U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Madison Schoening, a reservist, chose to travel across the world to Okinawa, Japan, to serve with III Marine Expeditionary Force. Here, she challenges herself by furthering her college education, learning a new job and working towards her next promotion. By combining these attributes, Schoening advanced her career while contributing to the mission of III MEF.

Schoening’s home unit, Papa Battery 5th Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, is based in Spokane, Wash. She attended her monthly drills for training in her primary occupation, field fire artillery control. During an exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., a staff non-commissioned officer noticed her hard work and motivation and recommended she apply to the Global Billets Program, which allows reservists to temporarily serve in an active-duty position and travel overseas. Following the recommendation, she applied and received the opportunity to travel to Japan and work at III MEF as an operations assistant—a completely new military occupational specialty for her.

“I love working with everyone in my office,” said Schoening. “I’ve never been formally trained in admin, but they gave me the opportunity to show what I’m capable of. They saw something in me that maybe I didn’t see in myself.”

Gunnery Sgt. Richard Cabaya, the reserve integration chief, Reserve Affairs Branch, III MEF, had high praise for Schoening’s adaptability and determination.

“This is not Schoening’s original MOS, but with her work ethic, I think she could work any job she set her mind to,” said Cabaya. “She knows how to ask the right questions and comes into work every day with a positive attitude”

Through her hard work, Schoening received a nomination for a spot on the meritorious corporal board to compete against other high-performing lance corporals within 4th Marine Division. Following her evaluation on the board, Schoening received a meritorious promotion to corporal.

Even after winning the last board, Schoening is already looking towards the future, Cabaya said.

“She’s already started taking steps towards that next promotion,” he added. “She’s taking college courses, doing her research and staying physically fit.”

Outside of work, Schoening has many activities and hobbies to keep her spirits high and her mental health recharged.

“I love being outside,” she said. “I love going to the beach, and I love volunteering. I get to live on a beautiful island, I want to take advantage of that as much as possible.”

Recently, Schoening volunteered to assist with the setup and operations of a children’s summer camp.

Whether at work, school or liberty, Schoening said she gives every day her all and strives to maintain the standards of the Marine Corps.

“That’s what we reservists do; we get out here, we stay motivated, we get things done, and then we go on,” said Schoening. “We make sure to leave a good impression so people know we were here.”