MND-B infantry Soldier leads way

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. 1st Class Glen DeMarcus (left), native of San Diego, and platoon sergeant assigned to Headquarter Platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad poses with Command Sgt. Major Marvin Hill, command sergeant major, Multi-National Forces – Iraq, while on a patrol in Baghdad, Aug. 8, 2008.  

TAJI, IRAQ

09.05.2008

Story by Pfc. Lyndsey Prax 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – To be an infantry Soldier; a person has to be technically and tactically proficient, in great physical shape, ready to move at a moment's notice, and must constantly maintain discipline and motivation.

It's not a job just anyone can do.

Many Soldiers join the Army shortly after high school with the desire to make something of themselves and provide opportunity for their future.

Sgt. 1st Class Glen DeMarcus, native of San Diego, platoon sergeant assigned to Headquarters Platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, joined the Army, but the journey to enlistment took 10 years.

"I spent 10 years after high school promoting bands and working at bars," he said. "After awhile I felt an emptiness, so I went to college."

College helped fill some of his emptiness, but it seemed something was still missing.

"I started thinking about what I've done throughout my life to contribute to society. I couldn't think of anything positive, so being the patriot that I am, the Army seemed like a good fit," he said.

Although he turned 33 in basic training, DeMarcus wanted to be an infantry Soldier.

"I wanted to be at the tip of the spear," he said.

After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Ga., he attended Sniper School, Airborne School, Pre-Ranger School, Ranger School and received an Expert Infantryman Badge.

He is now the platoon leader of a platoon that uses gathered intelligence to pursue criminals and terrorists.

"I have learned the importance of training and time management," he said. "Repetition is the key to learning. We may not be engaging enemy everyday, but as long as my Soldiers are trained well they'll be ready the day we do."

It doesn't take long for repetitious training to become tiresome and Soldiers to lose interest, but DeMarcus continues to stay motivated and in turn, motivates his Soldiers.

"He has so much determination," said Sgt. Dannon Sunga, native of Miliani, Hawaii, and assistant platoon sergeant, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. "He wants to be on the ground with us every time we go out. It's motivating to see someone with that much drive."

DeMarcus believes that being an example is a necessary skill leaders must have.

"As long as we are doing the very best we can as leaders, they will see that and learn from it," he said. "These are good men; they've already raised their right hand and promised to defend their country and now they're here. If you just let them have the opportunity they'll become great."

Not only does he believe in his Soldiers, he also believes in his mission and believes that the job he does is important.

• Date Taken: 09.05.2008
• Date Posted: 09.05.2008 10:09
• Story ID: 23252
• Location: TAJI, IQ