Boot Camp In January of 1995, Rob entered basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was a member of Platoon 2072, Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. His Senior Drill Instructor was Sergeant Taylor who later became a close friend of Rob’s and attended his wedding in 1997 and commissioning in 2001. First Assignment After graduation, he then went to Camp Geiger, North Carolina, where he attended the School of Infantry and became a basic Infantryman. Camp Lejeune – The First Time Following entry-level training, Rob was assigned to 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, 2D Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He served under some very influential leaders to include his first platoon commander, 1stLt J.W. Jones. It was Lt Jones that first recognized Rob’s leadership potential and urged him to become a Marine Corps officer.
First Float – Mediterranean and Bosnia In 1996, Rob deployed with Battalion Landing Team 2/8 to the Mediterranean as an element of 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). During this deployment, Rob took part in Operation Decisive Endeavor, which was part of the overall NATO Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia. Rob trained in numerous countries during this deployment and was also assigned duties aboard the USS Saipan, where he worked hand-in-hand with personnel from both the Marines and the Navy. Lots of Training Upon returning to the United States, Rob attended numerous Marine Corps infantry schools, including the Marine Corps Close Combat Instructor Trainer’s Course where he learned hand-to-hand fighting under the tutelage of the world-renowned Master Sergeant Ronald Donvito. Rob also attended the Infantry Squad Leaders School at Camp Geiger, NC in late 1997 where he placed 2nd overall in his class. Back to School In 1998, Rob applied for and was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program. Under this program, Rob could attend any school that had a NROTC Program. Rob decided to come back home to attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia, where he majored in Criminal Justice. During his time with the USC NROTC, Rob held numerous positions, including Battalion Planning Officer and Battalion Commander. In 2001, Rob graduated with his B.A. and received his commission as a second lieutenant. More Boot Camp After receiving his commission, Rob reported to The Basic School, where Marine Corps officers train to become basic rifle platoon commanders. Upon graduating, Rob reported to the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, Virginia, where he received the prestigious Major General Edwin B. Wheeler Award, symbolic of infantry excellence, which recognizes the outstanding graduate of each Infantry Officers Course.
Camp Lejeune – The Second Time Following entry-level officer training, Rob was assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 8th Marines, 2D Marine Division at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina and was assigned as an Infantry Rifle Platoon Commander for 1st Platoon. At 1st Battalion 8th Marines, Rob held the positions of Infantry Platoon Commander, Weapons Platoon Commander, and Fire Support Team Leader for Charlie Company, 1/8. |
Iraq – The First Time, and Liberia In 2003, Rob deployed aboard the USS Iwo Jima with Battalion Landing Team 1/8 to the Mediterranean as an element of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable). During this deployment, Rob’s battalion took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Mosul, Iraq and Operation Sheltering Sky in Liberia. Iraq – The Second Time Upon return and refit in the United States, Rob then deployed with Battalion Combat Team 1/8 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II in Haditha, Iraq. During this deployment, Rob’s company took part in Operation Phantom Fury in Al Fallujah, Iraq. The account of Rob’s battalion in Al Fallujah is documented in the book Fallujah with Honor: First Battalion, Eighth Marine's Role in Operation Phantom Fury, by Gary Livingston (2006). Back to where it all began In 2005, Rob reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina as a Series Commander for Charlie Company, First Recruit Training Battalion. Promoted to Captain in October of 2005, Rob assumed command of Company A, First Recruit Training Battalion in 2006. In 2006, Rob enrolled in the Norwich University School of Graduate Studies online program and will receive his Masters of Justice Administration in June of 2008. In 2007, Rob was assigned as the Headquarters Company Commander and Operations Officer for First Recruit Training Battalion. Marine Corps Ball and the Moment of Truth During the Marine Corps Ball in 2007, Rob had what he refers to as a ‘Moment of Clarity’, or ‘Moment of Truth.’ It was this moment that was the final push for Rob to decide he must leave the Marine Corps and begin a career in politics in order to protect the rights of veterans and represent the 2nd Congressional District of South Carolina.
The Basics Rob attended numerous schools throughout his Marine Corps Career including, but not limited to: Marine Corps Close Combat Instructors Course (1995); 2nd Special Operations Training Group Scout Skier Package (1996); Corporals Leadership Course (1996); Marine Corps Close Combat Instructor Trainer Course (1997); Infantry Squad Leaders Course (1997); Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP) Course (2002); and Expeditionary Warfare School Seminar (2006) while at Parris Island. Through years of study and dedication, Rob qualified for Tan, Grey, and finally Green belt in the Marine Corps Marital Arts Program in 2003. The Awards Rob’s decorations include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device (‘V’ for Valor) for operations in Al Fallujah, Iraq; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for leadership during cold weather training in Bridgeport, California; the Combat Action Ribbon for operations in Iraq; the Navy Unit Commendation for operations in Mosul and Al Fallujah, Iraq; the Good Conduct Medal (X2); National Defense Medal (X2); the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Armed Forces Service Medal; the Humanitarian Service Medal for Operation Sheltering Sky in Liberia; the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (X3); the Marine Corps Drill Instructor Ribbon; and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal. Rob is also a Marine Corps rifle (X5) and pistol expert (X2). |
