U.S. ARMY GARRISON YONGSAN -- “Fair Winds and Following Seas” - MARFORK sends off training chief for MECEP
U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea said “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to its outgoing training chief, Sgt. Justin K. McBeth, who departed after Marine Corps Recruiting Command selected him for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program.
MARFORK awarded McBeth the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for his selfless contributions to MARFORK here, April 12. McBeth departed for Rutgers University and currently seeks to become an intelligence officer or staff judge advocate.
“He has gone above and beyond the expectations set for him; setting the example,” said Master Sgt. Justin M. Harding, MARFORK G3, assistant operations chief. “He has many good qualities that have made him such a great asset here at MARFORK.”
While at MARFORK, McBeth applied to become a commissioned officer through MECEP (details below).
“I want to have an opportunity to influence Marine Corps doctrine to further incorporate troop welfare,” said McBeth. “I chose the program because I didn’t have any college credits prior to my desire to become an officer. Now I have a chance to go to school full time as a student without taking a pause in my career.”
Harding added that MARFORK recognized McBeth on multiple occasions due to his team-first mentality and dynamism, which enabled him to succeed in billets such as platoon sergeant, training chief, and rear area operations non-commissioned officer. His ability to effectively juggle several billets directly contributed to MARFORK achieving its objectives.
McBeth attributes his success to his mentors Harding and Master Sgt. Rene G. Navarro, MARFORK G3, operations chief, who impacted him the most at the unit. McBeth added he used the tools they gave him to help the Marines around him within the unit.
“Take care of those around you; subordinates, peers, and leaders,” said McBeth. “Remember those you live around today are your family, and for some of them, this may be the only family they have. Also, take on responsibility and empower those around you to do the same.”
MECEP
MECEP is an enlisted to officer commissioning program designed to provide enlisted Marines the opportunity to serve as Marine Corps officers. MECEP is open to all active duty and active reserve Marines who meet the eligibility requirements.
A competitive program, MECEP selection rates for applicants has varied between 50 – 70 percent in recent years. Eligibility requirements include a minimum PFT score of 220; however, the average score of Marines who are selected usually hovers around 280. Additionally, Marines must achieve a score of 74 on their Armed Forces Qualification Test, or a qualifying score on their Scholastic Assessment Test or American College Test, commonly known as the SAT and ACT.
Interested applicants should go to http://www.mcrc.marines.mil/Marine-Officer/Officer-Naval-Enlisted-Applicants/ for more information.