CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Petty Officer Joshua Long, serving with 3rd Marine Air Wing (Forward), Regional Command (Southwest), Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, was awarded the Fleet Marine Force Enlisted Warfare Specialist badge July 1.
Third MAW(FWD) is currently conducting combat operations in direct support of Regional Command (Southwest), the newest ISAF command, in the Helmand and Nimroz Provinces.
In order to earn the FMF EWS badge, sailors are required to pass a written, practical and oral examination covering Marine weapons breakdown and familiarization, land navigation, combat communications, tactics and history.
The FMF EWS designation is most commonly awarded to the Hospital Corpsman and Religious Programs Specialist ratings, although it is also awarded to other sailors who support Marine Corps commands.
Long is an activated Navy Reservist currently serving a dual tour in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the son of Joseph and Janette Long of Hinckley, Minn.