MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The dingy back room of an air supply warehouse might not be the most obvious place to look for an officer candidate, but Sgt. Liam O. Begley has managed to distinguish himself in just such an environment.
Begley has recently been selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program.
The 25-year-old Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 maintenance noncommissioned officer takes pride in his database work, but he won't be there for long. His positive attitude and exceptional initiative have earned him respect from his superiors, and acceptance into a program that offers active-duty Marines an opportunity to receive a bachelor's degree and a commission as a second lieutenant.
"It has been my goal for a long time," said Begley. "We had MECEPs when I was in college. They were the ones who were in amazing shape, had 3.5 or higher grade point average, and were just all around studs. I finally asked myself, 'Why can't I do that?'"
Begley pursued his commissioning goal by attending Officer Candidate School, but became sidetracked with sports, eventually leaving his bachelor's degree unfinished. His dream of becoming an officer was far from finished.
"I became convinced that my life wouldn't be complete if I didn't become a Marine, so I went to boot camp," said Begley.
Last year, Begley went before a squadron board and turned in a MECEP application package, finally getting back to his original goal of becoming an officer. He will attend the two-month MECEP course in June before enrolling for his final two years at New York Maritime University.
Next year, he will attend OCS, now for the second time, as well as The Basic School, a required 10-month infantry platoon commander training course. Begley hopes to receive his commissioning as a second lieutenant in 2006.
The Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training Program is another opportunity for outstanding enlisted Marines to receive a commission. Cpl. David J. Haas, MALS-12 network administrator, recently received notice of his selection for the program.
The 22-year-old worked hard for his selection. "I jumped up and down when I got the news," said Haas. "When my master sergeant told me, I said, 'your kidding right?'"
He wasn't kidding. The corporal, who works closely with Begley, will be heading off to BOOST school in July. The program, which is geared more for Marines who may not have received an opportunity to go to college in the past, is similar to MECEP. The most notable difference is that the BOOST school, geared for college preparation, is 10 months long instead of two.
Like Begley, Haas will do whatever it takes to achieve his dream.
"I want to be a pilot," said Haas. "For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted to fly."
Besides getting his bachelors degree and attending OCS and TBS, Haas will have to undergo major eye surgery so that he can meet the physical requirements of a pilot.
According to both Haas and Begley, the same initiative that made them stand out will carry them to their goal.
"I've always said that chance favors a prepared mind," said Begley. "When your officer tells you that something needs to get done, and you are that guy that always gets it done, you will get noticed. We've both been put in those positions and that's what got us recommended for the program."
Haas and Begley invite any questions Marines may have regarding their application experience. They can be reached at 253-6134. Additional information about MECEP or BOOST can be found at https://web.mcrc.usmc.mil/mcrc.htm.