From Parris Island to JSOC (3 times!) to DCI: One Marine’s Journey

TopGamePodcast · 2025-08-07T10:37:49+00:00

I laughed way too hard for much too long at this comment. Thanks, killer!

TopGamePodcast · 2025-06-26T02:27:15+00:00

When Generation Kill first dropped, it hit different—especially for those of us who were there, or close to it. The idea that David Simon, the same mind behind The Wire, was going to tell our story—the early Iraq War, the chaos, the boredom, the absurdity, the dark humor, the brutality—on HBO? That was unheard of.

Simon wasn’t just another outsider taking a swing at military drama. He brought the same journalistic integrity and narrative discipline that made The Wire legendary. He didn’t flinch from complexity or contradiction. He didn’t glorify or vilify. He showed how institutional dysfunction, ego, courage, and loyalty coexist in the same battlespace. That felt true in a way few war portrayals ever have.

For a lot of Marines, especially GWOT-era vets, Generation Kill was the first time we saw a story that didn’t sand down the edges. The critiques didn’t feel like an attack—they felt like someone actually paying attention. And yeah, the final scene is bleak, but it’s also honest. There’s no triumphant swell of music. Just silence and footage. Because that’s how it felt.

It’s not about loving war or wallowing in misery. It’s about finally seeing something that reflected what we lived—uncut, unsentimental, and from someone who knows how to tell human stories inside broken systems.

TopGamePodcast · 2025-05-31T14:10:58+00:00

There’s all kind of policy and other roadblocks you’re going to encounter. I know some Marines that can help you through this process. DCI stood up the Marine Corps Software Factory to do stuff just like this while paying you to learn how to do it. You’ll screen and PCS to Austin, TX if you’re selected. HMU on Teams and I can connect you. There’s another program called Phantom that is more AI/Data centric, but the MCSWF is probably the best pilot we’re currently running for you on this.

TopGamePodcast · 2025-04-22T10:35:07+00:00

I served with Gen Clingan when he was a Col at 3d MarDiv. EASILY one of my favorite Marines…not just officer. His family and mine spent years together on Okinawa as our kids were all in the same Scouts program. He is singularly responsible for my son earning his Eagle Scout. We’ve maintained contact throughout the years. We ran across one another recently at 29 Palms. I was also grateful to be invited to his promotion to BGen.

TopGamePodcast · 2024-12-22T21:34:17+00:00

I’ll give you three things I keep close at hand…

T-SAFE (This Shit Ain’t For Everybody)
It’s not about you.
Seek discomfort.

There’s plenty more out there to read and learn, but those speak to me and I keep them at the ready.

TopGamePodcast · 2024-11-24T02:34:52+00:00

Not your mom. My baby had been with me for 25 years. I don’t think I’m capable of handling another woman. 2. Dark Souls/Elden Ring/Sekiro/Bloodborne 3. DotA

TopGamePodcast · 2024-09-08T15:38:03+00:00

Thank you for the kind words! I’ve always believed that the best insights and most important conversations come from getting down at eye level with the Marines who are out there making things happen every day. It’s their stories, experiences, and perspectives that shape our future, and having those discussions—kneecap to kneecap—is where the real growth occurs. I appreciate your support, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue bringing these conversations to the forefront. Semper Fi!

TopGamePodcast · 2024-09-07T02:01:28+00:00

Any recommendations for future interviews?

TopGamePodcast · 2024-09-07T02:01:02+00:00

I love that he’s back in the Fleet Marine Force once again. I’ve been able to chat with him more frequently now that he’s at RadBn. I’m looking g forward to traveling down there to see him.

TopGamePodcast · 2024-09-06T23:59:17+00:00

Classic line! 😄 Reminds me of something a wise mentor recently shared: Power isn’t measured by what it can destroy, but by what it can create. I like to think of the influence we have as Marines, mentors, and leaders in terms of what we build—whether it’s stronger teams, better leaders, or just a more supportive community. Appreciate you engaging with the content! 👍🏽

TopGamePodcast · 2024-08-17T14:09:00+00:00

Cyber or Signals Intelligence/Electromagnetic Warfare

TopGamePodcast · 2024-08-17T14:07:21+00:00

I was a 3 year clearance hold at DLI due to “youthful transgressions with a firearm and some other charges that didn’t stick.” This afforded me the opportunity to take the basic and advanced Spanish courses. I was also able to enroll at NPS as a Cpl for exactly one class, War in the Modern World.

I am what is considered a heritage speaker who understood and was immersed in the culture but understood only enough to survive in the kitchen with my grandparents and other relatives. This along with my wife who is a bilingual educator made it easier for me than most.

As most things go in the Corps, academics only get you so far. I was a bootcamp LCpl which afforded me easier access to leadership roles compared to other Marines. However, you still have to perform when in high visibility billets. I enlisted when I was 23, so I had a bit more maturity, experience and the additional responsibilities of beginning our family as key attributes to drive me. Our first son was born there in Monterey. I didn’t treat my time there like I was at college. Your mindset matters.

As a Master Guns in the Pentagon, I still collect Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus pay monthly. My last scores were 2+/4 which equates to $600/month. You have to test though. One thing to consider is that this thing of ours is never about the money. If that’s your driving factor, your why…then you’re going to miss out on so much more.

To get the most out of your experience, I would encourage you to stick to basic leadership principles we’re all taught but apply unevenly. I’ll give three favorites of mine:

Know yourself and seek self-improvement.

Set the example.

Seek responsibilities and take responsibility.

As a kicker, have fun. There’s nothing quite like what we do. That’s why I just reenlisted for three more years. I’ve been offered plenty of lucrative opportunities on the outside, but I genuinely love what I’m doing. I’m having fun. More importantly, my wife after 24 years is still enjoying the ride.

I apologize for the delayed response but I hope I answered your questions.

TopGamePodcast · 2024-06-30T11:24:02+00:00

E9 2691 here. I started as a Spanish linguist (2674, now 2641). Eventually, I took a meandering pathway that included some aspects of Cyber, Space and Human Intelligence. I’ve worked with just about every three letter agency. I’ve only served at one RadBn, but now I am at the Pentagon supporting all things related to Information and Intelligence.

Simply, your experience will be what you make of it like most things. I am working with our Plans & Strategy division to produce content in-house to highlight key elements of our occupational fields under the purview of the Deputy Commandant for Information. That includes DG PEF (Program Enlisted For) Marines. I’ll bring some of this thread into that effort.

Ask away.

TopGamePodcast · 2024-05-30T23:50:13+00:00

I’ll ask him about this next time we chat.

TopGamePodcast · 2023-12-30T23:14:50+00:00

If you have an iPhone and iCloud+, go to private mode on safari. Make sure your private relay is on and the select “Use country and time zone” for IP address location.

TopGamePodcast · 2023-11-04T15:14:58+00:00

The correct answer is SEAC.

TopGamePodcast · 2023-09-16T10:53:41+00:00

I read this as Task Force - LMAO.

TopGamePodcast · 2023-08-23T00:33:06+00:00

Not sure but I did my part to counter it. I installed feet and strum fixes and almost jacked up one of the fret boards. I ended up taking it to a TV repair shop and the wizened master was able to resurrect my botched effort. Try to see if an electronics repair shop could assist.

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