Being Stationed in Okinawa: Sgt. Calvache

Photo By Sgt. Tyler Andrews | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Gloria Calvache, a combat marksmanship trainer and intelligence specialist with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, poses for a picture outside the Formal Marksmanship Training Center on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, July 11, 2023. Preparing for the rank of staff sergeant in the Marine Corps, Calvache acts as the mentor she wishes she had as a junior Marine. “My main goal was to be a more resourceful Marine,” said Calvache, a 25-year-old Whittier, California native. “I worked in the administrative field, now I work in intelligence and I’m a [primary marksmanship instructor]. Next, I plan to put in a package to become a [drill instructor]. Aim to be more resourceful so your Marines can have a reliable [non-commissioned officer].” Off duty, Calvache enjoys reading and writing, rock climbing, cliff diving, hiking and long runs throughout Okinawa. She is continuing to prepare for the Far East Bodybuilding Competition next year and plans to pursue further education as an eye-lash technician. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Tyler Andrews)  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.11.2023

Story by Cpl. Tyler Andrews 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN-U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Gloria Calvache, a combat marksmanship trainer and intelligence specialist with 3rd Intelligence Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 2017. Calvache began her duties as a supply administration and operations specialist after arriving to her first duty station, Camp Pendleton, California, in August 2017. In December 2022, she made a lateral move to the intelligence specialist military occupational specialty and was stationed on Okinawa, Japan. As a part of the Fleet Assistance Program, Calvache is currently serving as a combat marksmanship trainer for the Formal Marksmanship Training Center on Camp Hansen and Camp Schwab ranges.

“My main goal was to be a more resourceful Marine,” said Calvache, a 25-year-old Whittier, California native. “I worked in the administrative field, now I work in intelligence and I’m a [primary marksmanship instructor]. Next, I plan to put in a package to become a [drill instructor]. Aim to be more resourceful so your Marines can have a reliable [non-commissioned officer].”

Preparing for the rank of staff sergeant in the Marine Corps, Calvache acts as the mentor she wishes she had as a junior Marine.

“Never hold back when it comes to taking risks,” said Calvache. “But make sure they’re the appropriate risks and you have the appropriate crowd in your corner. A lot of times people will clap and smile for you when they’re your biggest enemy. What you do in front of other people does not define your character, it’s what you do behind closed doors. So make sure you’re being active, you have hobbies, you are connected with well-rounded people. If you are the smartest person in the room, chances are you’re in the wrong room. Be surrounded by people that are successful and learn from them and their mistakes. Definitely take risks, be careful what you do, be careful what you say, just stay occupied and keep yourself out of trouble.”

Off duty, Calvache enjoys reading and writing, rock climbing, cliff diving, hiking and long runs throughout Okinawa. She is continuing to prepare for the Far East Bodybuilding Competition next year and plans to pursue further education as an eye-lash technician.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2023
• Date Posted: 07.25.2023 02:17
• Story ID: 449068
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA, US