Photo By Lance Cpl. Jacob Hutchinson | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. John Richard, a horn instrumentalist with Marine Corps San Diego Band poses for a photo at MCRD San Diego California, Oct. 10, 2025. The MCRD San Diego Band rehearses five days per week preparing for recruit graduations and other weekly events. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob B. Hutchinson) see less
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MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO , CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO - For many Marines, the journey into the Corps begins with a difficult decision- choosing active duty or the reserves. For Sgt. John Richard, the decision was clear: complete his degree, serve honorably, and leave the door open for greater opportunities.
"I chose the reserves over active duty because I wanted to finish my music degree,” said Richard, now a musician with the Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region.
Richard enlisted as an 0111, administrative specialist, in the Marine Corps Reserve and served for four years. The experience offered a low operational tempo, allowing Marines time to learn the administrative systems and procedures critical to mission success.
"Admin in the reserves was spent training and becoming familiar with the various systems we might use," Richard said.
In the reserves he was required to show up one weekend a month and two weeks out of the year, while staying physically fit and maintaining a civilian job. After transitioning to active duty, which can be a complex and lengthy process that is not guaranteed, he ended up changing his Military Occupational Specialty to 5524, musician.
“Waiting to get the endorsements back from my command was nerve-racking but exciting,” Richard said.
While grateful for the chance to serve, he felt something was missing.
“I really missed playing music, especially the French horn,” he said. “Marine Band San Diego gave me the opportunity to do both, serve my country and continue my passion, all while getting paid for it.”
Richard found himself immersed in a dramatically different culture. Active duty is a full-time commitment to the Marine Corps, while receiving full medical and dental benefits, housing, food and the chance to be stationed domestically or abroad.
Now with three years of active service, Richard says he would choose active duty without hesitation.
“In my opinion, the reserves was a steppingstone,” he said. “It was a great way to build qualifications, set a foundation, and move toward bigger and better things- like commissioning as an officer or preparing for a strong civilian career.”
Looking back, Richard credits the reserves for giving him the space to grow and perform on his own terms.
“One of the best parts of the reserves was that your performance and merit were really in your hands,” said Richard. “If you wanted to go above and beyond, the opportunity was always there.”
For Richard, the true highlight of his military experience has been the camaraderie he shares with his fellow service members.
“While great relationships are formed in the reserves, active duty lets you embrace the suck with those around you,” he said. “That shared experience creates bonds that are unbreakable.”
Now, whether performing on the parade deck or rehearsing in the band hall, Richard continues to live out both his passions: music and the Marine Corps.
NEWS INFO
Date Taken:
09.22.2025
Date Posted:
11.05.2025 16:56
Story ID:
550643
Location:
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO , CALIFORNIA, US
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