Photo By Cpl. Ella Cadby |
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kiana Wilson, an administrative specialist with Headquarters......read moreread more
Photo By Cpl. Ella Cadby | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kiana Wilson, an administrative specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, types on a keyboard at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, July 10, 2026. Wilson placed first in the individual rifle and pistol category for the indoor simulated marksmanship trainer competition, earning the “Top Gun” award for the highest combined rifle and pistol score of the competition. This competition provided service members an opportunity to demonstrate pistol and rifle proficiency in both team and individual events. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Ella Cadby) see less
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan – Taking her place before the target, she checks her magazines, ensuring all rounds are secured. She lowers her hand just inches from the pistol, ready to unholster it when given the command. “CONTACT!” She grabs for the pistol, aligns it toward the center of the target as she prepares to take the shot. Flipping the safety off, she slowly squeezes the trigger. Expecting the recoil as the round leaves its chamber, she is quick to recover and prepare for the next drill. A simple object less than two pounds becomes deadly in the hands of a Marine.
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kiana Wilson serves as an administrative specialist at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and is a native of Tampa, Florida. An administrative specialist plays a critical support role in the Marine Corps, managing personnel and performing clerical and administrative duties that support daily operations.
“Cpl. Wilson’s character can be described in a few words: hardworking and having the initiative to take on any and every challenge,” said Staff Sgt. Ronald Nater, the administrative chief for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at MCAS Iwakuni. “You should have the confidence to take on the challenge and execute it.”
Wilson went the extra mile by competing in an indoor simulated marksmanship trainer competition at the indoor small arms range, where she placed first in the individual rifle and pistol category, earning the “Top Gun” award for the highest combined rifle and pistol score of the competition.
“It’s nothing to take lightly, but it does make me feel pretty badass when I let my skills speak for themself,” said Cpl. Wilson. “I love the challenge of shooting, it’s both relaxing and mentally stimulating.
Beyond the scope of their assigned occupations, the uncertainty of war demands Marines maintain a level of tactical proficiency to become more effective warfighters. Marines embrace this challenge by seeking out opportunities of self-improvement, such as participating in martial arts courses, becoming water survival instructors, and studying warfighting doctrine. Yet, to this day, every Marine remains first and foremost a rifleman.
“Our service is to attack, to be a constant force in readiness to close with and destroy the enemy, any enemy, any clime, any place. The way we accomplish that is through tough, realistic training and the maintenance of our combat skills. We all made a promise, and the world expects us to keep it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert Navarro, the officer in charge of the indoor small arms range. “Every single one of us, you and I included, made a commitment to be a Marine first.”
By voluntarily stepping beyond the boundaries of their military occupational specialty, Marines reinforce their commitment to combat readiness. Their willingness to dedicate additional time and effort into sharpening their skills ensures they remain capable of adapting to any operational environment and accomplishing the mission.
“Opportunities such as this are important for all Marines regardless of their MOS as it gives them a chance to step away from their typical daily cycles to become better marksmen,” said Cpl. Wilson. “Challenges outside of one’s standard duties enable proficiency while enhancing personal and professional development.”
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