry in working order.

Weapon techs give coalition forces tactical advantages in southern Afghanistan
1/22/2011 By Cpl. Daniel H. Woodall, 1st Marine Logistics Group (FWD)
CAMP DWYER, Afghanistan — Since October, approximately 15 ordnance Marines with Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward) have repaired and returned more than 500 weapon systems to coalition units operating in Afghanistan’s Helmand province.
In Afghanistan, coalition personnel face an unforgiving terrain that can damage their equipment. The primary function of CLB-3’s ordnance Marines is to support infantry and artillery units operating in Helmand province by repairing weapon systems that cannot be fixed at the organizational level and returning them in a timely manner.
Weapons systems deemed “irreparable” at the unit level are sent to Camp Dwyer for higher level repairs from the ordnance Marines from CLB-3, said Staff Sgt. James T. Allbright, 32, staff noncommissioned officer in charge, Armory, Support Company, CLB-3, 1st MLG (FWD). These weapons include the M32 A1 grenade launcher, M2 .50-caliber machine gun, M16 A4 and M4 rifles, as well as various optical systems.
“We have to keep the guns up and running for the Marines in the fight,” said Allbright, a native of Whitesboro, N.Y. “In order for the Marines to accomplish their mission, they have to have an operable weapon in their hands – that’s why we’re here.”
At times, CLB-3’s Support Company will send weapon technicians to units in forward areas as a “contact team” in order to expedite the process of repairing tactical equipment, said Sgt. Laura Townley, 26, small-arms repair technician, Support Company, CLB-3, 1st MLG (FWD).
“It’s rewarding to be able to work with other units operating in the area,” said Townley, a native of Clay, W.Va. “It gives a more ‘in depth’ look into parts of [the operating forces] that you may not usually see.”
Whether the repairs are made onsite with the unit or aboard Camp Dwyer, one thing is certain: the job of the ordnance Marines remains imperative to keep their brothers on the front line equipped and ready.
“The efforts of our welders, machinists and [weapons technicians] keep the weapons and optics serviceable and properly maintained – this is extremely important here,” said Townley.
Helmand province. , Cpl. Daniel H. Woodall, 1/9/2011 7:00 PM
*info taken from here*


The skills learned in this occupational service can open many doors for him after his stint with the USMC as well, so it's a good MOS to be working.

Unfortunately we couldn't make it down for graduation, but his darling girlfriend did and sent a few pics our way.

His best boys from boot camp, from the very beginning - Napier and Crangle

self portrait over the weekend

At lunch - still in his fatigues,  Looking good, the pair of them

So off to VA he goes.  He is excited - never been there before.  Excited to learn and move into the next phase.  Excited to start moving head.

And again, as always, we are so proud of him!

Semper Fi