Marine Corps Logistics Command Albany, Ga. -- Reenlisting in the Marine Corps was a decision Sergeant Darius L. Warren, supply administration and operations specialist, G6, Marine Corps Logistics Command, made without hesitation. Once approved, he had to find a place to conduct the ceremony but it could not be ordinary, it had to be symbolic.
Warren could have reenlisted in front of a traditional platoon formation to put a simple "check in the box" and push on with his day but that is not what he wanted. He reenlisted for another four years after navigating the obstacle course aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia, Dec. 19.
“I wanted to bring awareness that your reenlistment can be whatever you want it to be,” Warren said. “Don't be afraid to change it up.”
Warren and Maj. Danny A. Hamler, logistics analyst, G3/5, Marine Corps Logistics Command, and his officiating officer, both ran the obstacle course together.
At the end of the course stands one of the most challenging hurdle, a 20-30 foot rope climb.
Hamler reenlisted Warren in front of the last obstacle before racing to the top of the rope climb to renew Warren’s oath of enlistment.
“The obstacle course holds great symbolism when comparing it to a Marine’s career,” Warren said. “The course is meant to challenge everyone's mental, character, and physical disciplines. No two obstacles are approached the exact same and every obstacle sets you up for the next.
“Just like the Marine Corps, everyday should be slightly uncomfortable, because you are striving to be better than the day prior,” he continued. “I chose the obstacle course because no matter the ups and downs, accomplished or failed missions, you have to keep pushing forward, learn from your mistakes or be left behind.
“I hope to inspire Marines to get out of their comfort zone here in Albany, Georgia, and challenge the status quo,” he added.
Warren chose Hamler to be a part of the ceremony because of his mentorship.
“Major Hamler lets me know when I am doing a good job but at the same time encourages me to strive to set my bar higher, fulfilling my potential,” Warren said. “I can't recall a time where an accomplishment was made and we'd discuss it and I would leave his office without a new goal to accomplish.
“This is what I look for in my leadership,” he added. “Someone to take what I have and mold me into the right image.”
Hamler said it was an honor to reenlist a Marine of this caliber.
“It’s always an honor to participate in any Marine’s reenlistment but this one is especially heartfelt because Sergeant Warren is an outstanding Marine,” Hamler said. “He is the model Marine. From customs and courtesies, uniform appearance to physical fitness, you name it, Sergeant Warren embodies everything the Marine Corps represents.”
This is Hamler’s first time reenlisting a Marine at an obstacle course.
“This event he chose speaks volumes of the type of a Marine Sergeant Warren is,” he added. “He is never going to settle for the mediocre or the norm.”
Warren, who said he emulates Hamler, is pursuing to become an officer in the Marine Corps.
“I see myself about ten years ago but much better,” he said. “Sergeant Warren is prepared for that journey, he is going to do well as a Marine Corps officer.”