Sailors Earn Fleet Marine Force Warfare Pin in Iraq by Cpl. Joel A. Chaverri Marine Corps News February 08, 2005 AL ASAD, Iraq - Nine Sailors with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing received their Fleet Marine Force Warfare device in a ceremony held here Feb. 3. The newly pinned Sailors make up a larger group of 154 who have qualified since August of last year. "These numbers are way above average," said Wing Command Master Chief Fiesco, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 3, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. "In the rear, we qualify around 8 to 10 per month." The majority of those who earn the pin are corpsmen and religious program specialists because of their constant interaction with the Corps. In order to qualify for the pin, Sailors train in various areas of Marine Corps fundamentals. "They have to learn field communication, land navigation, weapons handling, Marine Corps history, and physical fitness," said Fiesco. "Then they have to demonstrate their proficiency in each of the areas by taking a test and going before an evaluation board." This training adds to the Sailors ability to perform their job and builds rapport with the Marines. "Before this program existed, many of the Corpsmen in Marine units were considered a liability," said Fiesco, a 45-year-old native of Bogota, Colombia. "Now, Corpsmen are more reliable, and can even lead other Marines." Being awarded the FMF warfare pin is a high honor for Sailors because it symbolizes their hard work and dedication to the Marine Corps. "They basically train to be Marines," said Fiesco. "This is not a normal part of the job, so everyone who gets the pin is going above and beyond to earn it." The courses, tests and boards can be difficult, resulting in a program that can take up to six months to complete. "Making the effort to earn this title shows the Marines in my unit that I'm dedicated to being the best," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class, Javier R. Esparza, squadron corpsman, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 265, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. "I feel that the Marine Corps has given a lot to me, and this is the least I can do to show my respect." Esparza, a 24-year-old native of San Diego, Calif., who received his FMF award in the ceremony, said he values his accomplishments and recognizes the responsibilities that come with the title. "It gives me a sense of pride knowing what I've achieved," said Esparza. "We're now entrusted to go out and teach other Corpsmen the knowledge we've learned."

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