I wasn't drafted. Nobody forced me. I chose the infantry.

In fact, before I ever walked into a Marine Corps recruiter's office, I already knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to become a Marine, and I wanted the infantry.

I remember seeing the recruiting posters and commercials.

Those messages resonated with me. They weren't selling comfort. They weren't selling an easy path. They were selling challenge, adventure, service, and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Well, the Marines found me. And I found the Marines.

I knew there was risk involved. You don't join the Marine Corps expecting life to be safe. Every Marine accepts risk in service to our country. Every MOS contributes to the mission. Every rank carries responsibility. I remain grateful for all the Marines I served alongside, regardless of MOS or rank.

The infantry was simply the path I wanted to take.

What I Was Looking For

I wasn't looking for comfort. I was looking for challenge.

• —I wanted to shoot.
• —I wanted to run.
• —I wanted to hump heavy gear.
• —I wanted to come out of the back of helicopters.
• —I wanted to become proficient with weapons systems, including a grenade launcher or two.
• —I wanted to travel the world.
• —I wanted to test myself.
• —Most of all, I wanted the most physically demanding job I could find.

The Marine Corps delivered.

My Career as an 0311

I remained an 0311 Infantry Rifleman throughout my Marine Corps career. Along the way, I served in several billets.

• —I carried the M249 as a SAW Gunner.
• —I served as a Fire Team Leader.
• —I served as an Infantry Squad Leader.
• —I had the privilege of being led by Marines.
• —I had the responsibility of leading Marines.
• —I had the opportunity to lead Marines in combat.

What the Corps Taught Me

Looking back, those experiences shaped the rest of my life.

• —The Marine Corps taught me discipline.
• —It taught me accountability.
• —It taught me teamwork.
• —It taught me that standards matter.
• —It taught me that excuses do not accomplish missions.
• —It taught me that leadership is a responsibility.
• —It taught me that difficult things are often worth doing.
• —Most importantly, it taught me what it means to be a Marine.

Years later, when I founded Two Marines Moving, I realized I was still applying many of the same lessons.

Would I Do It Again?

People occasionally ask me if I would do it all over again. The answer is simple.

Absolutely.

I wasn't drafted. Nobody forced me. I chose the infantry. I wanted challenge. I wanted adventure. I wanted to test myself. I wanted the toughest job I could find.

I became a Marine. I served as an 0311 Infantry Rifleman. I got to travel the world. I got to serve my country. I got to serve alongside outstanding Marines. I got to be led by Marines. I got to lead Marines. I got to experience things that most people will never experience.