Why the Marines: Sgt. Michael Butler

Photo By Cpl. Krista James | Sergeant Michael Butler, a recruiter out of Recruiting Sub Station Mobile, Recruiting Station Montgomery, enlisted in the Marine Corps in September 2008. “I wanted to be part of what I considered to be one of the most respected organizations around the world and I have always enjoyed helping people,” Butler said. “In my mind, being a Marine would put me in a place where I could make the largest impact for our country.” (U.S. Marine Corps courtesy photo)  

MONTGOMERY, AL, UNITED STATES

04.27.2016

Story by Cpl. Krista James 

6th Marine Corps District

The United States has a population of approximately 322,762,018 people and a shocking only 1.4 million of the population is in the U.S. Armed Forces, meaning 0.4%.

Out of the 1.4 million people in the U.S. Armed Forces only a select few have taken the challenge to earn the title United States Marine.

Marines are known as the most elite fighting force in the nation. Earning the prestigious Eagle, Globe and Anchor means joining a brotherhood and sisterhood that consists of about 183,883 service members; equating to around 13% of the nation’s military manpower
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Sergeant Michael Butler, a recruiter out of Recruiting Sub Station Mobile, Recruiting Station Montgomery, is one of the people who have the honor of calling himself one of the few and the proud.

Butler, who was recruited out of RS Nashville, enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2008 and arrived at Parris Island, South Carolina to start his 13-week transformation into a United States Marine only three months later, December 15, 2008.

“I wanted to be part of what I considered to be one of the most respected organizations around the world and I have always enjoyed helping people,” Butler said. “In my mind, being a Marine would put me in a place where I could make the largest impact for our country.”

After earning the title of Marine, Butler reported to the School of Infantry- East, Infantry Training Battalion, to begin the nine-week course for his military occupational specialty of 0311; rifleman.

Now carrying the title of rifleman, Butler started his time in the Fleet Marine Force with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

From there, he attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit from 2010-2011 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2012.

Butler said that helping people in third-world countries and aiding in the War on Terrorism was one of his biggest accomplishments so far.

In July of 2013, Butler reported to RS Montgomery after attending the Basic Recruiters Course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, to be a Marine recruiter.

Butler added that his biggest challenge so far has been the demanding job of recruiting duty.

On the other hand, Butler said that the Marine Corps has helped him attain leadership and other intangible skills that will help him be successful as a Marine and after he ascends back into the civilian sector.

“During my time as a Marine I’ve made lifelong friends, seen and experienced exciting things that a civilian could only dream of. It has been a great experience and a lot of fun being able to share those things with fellow Marines [and future Marines],” Butler said.

With such exhilarating experiences and his love for what he does, Butler has one thing to say for people who are thinking about joining.

“I would tell anyone considering becoming a Marine: Don’t be one of those people in the future that says ‘I almost joined the Marines’, or ‘I always wanted to be a Marine’, I hear that almost every day,” Butler said. “Just do it.”

• Date Taken: 04.27.2016
• Date Posted: 04.27.2016 12:38
• Story ID: 196656
• Location: MONTGOMERY, AL, US