Photo By Sgt. Micha Pierce | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Graham McCorkle, an administrative specialist assigned to...... read more read more
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Meet Cpl. Graham McCorkle
Military Occupational Specialty: 0111, Administrative Specialist
Joining the military was something Cpl. Graham McCorkle wanted to do for a while during his high school career. One of the first in his family to choose to serve, McCorkle wasn’t influenced by them or a tradition to join, just the thought that he wasn’t ready for college and a normal 9-5 just wouldn’t cut it. Being one of the few wasn’t always McCorkle’s goal though, he looked at all the branches first before making his decision, visiting the Navy and the Army offices, but ultimately deciding on the Marine Corps after their enthusiasm left a lasting impression.
“I knew if I went to college, I probably wouldn’t have done as well as I wanted to,” said McCorkle. “I guess I needed guidance and the Marine Corps definitely got me some of that.”
McCorkle first signed up to be combat support, even though he wasn’t fully sure what it was, he was ready to do anything, his only goal to travel the world. But when it came time to ship off to boot camp, his pre-selected military occupational specialty (MOS) was not available anymore. Reviewing his other options McCorkle decided to go with an open contract and was assigned the 0111 MOS, administrative specialist.
“I definitely don’t regret joining like I did,” said McCorkle. “It’s one of those things where it taught me a lot, a lot that I would never have known, plus I didn’t have to struggle like a broke college kid.”
McCorkle received orders to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point and was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) in 2017. Working first in the customer service section of the IPAC, McCorkle moved around to multiple other sections learning the numerous administrative functions that the IPAC provides. McCorkle is now a part of the separations section, planning to finish out his contract there assisting Marines preparing to get out and processing some out as needed, serving a vital role for Marines retiring, medically separating and supporting many other separation processes.
“I love it here,” said McCorkle. “My section is great, the people, the work, the everything.”
After four years in and thinking on what he wants to do, McCorkle has finally decided after the Marine Corps he wants to work with wildlife. Whether that be at a wildlife conservation center, a national or state park, or even a park in a foreign country depending on where life decides to take him. McCorkle is currently going to school taking wildlife ecology classes to prepare himself for his dream job. McCorkle said his goal comes from just always being an outdoor person and previously working at a local dog shelter and discovering how much he loved working with animals. Driven by his passion for wildlife, he is excited for the job change, to go out and get to explore the parks and work around animals again, protecting them and their habitats.
McCorkle also enjoys collecting knives, going to shoot his rifles and pistols, as well as going out into the woods when possible to have a campfire or just enjoy the wilderness and all it has to offer.
“Life can always take you anywhere,” said McCorkle. “So never expect anything.”
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2020 15:56 |
| Story ID: | 359879 |
| Location: | MCAS CHERRY POINT, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 131 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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