MOS 17 Cyberspace Operations
1702 Target Acquisition Officer
MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT WHILE SERVING AS TARGET ACQUISITION OFFICER, COMBAT MISSION TEAM TWO, MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE WARFARE GROUP, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBERSPACE COMMAND FROM JULY 2021 TO JUNE 2023. CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER TWO MICHAEL TUMLINSON'S MASTERY OF THE JOINT TARGETING PROCESS DIRECTLY FACILITATED THE APPROVAL OF TWO NON-KINETIC MISSION PACKAGES, TWO TIME CRITICAL MODIFICATIONS TO THOSE MISSION PACKAGES, ONE VALIDATED TARGET, AND ONE OPERATIONAL MISSION PROFILE FOR UNITED STATES CYBER COMMAND. HIS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE AND STREAMLINE THE COMPONENT COMMAND'S BOARDS AND BUREAUS PROCESS IMMEDIATELY IMPACTED THE JOINT TASK FORCE, LEADING TO EFFICIENCIES IN PRODUCING STRATEGIC, DIGITAL DETERRENCE SOLUTIONS IN AN ERA OF COMPETITION. HIS AGGRESSIVE COMBAT MINDSET INCREASED THE LETHALITY OF TWO COMBATANT COMMANDS AND EXEMPLIFIES WHAT THE NATION REQUIRES OF MARINES. CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER TWO TUMLINSON'S SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES CULMINATED HIS 21 YEARS OF HONORABLE AND DEDICATED MILITARY SERVICE. BY HIS PERSEVERANCE, SUPERB GUIDANCE, AND UNWAVERING DEDICATION TO DUTY, CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER TUMLINSON REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
1707 OIC, MISO
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT WHILE SERVING AS OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF EXPEDITIONARY MILITARY INFORMATION SUPPORT OPERATIONS (MISO) DETACHMENT TWO, MARINE CORPS INFORMATION OPERATIONS CENTER, MARINE CORPS BASE, QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, FROM JUNE 2012 TO JUNE 2013. CAPTAIN TUTTLE DISPLAYED INVALUABLE SKILL, LEADERSHIP, AND TECHNICAL EXPERTISE AND IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MISO COMPANY'S CURRENT HIGH LEVEL OF OPERATIONAL READINESS. HE OPERATIONALIZED MARINE MISO BY PROVIDING THE CAPABILITY TO BOTH THE 22D AND 26TH MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNITS, ONE MARINE FORCES CENTRAL COMMAND FORWARD EXERCISE, II MEF'S MISSION REHEARSAL EXERCISE, AND EXERCISE BOLD ALLIGATOR. MOST IMPORTANTLY, HE DEVELOPED GROUNDBREAKING, BEHAVIORALLY FOCUSED MARINE CORPS MISO DOCTRINE THROUGH PERSONALLY REWRITING MARINE CORPS WARFIGHTING PUBLICATION 3-40.6. FURTHERMORE, HIS SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIORAL CHANGE, DECISION-MAKING, AND INFLUENCE IN SUPPORT OF GENERAL PURPOSE FORCES IS A FIRST FOR THE MARINE CORPS. CAPTAIN TUTTLE'S LEADERSHIP, INITIATIVE, AND SELFLESS DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
1721 Cyberspace Warfare Operator
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES WHILE SERVING AS A CYBERSPACE WARFARE OPERATOR, DEFENSIVE CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS DIVISION, MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE OPERATIONS GROUP FROM APRIL 2023 TO MARCH 2026. DURING THIS PERIOD, SERGEANT BUCKINGHAM MANAGED, SCOPED, TRIAGED, AND CLOSED 285 INVESTIGATIONS FOR CYBER INCIDENTS AND CYBER EVENTS. ADDITIONALLY, SERGEANT BUCKINGHAM EXECUTED OVER ONE HUNDRED CYBER INVESTIGATION SHIFTS RANGING FROM TWELVE TO SIXTEEN HOURS EACH, IN SUPPORT OF TWO MAJOR NAMED OPERATIONS FOR MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBERSPACE COMMAND. DURING THESE OPERATIONS, SERGEANT BUCKINGHAM LED HIS TEAM TO SCOPE, DOCUMENT, REMEDIATE, AND REPORT CYBER ACTIVITY ACROSS THE MARINE CORPS ENTERPRISE NETWORK AND THE FLEET MARINE FORCE TACTICAL GRID. FINALLY, UNDER SERGEANT BUCKINGHAM'S EXPERT GUIDANCE, HE ASSISTED A NEWLY FORMED HUNT TEAM IN EXECUTING A MAJOR NAMED HUNT OPERATION FROM THE GROUND UP. SERGEANT BUCKINGHAM'S DETERMINATION, INITIATIVE, AND TOTAL DEDICATION TO DUTY, REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Operations Chief
Master Sergeant Christopher D. McClain distinguished himself through exceptionally meritorious service while serving as Operations Chief, Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group (MCCOG), United States Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command (MARFORCYBER), from June 2024 to December 2025. Serving at the convergence of strategic planning and operational execution, he was instrumental in enhancing the readiness, security, and operational effectiveness of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN), directly advancing the command's global cyberspace mission.
Demonstrating superior strategic vision, Master Sergeant McClain identified critical inefficiencies in training and talent management and spearheaded the comprehensive redesign of the training and progression pipeline for newly assigned Marines within the Operations Directorate (S-3) and the MCEN Enterprise Operations Division (MEOD). His efforts established a streamlined framework that prioritized mission-critical staffing requirements while providing a clearly defined development pathway for junior Marines. This initiative significantly improved personnel readiness, optimized talent alignment, and fostered a culture of sustained professional growth across the command. Additionally, he led the overhaul of the command's Physical Training program, standardizing execution and reinforcing combat readiness throughout MCCOG.
A proven crisis manager and operational leader, Master Sergeant McClain played a pivotal role in the planning, coordination, and execution of the MCCOG Continuity of Operations (COOP) 2024 relocation exercise to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, ensuring uninterrupted global operations with zero mission degradation. As Operations Chief, his influence extended across five separate commands, spanning ten geographic locations and impacting approximately 800 personnel. This complex effort required exceptional coordination, logistical precision, and a deep understanding of information technology and communications infrastructure. His ability to translate complex technical requirements into executable operational plans ensured a seamless and efficient transition. These efforts represented not only logistical success, but a strategic advancement that enhanced organizational agility, effectiveness, and long-term operational readiness.
He further provided critical senior enlisted leadership during the response to more than 27 Category One cyberspace incidents, directly contributing to the protection and resilience of the MCEN. His expertise enabled the successful execution of the COOP 2025 Tabletop Exercise (TTX) and the enterprise-wide Unified Communications Modernization effort, consistently delivering results across complex, high-visibility initiatives. His ability to anticipate challenges, synchronize operations, and align resources across a distributed enterprise proved essential to mission success.
As Group Operations Chief, Master Sergeant McClain expertly synchronized the efforts of subordinate battalion operations chiefs, effectively translating commander's intent into coordinated action across the enterprise. His leadership reduced operational friction, enhanced cross-organizational collaboration, and ensured mission success in a dynamic and demanding environment. His investment in the future of the Corps was evident in his deliberate mentorship of junior Marines and Staff Noncommissioned Officers, empowering them through balanced guidance and accountability while cultivating the next generation of cyberspace leaders.
Master Sergeant McClain's exceptional professionalism, decisive leadership, and unwavering devotion to duty resulted in significant and lasting contributions to MCCOG, MARFORCYBER, and the Marine Corps. Master Sergeant McClain's superior performance of duties culminated 23 years of honorable and dedicated military service. By his exceptional professionalism, dynamic direction, and loyal dedication to duty, Master Sergeant McClain reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Citation:
Outstanding meritorious service while serving as Operations Chief, for the Operations Directorate, Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Group from June 2024 to December 2025. Master Sergeant McClain's decisive leadership and operational foresight were instrumental in enhancing the readiness, security, and institutional effectiveness of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network. As a key architect in the comprehensive redesign of the command's training and progression pipeline, he established a new framework that significantly improved personnel readiness and optimized talent alignment across the enterprise. A proven crisis manager, he played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the full-scale Continuity of Operations 2024 relocation exercise, flawlessly synchronizing the efforts of five commands and 800 personnel across ten geographic locations to ensure zero degradation to global operations. He further provided critical senior enlisted leadership during the response to more than 27 Category One cyberspace incidents, safeguarding the network against emergent threats. As the Group Operations Chief, he expertly synchronized all subordinate battalion operations chiefs, effectively translating commander's intent into unified action and ensuring mission success in a highly dynamic environment. Master Sergeant McClain's superior performance of duties culminated 23 years of honorable and dedicated military service. By his exceptional professionalism, dynamic direction, and loyal dedication to duty, Master Sergeant McClain reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Cyberspace Capability Developer (1721)
GySgt Fukasawa has served as a Cyberspace Capability Developer (CCD), development team leader, and played an integral support role to the DOG's HQ element over his tenure at MFCC. As a CCD GySgt Fukasawa has personally provided invaluable contributions to many of the highest equity Software Derived Cyberspace Capabilities (SDCC) being developed within MFCC for operational use against our nations adversaries. Furthermore, during his time commanding one of the DOG's development teams GySgt Fukasawa fundamentally shifted his team's development model to be more lean, agile, and efficient by successfully implementing a SPRINT focused development methodology allowing for more timely feature delivery. GySgt Fukasawa achieved all of this while simultaneously providing frequent and productive contributions to his higher headquarters regularly stepping up to fill multiple roles from data transfer agent to network system administrator IOT improve the efficiency of software delivery to the customer.
Defensive Cyberspace Operator
Defensive Cyberspace Operator, National Cyber Protection Team 81, Marine Corps Cyber Operations Battalion, Marine Corps Cyber Warfare Group from October 2020 to November 2024. During this period, staff sergeant mace's exceptional knowledge significantly contributed to the success of 4 named operations with international partners by developing new operational processes and procedures. He ensured the highest state of mission readiness by accounting for and maintaining over $2,000,000 worth of mission essential equipment. His expertise was crucial to the procurement of $45,000,000 in funding for enhancing mission capabilities across Cyber National Mission Force when he briefed a congressional subcommittee on cybersecurity. Staff Sergeant mace also headed a working group of over 20 marines and civilians to analyze tactical and strategic cyber threat intelligence, authoring an information letter to headquarters marine corps, which was in turn published in the marine corps gazette.
Interactive On-Net Operator
MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS INTERACTIVE ON-NET OPERATOR, COMBAT NATIONAL MISSION TEAM ONE, MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE WARFARE GROUP, MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBER COMMAND DURING AN ENDURING CAMPAIGN AGAINST A CYBER ADVERSARY. GUNNERY SERGEANT TAYLOR HALPIN IDENTIFIED AN ACCESS VECTOR, COORDINATED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN INITIAL TACTIC, TECHHNIQUE AND PROCEDURE, AND THEN ENABLED THE FURTHER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THREE UNIQUE AND COMPLEX TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES WHICH ENABLED MISSION SUCCESS. THESE TACTICS, TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES WERE THE CRITICAL ELEMENT THAT ENABLED THE CYBER NATIONAL MISSION FORCE TO SUCCEED IN THEIR LARGEST CYBER EFFFECTS OPERATION TO DATE. HIS EXPERTISE, TRADECRAFT, AND OVERALL COMMITMENT TO MISSION ACCOMPLISHMENT PROVED TO BE THE DECIDING FACTOR IN A LAYERED CAMPAIGN AGAINST AN EDURING TARGET. BY HIS OVERT DRIVE, CONSISTENT EFFORT, AND SELFLESS DEDICATION TO DUTY, GUNNERY SERGEANT HALPIN REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND UPHELD THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
Lead Range Engineer
Serving as Lead Range Engineer for Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion during the period of October 2022 to July 2023, Mr. Smith designed, developed, and deployed countless ranges in support of (ISO) development efforts for two Cyber Mission Force (CMF) Job Qualification Records (JQR). His complete dedication to duty during this time was instrumental in enabling expeditious delivery of content and range infrastructure that would become the readiness standard for battalion work role qualifications. Mr. Smith's unquestionable expertise in Defensive Cyberspace Operations (DCO) work roles facilitated communication between servicemembers and contractors alike and further enabled the accuracy and relevance of the range environments being developed.
Cyber Threat Analyst
CYBER THREAT ANALYST, CYBER PROTECTION TEAM EIGHT, MARINE CORPS CYBERSPACE WARFARE GROUP, UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS FORCES CYBER COMMAND, FROM OCTOBER TO NOVEMBER 2019. SERGEANT CASEY LED A TEAM OF MARINES AND CIVILIANS THAT WAS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CREATION, MODIFICATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF THE BOSS OF THE SECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER FRAMEWORK THAT FACILITATED THE SUCCESSFUL BASELINE TRAINING OF FIVE SEPARATE KNOWLEDGE DOMAINS. HE LED HIS TEAM DURING 167 MAN HOURS, RESULTING IN THE SUCCESSFUL EXECUTION OF FOUR ASSESSMENTS OVER A FOUR WEEK PERIOD. SERGEANT CASEY PUT IN ADDITIONAL HOURS TO SUPPORT THE TEAMS DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPLOYABLE MISSION SUPPORT SYSTEM 3.0 WALKTHROUGH AND TEAM KIT DEPLOYMENT GUIDE. THE TRAINING HE CREATED AND THE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE HE PROVIDED WILL INFLUENCE ALL FUTURE MISSIONS AND PREPARE THE TEAM FOR FUTURE MISSION SUCCESS. SERGEANT CASEY'S CONTINUOUS DRIVE, AGGRESSIVE TENACITY, AND UNIQUE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, REFLECTED CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
1799 Cyber Warfare Chief
MERITORIOUS SERVICE WHILE SERVING AS CYBER WARFARE CHIEF, COMPANY A , 1ST RADIO BATTALION, I MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE INFORMATION GROUP, FROM SEPTEMBER 2023 TO JUNE 2025. GUNNERY SERGEANT WEYLER DEVELOPED A FOUR MONTH TRAINING PIPELINE TO PREPARE CYBERSPACE OPERATORS FOR LIMITED EXPEDITIONARY CYBER OPERATIONS, SUPPORTING FLEET AND COMPONENT COMMANDERS. THE PIPELINE FOCUSED ON SKILLS SUCH AS 802.11 COLLECTION, EXPLOITATION, AND MODE 6, ENHANCING THE ENTIRE FORCE'S READINESS. GUNNERY SERGEANT WEYLER COLLABORATED WITH THE TITLE 10 ON-NET OPERATORS COURSE TO ADDRESS SHORTFALLS AND TRAINED MARINES IN CRITICAL CYBER MISSIONS INCLUDING NETWORK SURVEYING AND GEOLOCATION. HIS EFFORTS IN INTEGRATING CYBERSPACE CAPABILITIES INTO SIGNALS INTELLLIGENCE OPERATIONS FURTHER IMPROVED TRAINING AND CURRICULUM THAT AIDED RADIO PLATOON SUPPORT TO PRIORITY INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS. HIS LEADERSHIP POSITIONED THE CYBER WARFARE PLATOON AS A KEY ASSET FOR FLEET MARINE FORCE OPERATIONS, DRIVING MISSION SUCCESS AND PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. GUNNERY SERGEANT WEYLER'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, PERSEVERANCE, AND DEDICATION TO DUTY REFLECTED CREDIT ON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
1799 Cyber Security Chief
Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt) Michael S. Brester is enthusiastically recommended for the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement in the superior performance of his duties while serving as Cyber Security Chief, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), Cyber Security Section, Executive Branch, G-6, Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCIPAC), Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. His performance and efforts are highlighted as follows:
As the MCIPAC Cyber Security Chief, GySgt Brester created and implemented the Cyber Security Workforce (CSWF) Program for MCIPAC by developing and memorializing the policies and procedures in accordance and compliance with higher level policies. He described the mandates and requirements and created the implementation plan that was essential for its implementation to meet Command Cyber Readiness Inspections (CCRI) requirements.
GySgt Brester created and integrated multiple Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and desktop procedures for the MCIPAC Cyber Security Section including those used for Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) executed within the Western Pacific Region. These cyber security products proved to be critical when a high impact spillage occurred affecting multiple MCIPAC VIPs which destroyed their capability to operate on the MCEN. GySgt Brester acted without hesitation, executed his procedures and swiftly contained the spillage preventing further damage. GySgt Brester coordinated all response actions, performed reporting requirements and communicated with all involved stakeholders which led to the swift cleanup and resumption of services for the affected VIPs.
GySgt Brester is a superior leader who has proven to have both technically and tactically proficiency in all matters of cyber security. He acts with initiative and ingenuity without the need for guidance. He has displayed exceptional leadership and proficiency in all aspects of the duties as the Cyber Security Chief. His exhibition of motivation, professionalism, dedication to duty merits the special recognition of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.