MOS 0321 Reconnaissance Marine
0321 Reconnaissance Marine
FOR HEROIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH COMBAT OPERATIONS AGAINST THE ENEMY WHILE SERVING AS TEAM LEADER, FORCE RECONNAISSANCE COMPANY, II MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, IN SUPPORT OF OPERATION FREEDOM’S SENTINEL IN FARAH PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN, FROM 1 OCTOBER 2018 TO 1 APRIL 2019. DURING A MOUNTED PATROL, SERGEANT TRUESDELL'S ELEMENT CAME UNDER A SUDDEN AND INTENSE ENEMY AMBUSH. WITHOUT REGARD FOR HIS OWN SAFETY, AND UNDER HEAVY SMALL-ARMS FIRE, SERGEANT TRUESDELL RECOGNIZED THAT HIS VEHICLE'S GUNNER WAS UNABLE TO RETURN FIRE. REACTING INSTANTLY, HE PHYSICALLY REMOVED THE INCAPACITATED MARINE FROM THE TURRET, ASSUMED CONTROL OF THE WEAPON, AND DELIVERED ACCURATE AND SUSTAINED SUPPRESSIVE FIRE ON THE ENEMY POSITION. HIS DECISIVE ACTIONS ENABLED HIS TEAM TO BREAK CONTACT, MANEUVER TO COVERED POSITIONS, AND PREVENTED FRIENDLY CASUALTIES. SERGEANT TRUESDELL'S COURAGE, SOUND TACTICAL JUDGMENT, AND DEVOTION TO DUTY UNDER FIRE REFLECT CREDIT UPON HIM AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE MARINE CORPS AND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
0321 Reconnaissance Marine
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT IN THE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES WHILE SERVING AS TEAM LEADER, MARITIME SURVEILLANCE PLATOON, III MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE.
Corporal [LAST NAME] played a pivotal role in training and advising the 4th Marine Brigade of the Philippine Marine Corps, directly enhancing their maritime sensing and surveillance capabilities. He led the installation and configuration of multiple maritime radar servers that provided real-time vessel tracking and data sharing across numerous island installations, significantly improving the brigade's ability to monitor the Luzon Strait and surrounding maritime approaches. His mentorship developed dozens of Filipino Marines into capable operators, creating a sustained capability that will strengthen regional security for years to come.
In coordination with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Corporal [LAST NAME] conducted technical briefs and cross-training events for multiple senior officers and general officers within the maritime section, showcasing U.S. Marine Corps maritime intelligence and sensor integration systems. His ability to translate complex systems into actionable tactics enhanced interoperability and mutual understanding between allied forces.
Corporal [LAST NAME] also worked closely with U.S. Army Electronic Warfare specialists to conduct an experimental assessment of the radar's electromagnetic signature. This joint effort successfully tested the detectability of Maritime Surveillance Platoon's radar systems across the electromagnetic spectrum, providing valuable data that informed future radar employment tactics, improved electromagnetic discipline, and enhanced survivability in a contested spectrum environment. His technical insight and cross-domain coordination strengthened the joint integration of sensing and signature management capabilities across the Indo-Pacific theater.
At the unit level, he trained and mentored over 40 Marines across his company and 3rd Intelligence Battalion during exercises such as Jungle Leaders Course 1-24, Basic Jungle 1-24, Ieshima FEX, Force-on-Force Recon, and Battalion FEX 1 and 2. His instruction transformed junior Marines into technically and tactically proficient operators, raising the standard of excellence across the formation. Through his leadership, Marines within 3rd Intelligence Battalion became recognized for their superior proficiency and combat readiness, directly strengthening the battalion's ability to enhance the Marine Corps' integration of maritime radar, communications technologies, and sensor systems. His efforts played a key role in increasing the battalion's lethality, resilience, and readiness to support operations in both peacetime and combat.
As both Assistant Team Leader and later Fire Team Leader, he created, coordinated, and executed live-fire, jungle warfare, and communications training that significantly increased unit readiness and lethality. He also served as Class Commander for Corporals Course, setting the standard for leadership and professionalism among his peers.
Corporal [LAST NAME]'s participation in joint innovation events, including the MCWL Risk Reduction Event, ALPV event, and collaborations with Tier-1 reconnaissance elements and Army Electronic Warfare specialists, directly advanced the Marine Corps' integration of maritime radar and communications technologies across the Indo-Pacific region. Furthermore, he authored a comprehensive point paper that strengthened the foundation and future evolution of the Littoral Surveillance Platoon, advancing its capabilities in maritime sensing and domain awareness.
Corporal [LAST NAME]'s outstanding leadership, technical acumen, and unwavering commitment to mission success were instrumental in enhancing the operational readiness and reputation of the Maritime Surveillance Platoon. His achievements reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. By his exceptional ability, personal initiative, and total dedication to duty, Corporal [LAST NAME] reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
0321 Operations Chief, Reconnaissance Company
For outstanding meritorious service while serving as Inspector-Instructor Operations Chief, Detachment Hawaii, 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division from July 2017 to July 2020. During this period, Gunnery Sergeant Dare consistently performed his duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. The Marines and Sailors of the Detachment significantly benefitted from his dedication to realistic and effective training, which included 30 live-fire ranges and small arms qualifications, 360 hours of water training, hundreds of parachute jumps and dives, and 11 Company level field exercises. His leadership, devotion, and bias for training and education significantly advanced the operational relevance of 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. In addition, his influence at the Detachment spread throughout the Reconnaissance Community to include the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation and the Reconnaissance Team Leaders Course, and extended to 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, regional, interagency, and joint partners which will continue to have a lasting impact long after his tour. His mentorship, devotion, and ceaseless tenacity to the Reconnaissance Marines, Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsmen, Active Component, and Select Marine Corps Reserve has been the lifeline of the unit. Gunnery Sergeant Dares' tireless efforts to carry out his duties with unfailing good judgment, effectiveness and total dedication to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Throughout his time with Alpha Company and 4th Reconnaissance Battalion, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe has stood as the epicenter of unit operations, embodying a highly respected leadership figure within the battalion family. His unwavering commitment to excellence has consistently positioned him at the forefront of critical training initiatives. Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's influence extends beyond his role as a facilitator of annual training requirements; he is a cornerstone in shaping the ethos of the battalion. His compassionate yet firm leadership style, recognized and lauded on numerous occasions, has fostered a culture of camaraderie, mutual trust, and dedication within the unit. Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's leadership has been a beacon for the past three years, positively impacting Alpha Company and the 4th Reconnaissance Battalion. His ability to inspire and guide, coupled with an in-depth understanding of the operational intricacies, marks him as an exemplary leader and a driving force behind the overall success and cohesion of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion.
Before officially joining the unit, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe proactively engaged in over 96 hours of planning conferences for fiscal year (FY) '21 Annual Training (AT), showcasing not just dedication but an unwavering commitment to excellence. His efforts, marked by meticulous planning and outstanding interpersonal skills, not only cultivated relationships but laid the groundwork for enhanced flexibility in training and logistical support throughout a challenging two-week Mountain Warfare Exercise. Recognizing the evolving nature of modern warfare, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe seamlessly integrated over 48 hours of Group 3 unmanned aerial surveillance drones ' PUMA throughout the exercise, significantly enhancing training realism in a contested high-altitude environment. As the senior Reconnaissance Marine, his astute observations, and evaluations of Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) personnel performance resulted in the refinement of unit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for future operations, particularly in the Reconnaissance Operations Center and battle tracking procedures. The quantitative impact of his leadership is evident in the enhanced capabilities and proficiency of the formation under his guidance.
Gunnery Sergeant Erbe, a recent addition to the unit and independent duty, fearlessly navigated the challenges imposed by global pandemic regulations with exceptional poise and strategic acumen. Tasked with managing a geographically dispersed team of 140 Marines and Sailors from Norther California and Hawaii, he not only demonstrated exceptional coordination skills but elevated them to an art form by enabling cross coordination and execution through virtual and telecommunication means. His orchestration of critical actions spanning Alameda, CA, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii showcased a level of expertise rarely witnessed.
Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's proactive approach extended to overcoming complex logistical challenges, ensuring the seamless execution of the first-ever battalion dive in Hawaii. This showcased not just impactful leadership but a level of commitment to mission success that goes above and beyond expectations. His hands-on involvement directly facilitated 22-unit divers safely conducting over 50 scuba and nearly 100 Mk-25 dives in day and night conditions, setting a solid foundation for the Battalion's continued fiscal year combatant dive training plan across the nation.
Leveraging insights from the prior FY '21 AT, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe didn't just initiate the annual planning cycle; he did so with a strategic brilliance that secured over $80,000 in exercise funds. This not only showcased his mastery of operational planning and execution but positioned Alpha Company to achieve all its goals across four distinct mission essential tasks during FY '22 Annual Training. His exhaustive efforts ensured the successful accomplishment of Battalion training objectives, empowering over 60 Marines and Sailors to actively engage in a joint combined service-level training exercise with Special Operations Forces (SOF). Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's strategic vision and commitment facilitated seamless integration with active-duty counterparts, significantly elevating the unit's capabilities and fostering collaborative effectiveness.
In January 2023, during Inactive Duty Training (IDT), Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's intelligent and meticulous back planning allowed Alpha Company to embark on amphibious training with joint and active-duty integration, showcasing readiness for Exercise UNITAS. Simultaneously managing a full-time Professional Military Education (PME) course, his coordination efforts demonstrated ingenuity in identifying means for success. His thorough preparation established favorable conditions for over 40 Marines and Sailors of Alpha Company, engaging in five days of amphibious training without any mishaps or injuries.
Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's reputation in the battalion and the Reconnaissance community earned him distinction as the Division's representative for the Headquarters Marine Corps Scout Operational Planning Team (OPT). In this vital role, he not only delivered invaluable counsel to the infantry community but played a vital role in developing and refining the new Scout Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), showcasing his strategic vision and impact on the evolution of military capabilities. His extensive efforts in meticulously covering over 300-line items for the readiness standards of the new Scout military occupational specialty highlight not just administrative prowess but the forging of new operational concepts that shape the trajectory of service initiatives. Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's multifaceted contributions showcase not only his deep understanding of reconnaissance and sniper operations but also his proactive role in advancing the capabilities of the entire military community.
In preparation for the FY '23 AT period, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe concurrently planned for two multilateral OCONUS exercises, showcasing a level of strategic foresight rarely seen. For Exercise UNITAS, involving over 15 nations, he conducted three separate in-person planning conferences in Colombia, laying the foundation for training nationwide. Gunnery Sergeant Erbe meticulously developed the scope for every training event, including parachute operations, helicopter rope suspension technique training, tactical combat casualty care, and small arms live fire. Additionally, he coordinated directly with fleet-level logistics planners, ensuring the timely amphibious embarkation of gear and equipment.
Further multitasking, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe collaborated daily with the Battalion S-3 and S-4 of the 23rd Marine Regiment. His careful management of critical logistical aspects reflects his unwavering dedication to optimizing the unit's deployment capabilities and ensuring mission success. Simultaneously, while planning for UNITAS, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe coordinated Exercise SOUTHERN STAR, another bilateral joint exercise in the challenging environments of southern Chile.
Between UNITAS and SOUTHERN STAR, he dedicated nearly three weeks to continuous OCONUS planning while fulfilling his duties as the S-3 for Alpha Company. Gunnery Sergeant Erbe personally managed not only the completion of passports between participants in Alameda and Hawaii but also meticulously tracked the completion of Visas. His leadership in overseeing the logistical coordination exemplifies his dedication to meticulous planning and execution, showcasing the unit's capabilities in challenging scenarios.
In a display of unparalleled expertise and leadership, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe, serving as an Low Line Static Line and Military Freefall jump master in May 2021, demonstrated his mastery of high-risk supervisory skills and requalified jumpers. This accomplishment translates to numerous jumps executed with precision and finesse, regardless of the challenges posed by day and nighttime conditions. Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's commitment to excellence in airborne operations showcases his prowess and underscores his pivotal role in ensuring the continued proficiency and readiness of 4th Reconnaissance Battalion members under any circumstances.
Gunnery Sergeant Erbe's dedication to the unit's mission has solidified his position as a respected figure, making him an indispensable asset to the battalion's operational prowess and readiness. In a sea of exceptional leaders, Gunnery Sergeant Erbe stands above, a beacon of excellence in every facet of his service.