“I think it says a lot to be able to bear the burden of others’ lives,” said Hill, a native of Paul’s Valley, Okla.Ĭorporal Marcus J. The squad leaders of the battalion are proud to be in their positions as leaders and advisors, and see their responsibility as greater than that of the typical non-commissioned officer. Hill, 21-year-old squad leader with Company I. “The more you’re in the position, the easier it becomes,” said Cpl. Most squad leaders for the battalion are undertaking their third deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ward, 20-year-old squad leader for Kilo Co., 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-8, directs his Marines and Iraqi soldiers to maintain proper dispersion. While on patrol through a market in Fallujah, Iraq, Cpl. Most of the battalion’s squad leaders are on their third deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, making their responsibilities easier to shoulder. “Sometimes they’re baptized by fire, but most have time to build a foundation.” “Time is the teacher,” said Courville, a native of Denham Springs, La. Jean-Paul Courville, the 32-year-old company gunnery sergeant for Company K. The Marines chosen for this burden of leadership are well prepared for the challenges they face.ĭuring their time as rifleman, Marines are observed for a special blend of infantry skills, experience, toughness, intelligence, selflessness and communication skills, according to Gunnery Sgt. “Their lives depend on your decisions and how well you handle yourself under pressure,” Ward explained. Most squad leaders for the battalion are undertaking their third deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom.ĭuring combat, squad leaders are responsible for the very lives of their Marines, directing them through every step of the battle. TovarPerez, 21-year-old rifleman for Kilo Co., communicates with the battalion during a joint patrol through Fallujah, Iraq, April 1. Ward, 20-year-old squad leader for Kilo Co., 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, Regimental Combat Team-8, flanked by Private First Class Juan C. Of their many responsibilities though, a squad leaders’ greatest task comes under a hail of gunfire.Ĭorporal Marcus J. Squad leaders for the battalion ensure their Marines receive serviceable gear, good living conditions, physical conditioning, proper training and supervision, according to Ward, a native of Butler, Pa. Ward, a 20-year-old squad leader with Company K. “Our job is to guide and direct our Marines, make tactical decisions for the squad and enforce the rules,” said Cpl. Mostly corporals, these Marines are responsible for the accomplishment of their mission as well as the lives and well being of 12 or more Marines while conducting combat operations. Many of the veteran squad leaders of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines Regiment, are young Marines under the age of 22. In the civilian world, you’re average 19-22 year-old is not normally laden with great responsibilities but in the Marine Corps, young Marines are relied upon everyday to fill key leadership roles.