Time and again I hear the phrase “growing our own leaders”.   How does the task get accomplished for the civilians aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma?  That’s an easy answer for those that want to take full advantage of the training provided through the Civilian Leadership Development Program (CLD).  One such program in the…

 As a seminar instructor for the Expeditionary Warfare School Distance Learning Program, what are the benefits of studying non-MOS specific Marine Corps concepts, doctrine and tactics? It makes leaders more well rounded by introducing them to concepts of planning and employment for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces that will serve them well in future billets and…

Being in the military, there are times when we are separated from our families and loved ones. With the advent of technology, we can bridge the physical gap through Skype, Face Time, email, etc. Unfortunately, being separated from our loved ones does not make us immune to conflicts. In fact, problems in our relationships may…

It feels like horror movies are judged on two criteria: their capability of frightening the audience and their merit as a film, like with plot and character development and tension and stuff. Having said that, Sinister is among the best of modern horror cinema, with every scare justified and every scream satisfying. The story has…

Let’s face the facts, most politician’s do not care about young voters. Why should they, we obviously don’t care about the future of America. According to Census Current Population Survey, only half of people ages 18-24 vote. By these numbers, we are saying we do not care about which way our country goes. Let’s show…

In November, I will be executing orders and moving to 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. As such, this will be my last article for the Desert Warrior. I have truly enjoyed my ministry here in Yuma, and I will miss the folks I have been blessed to know and minister…

Inconsolable by Shaheed Shabazz, featured in this week’s issue, is a radical read. By radical I don’t necessarily mean cool, but I mean it will rock your world and startle your sense of safety. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical before I first read the book; Shabeez is a Marine, a group of men…

Make no mistake, the Corps is a brotherhood, and sisterhood. But is there more? Do we feel a similar bond with other branches of the military? Sure, there’s always going to be that healthy inter-service rivalry between us, but does the fact we all put on a uniform and defend our nation count for something?…

1. Briefly, how does the DTS (Defense Travel System) work? DTS is a fully integrated, electronic, end to end travel management system that automates Temporary Duty Travel (TDY) for the Department of Defense (DOD).  It allows travelers to create AUTHORIZATIONS, book reservations, receive approval, generate VOUCHERS for reimbursement, and direct payments to their bank accounts…