TF 51/5 Spotlight on Master Sgt. Donald Current II

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy | U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 1, 2018) – U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Donald Current II, the Communications Directorate operations chief at Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5), says he wouldn’t change anything about his career progression if given the chance to do it all over again.  

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

05.01.2018

Story by Lt.Cmdr. Sandra Arnold 

Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 1, 2018) – U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Donald Current II, the Communications Directorate operations chief at Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5), says he wouldn’t change anything about his career progression if given the chance to do it all over again.

“My identical twin brother and I scored within points of each other on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test 20 years ago and we both chose to join the Marine Corps as field wiremen,” said Current. “We have had a brotherly rivalry our entire career. He was promoted to private first class and lance corporal before me, but I picked up corporal before he did. We both were promoted to sergeant, staff sergeant and gunnery sergeant at the same time then my brother was selected for master sergeant early and I was selected for promotion the next year, making our dates of rank about five months apart. I continue to compete with him to this day.”

Fast-forward two decades and Current can be found advising the operations director on the development, supportability and employment of staff and equipment in support of operational missions within the U.S. Central Command’s area of responsibility.

“I assist the planning staff with conducting detailed mission analysis to produce official documents, correspondence and operational or technical directives,” said Current. “I often coordinate with external agencies to ensure effective and responsive operational and logistics support for multiple communication missions.”

As a senior non-commissioned officer, the command relies on Current to not only be proficient in his job but to mentor junior Marines and assist with their career progression.

“My role within the directorate is a combination of operations and mentorship,” said Current. “Operationally I help plan exercises, track battle space and execute when decisions are made but as a mentor, I strive to set the example, inspire others, share knowledge and hold personnel within the unit to high standards.”

Current’s positive attitude coupled with unmatched perseverance were key in his selection as the first liaison officer sent to Camp Lemonnier to establish a TF-51/5 presence in Djibouti.

“It was one of the most gratifying, appreciated and difficult positions I’ve held,” said Current. “I was able to establish the position from the ground up and to this day, I view it as my greatest accomplishment at TF 51/5.”

Now in month 18 of a 24-month tour, Current says the key to success in a high-tempo environment, such as TF 51/5, is to pace yourself and keep a positive outlook.

“The job here is brutal sometimes and requires a lot of sacrifice both at work and at home,” said Current. “Keeping people positive when they are worn out, irritated and exhausted is an art. I try to remind my team that the only thing you can control in life is how you react to things. There’s no such thing as a bad leader, only better ones. Every day you have an opportunity to inspire someone to be better.”

A native of Muskogee, Oklahoma, this retirement-eligible Marine says he has no plans on hanging up his uniform in the near future but does plan to spend more time with his family once he completes his tour at TF 51/5. Through two deployments and numerous commitments that have kept him away from his family, Current managed to earn an associate’s degree from the University of Maryland and amass over a dozen medals. In his free time, he is engaged in outdoor activities that build camaraderie and promote physical fitness.

For more information about TF 51/5 visit our website www.TF515.marines.mil or subscribe to our DVIDS page www.dvidshub.net/unit/5MEB contact TF 51/5 Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sandra Arnold at [e-mail], 973-1785-6965 or Marine Capt. Monica Witt at [e-mail].

• Date Taken: 05.01.2018
• Date Posted: 05.01.2018 05:04
• Story ID: 275150
• Location: U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY