Being a Reserve Marine can be a challenging responsibility that
requires Marines to learn how to balance and prioritize competing
aspects of their lives.
Capt. Stephen B. Simmons, a 32-year-old Combat Engineer Officer
with Marine Aircraft Group-41 in Fort Worth, Texas, has worked in
many different roles in his 12 years of service. Simmons started as
an enlisted reserve Marine, became a reserve Marine officer, was
mobilized for four years, and is now serving on the Active Reserve
Program.
U.S. Marine
Capt. Stephen B. Simmons prepares to hold a conference call at
Marine Aircraft Group-41 Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, on
August 16, 2016. As a Marine officer, Simmons is frequently in
charge of leading meetings between Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo
by Cpl. Alexis Rocha)
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“A wise leader once told me that the challenges for reserve
Marines is like trying to juggle three bowling balls of family,
civilian employment, and duty to Corps in a china shop,” said
Simmons. “This is the constant struggle that reserve Marines face,
and we as leaders must be ever mindful of it.”
When he first served as a reserve Marine, Simmons was going to
school at Hardin-Simmons University, and upon graduation he
immediately began a career in the civilian world. Attending school
and his civilian occupation were already big time commitments and
making time to come in for drill each month wasn't easy.
“It's hard to balance everything,” said Staff Sgt Bruce E.
Stevens, an Intelligence Analyst with Marine Aircraft Group-41. “I
appreciate drill and the Marine Corps, but it's extremely hard to
put yourself in the ‘drill mindset' when you have so many other
things going on.”
Stevens, a 29-year-old reserve Marine from Fort Worth, Texas,
spent five years active duty before entering the reserve component.
Now, as a reserve Marine, Stevens finds himself in that same
juggling act of family, school, work, and the Marine Corps. Married
with two young children, he is also getting his degree in
Entrepreneurial Management from Texas Christian University, and he
operates his own welding and fabrication company.
U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Bruce E. Stevens does some late-night
aluminum welding for his welding and fabrication company on June 25,
2016. Stevens' dedication to his work, no matter the hour, is a
trait that allows him to flourish as a reserve Marine while
balancing many competing aspects of his life. (Photo by Michael
McCoy with use permission provided)
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In order to balance these competing roles, Stevens draws
upon his Marine training.
“The Marine Corps has given me the ability to take on any
challenge and minimize it and the ability to manage stress,” said
Stevens.
Stevens also emphasized the importance of priorities in being
successful in both civilian and military life, saying, “If it's a
priority, it will get done; if something doesn't get done, it is
because you didn't make it a priority.”
Reserve service, although challenging, teaches applicable skills
and gives invaluable experience to Marines. Stevens learned
metalwork through his first military occupational specialty as a
Helicopter Airframe Mechanic. He now uses this skill in his
metalwork business. Simmons is also constantly developing his
leadership skills through his duties as a reserve Marine officer.
Marines, whether reserve or active duty, continue to serve
because of their love for the Marine Corps. Both Simmons and Stevens
say they plan on staying in for the long-haul, despite the
challenges, because of their love for the Marine Corps and their
fellow Marines.
“I love the Gun Club,” said Simmons. “I know there are easier
things out there, but here I know I am making a difference.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Alexis Rocha
Provided
through DVIDS Copyright 2016
The U.S. Marines
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