Photo By Sgt. Cameron Hermanet | U.S. Marine Corps Col. Clay Readinger, the incoming commanding officer of Headquarters...... read more read more
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“I was a lieutenant in 7th Marines, I was a company commander in 5th Marines, and I was an (executive officer) in 1st Marines,” explained U.S. Marine Corps Col. Clay Readinger, the new commanding officer of Headquarters Battalion, 1st Marine Division. “I am truly glad to be back.”
Readinger assumed command of HQ Bn. during a ceremony June 28. Originally from High Point, North Carolina, Readinger’s career began with an ROTC scholarship, a choice that allowed him to explore a military career honoring his father’s service as an enlisted Army soldier during the Vietnam War.
Initially committing to his obligated service, Readinger found the Marine Corps to be a good fit and pursued a full career. Over his 26 years of service, he has held various roles, including his favorite assignment as the company commander for Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st MARDIV, during a 2007 deployment to Ramadi, Iraq.
“If you are making me pick one, because there have been many good ones, we’ll go with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines,” Readinger said. “You truly know every member of the company, and I’ll seek to do that here in Headquarters Battalion.”
Readinger expressed enthusiasm about leveraging his experience in warfighting functions and working outside the infantry community.
“I’m excited about being back with the Marines who are actively contributing to the division’s success,” Readinger said.
Readinger says he is keenly aware of Maj. Gen. Robert C. Fulford’s intent as the new commanding general for 1st Marine Division, and his primary goal is to advance the division's ability to fight peer adversaries, with a focus on upcoming exercises.
“We have some major milestones to achieve,” Readinger noted, “starting with Steel Knight, building into Freedom Shield and Balikatan.”
However, Readinger is also committed to balancing the demands of the service with the needs of Marines and their families, ensuring they can participate in important family milestones.
“I am excited to work with him,” said Sgt. Maj. Rupert K. Palmer, the battalion sergeant major for HQ Bn.“He is the right man for the job, the right leader for the job. Him and his family come with a level of balance that I think is great for Marines to see.”
As part of his command philosophy for the battalion, Readinger directed his Marines and Sailors to focus on habits of thought and action at the individual level.
“Individually, if each Marine can wake up and do their best every day, then we’ll all be in a better place,” said Readinger. “If we can get that spirit across, then most of the problems will solve themselves.”
| Date Taken: | 07.18.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 07.24.2024 11:49 |
| Story ID: | 476859 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | HIGH POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 240 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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