MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Lance Cpl. Noah Rosenthal, a Provost Marshals office correctional specialist at the brig here, is standing, waiting anxiously. Dressed in his Bravos, he and three other Marines wait to be judged in front of a critical panel, which will decide whether or not they will move up the ranks from Lance Corporal to Corporal.
He has already proven himself to his superiors, now he must prove himself to the panel of five. This is Rosenthal’s chance to be meritoriously promoted and to officially become a non-commissioned officer.
Upon entering the room, Rosenthal snaps to attention. After reporting in to the panel of senior leadership, he is ordered to about face so the panel can inspect his uniform and overall appearance.
After the board introduces themselves, they fire a multitude of questions at Rosenthal, covering topics such as: Marine Corps history, marksmanship, customs and courtesies, close order drill, first aid and code of conduct.
Dismissing Rosenthal, the board deliberates.
The winner is based on a point scale. Education, letters of appreciation, awards, rifle scores, bearing, physical fitness and personal appearance are all taken into consideration.
After the deliberation, the competitors enter the room, patiently waiting for the results. Announcing Rosenthal’s name, the board congratulates him on a job well done.
With the new rank of corporal comes new responsibilities. Now he is expected to become more of a mentor and role model, a quality and ability his superiors say Rosenthal already possesses.
His intelligence and professional demeanor have catapulted him above the rest.
In fact, it is his presence that struck a cord with the board members in the first place.
“He was the total package,” said Sgt. Maj. Gerard J. Calvin, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron sergeant major and senior member of the board. “You have to present yourself to the board with an air of confidence. He displayed bearing, intelligence and knowledge. He was the total package!”
Always considering the Marines around him, Rosenthal takes every chance given to him to help others.
Only eight courses away from his Bachelors of Science, Rosenthal tutors Marines in college algebra, criminal law and U.S. history.
“When I needed help in algebra, Lance Cpl. Rosenthal was right there to tutor me,” said Staff Sgt. William Fuller, a PMO brig officer here.
“I can trust him to do anything,” said Fuller, who has suggested Rosenthal take the course of becoming an officer.
Those are big compliments coming from a Marine who Rosenthal credits as being one of his biggest influences.
“He has been instrumental in building my (service record book) as well as giving me the tools and direction to develop a successful career,” said Rosenthal of Fuller’s support.
“The Marine Corps has been both exciting and educational,” said Rosenthal, reflecting back on his career thus far in the military. “I have been to many schools and given more opportunities in the past two years of my enlistment than in all the time I spent in the civilian world. I appreciate all the time and energy my leaders have spent molding me into a good Marine. More than anything, I enjoy the fact that I am a part of an organization that is rich in history, dedicated to its values and provides its members with a sense of purpose on a daily basis.”
In the future, Rosenthal is unsure of whether he wants to take the officer route or a career in the military’s Criminal Investigation Department.
As for now, he plans to extend his stay in Iwakuni one more year in order to experience more of the Japanese culture and climb Mount Fuji for a second time.
“He is educated and levelheaded enough that he can do whatever he puts his mind to,” Fuller said. “His discipline will carry him through every task at hand.”