Faces of the Force: Gunnery Sgt. Paul Moseley

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

08.04.2017

Story by Cpl. Devan Barnett 

Marine Forces Reserve (MARFORRES)

NEW ORLEANS – Paul Moseley has served and protected as a private security contractor successfully for the past 10 years, but for nearly double that time, he has also been a drilling Reserve Marine.
At least once every three months, Moseley breaks from his civilian job as a private security contractor to jump out of helicopters, shoot guns and conduct waterborne missions.
After eight years of experience as a platoon sergeant with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, part of his 18-year Marine Corps career, the constant repetition of these training exercises has given him extensive experience and knowledge in his field.
Moseley stays highly motivated as a platoon sergeant through his passion of teaching and passing on his knowledge to new Marines in his company.
“My goal is to enjoy what I do and to teach the Marines who I am around,” said Moseley. “To influence these young Marines by building them up is my passion.”
Moseley’s most recently instructed the Marines of his company during a static line jump training exercise in Hawaii on July 17, 2017.
The Alameda, California based Marines will now apply their skills to future operations. For a few Marines new to the unit, their first jumps were probably a rush; but for the proud Gunnery Sgt. Moseley, it’s just another opportunity to lead the next generation of warfighters.
“In Hawaii, the different terrain along with the difference in nature affects us,” said Moseley. “The wind can test us and the efficiency of our equipment for anywhere around the world.”
Reconnaissance Marines are one of the Marine Corps special operations capable forces. Part of their mission is providing essential intelligence to commanders, conducting operations such as amphibious reconnaissance or surveillance. Behind enemy lines, these Marines must always be ready to fight and to react swiftly to any situation that might occur.
As the platoon sergeant, it is Gunnery Sgt. Moseley’s responsibility to prepare young Marines for their upcoming missions and teach them how to be successful reconnaissance Marines.
“All major operations, especially a combat deployment, are very satisfying when they are completed successfully,” said Moseley. “Every time you finish a cycle, there is a pride of accomplishment with the Marines around you.”
When it comes to the daily operations conducted by reconnaissance Marines, a small mistake can be the difference between life and death. With the risks associated with such a high-speed lifestyle, Moseley emphasizes the importance of preparation to the Marines.
“Training, training and more training,” the seasoned Marine emphasized. “Going over immediate action drills builds instant muscle memory. This ensures when things don’t go as planned you have the knowledge to maneuver your body the way you [were trained].”
Training requirements can be intense and these Marines complete the mission while balancing demands of their civilian careers. Reserve Marines are expected to be ready at a moment’s notice when called to fight. For nearly two decades, Moseley has been receiving the call and answering it every time.

• Date Taken: 08.04.2017
• Date Posted: 08.09.2017 11:20
• Story ID: 243704
• Location: NEW ORLEANS, LA, US