U.S. Marines Corps military police officer participates in international exercise

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kindo Go | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Barnes stands in a field at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 22, 2019. Barnes, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a fire team leader and military police officer with Alpha Company, 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, and is participating in Khaan Quest 2019 from June 14-28. Khaan Quest is a multinational exercise co-sponsored by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and hosted annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces. Approximately 220 U.S. personnel and 900 Mongolian Armed Forces personnel are expected to participate in Khaan Quest, along with 750 personnel from 30 other countries. (U.S. Marine Corps illustration by Lance Cpl. Kindo Go. This photo consists of multiple images stitched together using the Brenizer method in order to create a portrait composite.)  

ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

06.22.2019

Story by Lance Cpl. Kindo Go  

III MEF Information Group     

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Barnes is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and fallowed a long family tradition by joining the Marines. Barnes has always wanted join the illustrious organization ever since he was five years old. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great grandfather. Barnes has always felt that joining the Marines was something he had to do, that it was his “higher calling.” He is now a military police officer with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion and is participating in Khaan Quest 2019 from June 14-28.
Q&A
Q: How do you feel being in the Marine Corps?
A: “I love the Marine Corps! I love what it stands for and the passion it has. We’re the first ones ready to defend America whenever the need arises. There is nothing better than being in the Marines. You get to be with your friends all day, you go out to do missions and you get to see the different parts of the world. I believe the Marine Corps has made me a better man.”
Q: Why do you think Khaan Quest is important?
A: “Khaan Quest is really important because it helps build new relations and keep already good ones with other countries. Khaan Quest really helps you get different perspectives and deeper understanding on how different types of people interact with others who are from different parts of the world. It’s a good way for nations to train with each other and see how each one can help one another improve themselves.”
Q: How do you feel working with different countries?
A: “Personally, I love working with other countries. Spending time with the Mongolians has really brought out my respect for them after showing me their different ways of life. Many people live a lot differently than we do in the United States. Working with other countries has really broadened my perspectives about different people from all over the world.”

• Date Taken: 06.22.2019
• Date Posted: 06.25.2019 00:55
• Story ID: 328812
• Location: ULAANBAATAR, MN
• Hometown: PITTSBURGH, PA, US