MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jacob Gilmore, an aviation-logistics information-management systems (ALIMS) specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 14, reenlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to continue his family’s legacy. Gilmore’s grandfather and great uncle served in the military, and his father served 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
“I’ve always told my dad I’m going to beat his time in service,” said Gilmore. “He was prior enlisted and became an officer. I want to follow in his footsteps, and I can’t do that if I don’t reenlist.”
After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, Gilmore graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, and received orders to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, for follow-on training at the Basic Reconnaissance Course. However, Gilmore decided to change his military occupational specialty and was assigned to be an ALIMS specialist. At first, he felt indifferent about this unexpected challenge, for he preferred to work in a more hands-on environment. However, that mentality eventually changed.
“I like working with computers now,” said Gilmore. “I found a new love for it. It’s very satisfying knowing how much I’ve changed.”
Now stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Gilmore works on a broad spectrum of network infrastructure and information systems that support the aircraft and aeronautical components for Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14.
“I’ve come to enjoy working with the pilots, working around the aircraft, and seeing my computer server used by just about everybody,” Gilmore said. “It’s pretty satisfying knowing those jets are flying because of our servers.”
Despite transitioning to a different military occupational specialty than initially intended, Gilmore has not let that deter him from his original goal of serving his country for more than twenty years.
“I don’t see myself doing anything besides what I’m doing now, which is staying in the military,” said Gilmore. “It never occurred to me that I’d have any other job. Without this, I’d be pretty lost.”
In December 2022, Gilmore earned his bachelor’s degree in history. He plans to submit an enlisted-to-officer commissioning program application to pursue becoming a commissioned officer like his father. After completing his first enlistment, Gilmore advises every Marine to consider their future opportunities that come with reenlisting in the United States Marine Corps.
“I think everybody has the chance to reenlist if you just work hard enough,” said Gilmore. “You have the opportunity to do it, so work for it.”
Date Taken: | 06.23.2023 |
Date Posted: | 06.26.2023 11:24 |
Story ID: | 447839 |
Location: | HAVELOCK, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Hometown: | YULEE, FLORIDA, US |
Web Views: | 214 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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