Spotlight on 51/5: Embarkation Clerk - Marques Devonte Armstrong

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy | Lance Cpl. Marques Devonte Armstrong, native of Port Author, Texas is an embarkation clerk currently stationed in Bahrain with Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.  

BAHRAIN

11.02.2017

Courtesy Story

Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

“The world can’t function without logistics,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Marques Devonte Armstrong, a newly-minted embarkation clerk at Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5), whose role is to support expeditionary missions that require rapid maneuver of forces in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Often referring to himself as “part of the crowd behind the curtains that keeps things functioning and running smoothly,” Armstrong’s limited time at the command hasn’t prevented him from making an impact, which is why he’s been highlighted in this month’s Spotlight on TF 51/5.

On any given day, Armstrong can be found assisting the logistics team by aiding troop movements in support of bilateral engagements, combat rehearsals or subject matter expert exchanges. His training as a rifleman and embarkation clerk has prepared him for a flexible environment that requires focus and forward thinking to ensure TF 51/5 is postured and prepared to execute its mission in one of the world’s most challenging regions.

“Our job always has the potential to turn the tide in an emergency situation,” Armstrong said. “If people need supplies to survive and we don’t do our job, people may lose their lives.”

Armstrong’s tenacity was his bid for success during Exercise Eager Lion, –a keystone event between the U.S. military and Jordan forces led by U.S. Central Command and designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships.

“Working with the Jordanians and different military branches from more than 20 countries was something I’ll never forget,” Armstrong said. “Logistics played a key role in this military-to-military engagement, enabling us to work together to test our organizational interoperability and strengthen our relationships.”

Armstrong has five months left in his yearlong assignment and stated it will be difficult to find another command that is as operationally fast-paced as TF 51/5. According to Armstrong, TF 51/5 has afforded him the unique opportunity to directly assist crisis response efforts that implement a Navy and Marine Corps integrated team that ensures forces at sea, from the sea, and ashore.

Armstrong, originally from Port Arthur, Texas, earned multiple awards for his outstanding leadership skills while serving in the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program and received a scholarship to attend the Naval Academy. He enjoys studying the cosmos, writing poetry and thinking of innovations that could provide better living conditions for those less fortunate.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2017
• Date Posted: 11.03.2017 07:38
• Story ID: 253816
• Location: BH
• Hometown: PORT ARTHUR, TX, US