MCRD San Diego -- He’s 26-years-old and starting his military career. Some would question his strategy, but they would be wrong to think his joining at 26 is without purpose. John M. Lemus, Platoon 2105, Co. E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, has a family history of enlisting in the Corps. However no one in his family has attempted getting a degree before serving.
After getting a bachelors degree business economics he submitted a packet for Officer Candidate School.
However, when he received a call that he was not selected for OCS Lemus decided to take a new path. He picked up the phone and called his local recruiter to inquire about going enlisted instead.
“I don't know why I wasn't selected but I plan to ask some questions after boot camp,” said Lemus. "Some people might ask why, ‘did I joined anyways,’? I say, ‘If you really want something you just keep going after it.’”
As a 26-years-old recruit, he is one of the oldest in his company but Lemus believes his age gives him a higher maturity.
It’s that trait that caught the eye of his drill instructors.
"He's shown leadership since the beginning of recruit training," said Sgt. Salvador E. Sanchez, drill instructor, Platoon 2105, Co. E. "You could see his maturity in his stature and that he stood out in the world."
As a squad leader in recruit training, Lemus's leadership was felt by Recruit Mark A. Johnson, Plt. 2105, Co. E. Johnson explained Lemus's leadership was different than others in the platoon.
"He doesn't put down recruits or just tell you what to do," said Johnson. "He explains why something needs to be done instead of just screaming it.
Through his effective leadership, Lemus earned the admiration of recruits. Johnson described Lemus as wiser and more mature than the other recruits.
“He's brave for his decision to go enlisted,” said Johnson. “I don't know why they didn't take him. I think he would make a good officer, I'd take orders from him. Either way, I think if he becomes an officer later on I think people will respect the fact that he went enlisted first."
Both drill instructors and fellow Marines believe he's shown officer material during recruit training and have no idea why his package was not selected.
The San Bernardino, Calif. native says his plan is to eventually get into OCS through the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and pass on his knowledge of both sides of the service during a full 20-year-career in the Marines.
Marines who go from enlisted to officer are often called Mustangs by other Marines. Many enlisted believe Mustangs are a valuable asset to the Marine Corps because of their experience in the enlisted and officer side of the Corps.
"Some of the better officers I've had were Mustangs because they know both sides - it makes for a more well rounded leader,” said Sanchez. "Lemus will do good in MECEP as long as he keeps his drive and his head up. Lemus will be a good asset to the Marine Corps, I know he will. He could be our next commandant, you never know."