In the early 1990’s I was stationed in the Philippines, primarily assigned to doing Jungle Patrols. I was called in to see the Company Gunny, who in turn asked me if I would be interested in being a Scout/Sniper. I affirmed that I would be interested. Gunny informed me that during an upcoming training package with 4th Force Recon myself and several other Marines would be receiving Scout/Sniper training for approximately 4 weeks, in order to get us ready to go to the Scout/Sniper Basic Course at a later date.
I participated in the 4 weeks training and was told that I was one of the Marines that passed and would be going on to further training later.
Many months later I was sent to Hawaii for further training. Before we left we were told that instead of taking an entire 8 week course, we would be finishing the training that we had already started in the Philippines. We trained there for 4 more weeks.
At the end of the training, those of us that passed were given a certificate and told we were Scout/Snipers, then shipped back to our units.
Over a year later I leave the Philippines and report to the Fleet. When I arrive at my unit, I was told that nothing in my SRB showed that I was a Scout/Sniper. I provide documentation and the completed SSCB was entered in to my SRB. I have seen the entry in my record book on more than one occasion, although I do not currently have a copy of my SRB.
I then spoke to the SSgt in STA Platoon and he informed me that my training was not going to be recognized, but if I wanted I could try out for STA Platoon. If I made it I would be sent to the 2nd MarDiv SSCB. Soon after, my unit pumped out overseas for 6 months. When we got back, I had a little over 1 year left on my contract.
I was then informed that in order to be accepted into STA Platoon, attend the correct, accepted school, and earn the MOS, I would have to re-enlist. I had recently gotten married and decided against re-enlisting. I EAS’ed and did not attend the 2nd MarDiv SSCB.
That’s it in a nutshell, with the facts presented as best and fully as I can remember. I went on later, became a Police CounterSniper and Instructor. I’ve trained many students from around the world and gave them good service. If anyone that I have trained in the past now feels, after having read this, that their training is devalued or otherwise made less than you thought it should be, please contact me at your convenience.
Semper Fi!
Rob Sheppard
I participated in the 4 weeks training and was told that I was one of the Marines that passed and would be going on to further training later.
Many months later I was sent to Hawaii for further training. Before we left we were told that instead of taking an entire 8 week course, we would be finishing the training that we had already started in the Philippines. We trained there for 4 more weeks.
At the end of the training, those of us that passed were given a certificate and told we were Scout/Snipers, then shipped back to our units.
Over a year later I leave the Philippines and report to the Fleet. When I arrive at my unit, I was told that nothing in my SRB showed that I was a Scout/Sniper. I provide documentation and the completed SSCB was entered in to my SRB. I have seen the entry in my record book on more than one occasion, although I do not currently have a copy of my SRB.
I then spoke to the SSgt in STA Platoon and he informed me that my training was not going to be recognized, but if I wanted I could try out for STA Platoon. If I made it I would be sent to the 2nd MarDiv SSCB. Soon after, my unit pumped out overseas for 6 months. When we got back, I had a little over 1 year left on my contract.
I was then informed that in order to be accepted into STA Platoon, attend the correct, accepted school, and earn the MOS, I would have to re-enlist. I had recently gotten married and decided against re-enlisting. I EAS’ed and did not attend the 2nd MarDiv SSCB.
That’s it in a nutshell, with the facts presented as best and fully as I can remember. I went on later, became a Police CounterSniper and Instructor. I’ve trained many students from around the world and gave them good service. If anyone that I have trained in the past now feels, after having read this, that their training is devalued or otherwise made less than you thought it should be, please contact me at your convenience.
Semper Fi!
Rob Sheppard
