USS DENVER (LPD 9), At Sea -- Two Marines currently assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are taking college history classes through distance education during their deployment.
With all of the duties and other training the Marines do, it is sometimes difficult to balance work and studies.
“Usually at night, after all of our training and duties are done we are able to get in a couple pages of reading and notes,” said Pfc. Marc Calo, a rifleman with Animal Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 7th Marines, 31st MEU. “Getting the reading and assignments done is our responsibility so we motivate each other to stay-up on our work.”
Not only does a taking college class reflect well upon the Marines’ desire to be educated and to become leaders, but the education the Marines receive will also help them should they decide to go to school after the military.
“I do have the desire to go to college after my enlistment,” said Calo, “But I’m still undecided about a lot of things right now. I’m not sure whether I’m just going to do four years or re-enlist again.”
Although U.S. History might not seem relevant to a Marines’ current job, Lance Cpl. Averill simply enjoys the subject.
“I love history because I like knowing where we come from and what it took for us to get where we are today,” said Lance Cpl. Anthony Averill, SAW gunner with A Co. BLT, 1/7, 31st MEU.
Averill said during his Marine Corps career he wants to get his general education classes out of the way so he can focus on getting his business license after his four-year enlistment.
“My plan is to become a pest-control technician and go into business with my stepdad,” said Averill. “He has a steady clientele and gets a good amount of work for a one-man-business.”
Just as Calo and Averill are furthering their education, there are many other Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU who are furthering their education to grow as leaders and prepare for life after the military.