Fabled Backbone Of The Marine Corps
by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jennifer Le
August 3, 2026

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Seth Berak is many things ... a son to few; a friend to many; a Marine to his country; and ... specifically to that last point ... he is a noncommissioned officer ... that part of the enlisted ranks who are the fabled backbone of the Marine Corps.

Prior to one of the many annual exercises between the U.S. forces in Japan and their allied Japan Self-Defense Forces, Berak shared his thoughts on what it means to be a Marine NCO through his experiences as an airborne and air delivery specialist with 3rd Landing Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan.

Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Berak attended college for four years, earning his degree in Homeland Security before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps for the experience. He stated that going to airborne school was his primary choice when he chose his military occupational specialty.

“It was fun to go to airborne school. All the leaders I’ve had so far in this MOS have been phenomenal,” Berak said. “... Levelheaded people, always approachable, and completely understanding of every situation you can get into.” Upon completing airborne school and the parachute rigger course, Berak became an airborne and air delivery specialist, where he took on the responsibility of maintaining support equipment in airborne and airdrop operations. The role of air delivery includes providing the capability to deliver logistics support in environments where other methods of transportation or resupply cannot effectively operate.

During training evolutions and bilateral exercises, Berak takes on the responsibilities of a lead joint airdrop inspector, charged with inspecting the prepared cargo before it’s loaded aboard a plane, serving as a bridge between the platoon and the air crew. While conducting his final inspections for airborne gear deliveries, he certifies that the airdrop meets all requirements, placing the responsibility for the outcome of the airdrop on his shoulders.

“Giving junior Marines responsibility prepares them for a smoother transition into the role of a noncommissioned officer, where they can have an even greater impact,” said Berak. “For example, by the time I conduct my final inspections for airborne deliveries, the airdrop has already undergone multiple inspections by other qualified personnel, a majority of them being corporals and below.”

The relevance and importance of responsibility-charged NCOs is highlighted even more during training evolutions alongside allied and partner nations. For 3rd MLG, exercises with the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Republic of Korea military are routine, and while Berak believes that teamwork with other allies is crucial to achieve a unified purpose, collaboration begins at those working levels with mutual respect and trust amongst the Marines who operate alongside their partners, regardless of rank.

“No matter what rank or position, you have to have respect for everybody. Everybody works equally,” said Berak. “Mission success depends on every teammate or team member, and the smallest contribution can make the difference between failure and success.”

During his early years in the Marine Corps, Berak explained that he did not look to any NCO in particular; instead, he learned various lessons from the many junior and NCO leaders he encountered, the totality of the lessons from those within and outside his immediate leadership shaping the leader he is today. As Berak reflected on his experience transitioning from a junior Marine to an NCO, he emphasized the value of listening to others. “I became more comfortable with uncertainty, and I listened more before I spoke,” said Berak. “As an NCO, I learned that asking for help when needed is a sign of accountability and a commitment to success, not something to be seen as a weakness.”

He advocated the importance of someone listening to those under their charge and asking more questions before providing a solution. In the end, Berak believes that noncommissioned officers are those shop leaders who have the most direct and consistent influence on junior enlisted Marines, but they themselves are always learning as well.

“I take pride in my ability to positively influence and motivate junior Marines, helping them develop the confidence and drive to succeed,” Berak stated. "Being an NCO is being that ground-level leader to work with the lower enlisted to get the mission objective complete, but it’s also being that first leader that has an impact on how they grow.”

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