Photo By Lance Cpl. Alexis Ballin | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Justin Chaves, a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine...... read more read more
Subscribe
Every year, Marines from across 1st Marine Division compete against each other to find out which battalion has the best infantry squad during the division’s squad competition.
Marines from 1st Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Regiment, 7th Marine Regiment, and 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion came together during a week-long competition, March 24-28, to test each squad's abilities and proficiency. Uniquely about this competition, each squad's success heavily relies on their squad leader's ability to plan, lead, and execute different tasks.
This year, the squad from 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, took the trophy home, and Sgt. Justin Chaves served as the squad leader who led the winning squad across the finish line.
"The feeling of accomplishing victory was incomparable to what we have felt before,” explained Chaves, a squad leader with Echo Company, 2nd Bn., 1st Marines. “Sure, we've felt that sense of triumph in the past when we graduate from advanced schools or courses, but to go where not everyone else has, and to prove that you are the best infantry squad in the finest, most decorated division in the Marine Corps, there is not a feeling like that."
Originally from Alabama, Chaves was born into a military family. He joined the Marine Corps to prove himself to his father, who served in the Navy.
Over the years, he honed his skills and leadership abilities by serving in various roles, including three deployments to Okinawa and a tour as a combat instructor.
Chaves is no rookie when it comes to participating in division squad competitions. This was his third squad competition at the division level throughout his nine years of service. His first two competitions were with the 3rd Marine Division; unfortunately, he never claimed first place.
Despite setbacks in his previous squad competitions, Chaves remained undeterred and driven by a pursuit of excellence.
"For the longest time, I was raised and mentored by senior Marines who had proven their worth by winning the 3rd Marine Division squad competition,” explained Chaves. “They set the bar and established a standard of what right looks like. Back then, it was only a dream to win a division squad competition. Now, it's a reality and it meant that we met the standard that was set for my squad and I. Now it's time to exceed that standard and set a new bar for the future squads."
His determination to outperform their rivals spurred his squad to push their limits and strive for greatness.
"I think what sets him apart from other squad leaders is the ‘want,’” explained Gunnery Sgt. Aaron Torres, the operations chief with Echo Co., 2nd Bn., 1st Marines. “He wanted this really bad. It obviously showed in the way he trained and prepared his squad for the competition."
In the lead-up to the competition, Chaves and his squad immersed themselves in continuous training, refining their tactics, techniques, and procedures.
"It was mainly Chaves pulling time and going afterhours to take his guys in the classroom and walk them through each weapon system or standard operating procedures that they had for the squad,” said 2nd Lt. Max Burke, a platoon commander with Echo Co., 2nd Bn., 1st Marines.
"He was able to find time and create time to train his guys so they could be ready for the squad competition," Burke continued.
Even with all the preparation, nothing could totally prepare Chaves’ squad for the toll the competition would take on them.
"Our biggest challenge we had to overcome during the competition was dealing with fatigue,” Chaves explained. “We're getting evaluated 24/7, so we have to post good security all around. Not everyone is going to get a good amount of sleep. Being able to operate and continue on even though we are tired, that was the biggest challenge we had to face."
Chaves continued to urge his squad to put their best foot forward and to not let fatigue hold them back.
Chaves' leadership style, combined with his ability to lead from the front and set the example, created a close-knit and cohesive culture within his squad. His platoon commander, Burke, attests to Chaves' mentorship and dedication. "
“Everything Chaves does, he does by example," said Burke. “Even though I’m supposed to be his platoon commander, he’s helped mentor me in a lot of ways.”
For Chaves, the victory represents more than just a trophy. It symbolizes the culmination of years of sacrifice and dedication to his craft. It serves as a reminder that despite years of hard work, he must continue to show up every day. There's always room for improvement, and mentorship is the key to shaping the future of the Marine Corps.
“For me, a small unit leader is the basis of not just where leadership starts but where mentoring begins,” said Chaves. So, for me to impart knowledge based upon my past successes and failures, I can hopefully set my Marines up better than what my seniors did for me.”
| Date Taken: | 04.18.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2024 12:40 |
| Story ID: | 469642 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 224 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Faces of the Blue Diamond: Sgt. Justin Chaves, by Sgt Alexandra Munoz, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT