1834 ACV Crewmember

Sergeant Harper served as assistant Section Leader, 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, 1st Marine Division

Sergeant Harper lead company wide SL-3 accountability of 18 Amphibious Combat Vehicles (ACV) worth more than 120 million dollars and provided over 600 hours of hands-on maintenance that included replacing 16 shocks, 24 half-shaft/CV bearings, and repairing 3 gearboxes, directly increasing vehicle readiness across three platoons.

Sergeant Harper served as a vehicle commander and vehicle crew evaluator, qualifying 15 marines for General Skills Training (GST) qualification for upcoming gunnery ranges. He led 35 hours of continuous day/night operations with 18 vehicles while training, evaluating, and certifying ACV crews, reducing reliance on external evaluators while improving platoon-level lethality.

As an ACV commander with 3d Assault Amphibian Battalion, Sergeant Harper performed above his grade, mentoring junior marines and achieving a distinguished Table VI gunnery score, two major land driving operations, amphibious certification, and the highest ramp inspection score during the battalion commander's inspection.

Sergeant Harper supported large-scale exercises including MWX, ITX, and Steel Knight, executing over 300 MK-19 rounds, over 500 .50 cal rounds, and sustaining three continuous days of high-tempo operations, sustaining vehicle readiness throughout the operation.

During shipboard and cargo operations aboard four naval vessels, Sergeant Harper supervised 15 marines, trained 14 sailors, coordinated the movement of seven tactical vehicles, valued at more than 21 million dollars, executed seven waterborne splashes, and led 350 operational hours, culminating in a meritorious promotion to corporal by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.