Biography
Marine Detachment Maneuver Center of Excellence
First Sergeant L. W. Harris

First Sergeant Harris enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2004 and attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego where he was meritoriously promoted to Private First Class. Upon completion of Boot Camp he completed his Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry West, then reported to New River, North Carolina to attend A school. There he earned the MOS 6132 Dynamic Component Mechanic and was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal.

In 2005 LCpl Harris reported to Marine Aviation Logistic Squadron 39 at Camp Pendleton, California. There he worked as an Intermediate level mechanic in the Power Plants Division.  He deployed twice while stationed here once in 2006 and once in 2007, both deployments were to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Upon his return from his second deployment, he successfully screened for a lateral move to become an Amphibious Reconnaissance Marine. He attended SOI-W where he completed Infantry training and the Basic Reconnaissance Course. Sgt Harris then reported to 2d Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

While serving as an Assistant Team Leader in Alpha Company, 2d Recon Battalion, 1stSgt Harris deployed to the Sangin Valley, Helman Province, Afghanistan, in 2010.  This was in support of Operation enduring Freedom. Following the return from his deployment he assumed the billet of Team leader and began training for a follow-on deployment. Harris returned to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2012 again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this deployed He was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

Following his tour with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, SSgt Harris reported to Reconnaissance Training Company, Advanced Infantry Battalion, SOI-W at Camp Pendleton, California. There he completed Combat Instructor School and received the BMOS 0913 Combat Instructor. After completing this training, he began instructing at the Basic Reconnaissance course. While there he held the billets of Tactical Instructor and Primary Instructor for patrol phase.  In 2014 SSgt Harris was selected to assist in the development of a new POI for the Reconnaissance Team Leaders course and finished his time at Reconnaissance Training Company Developing and Instructing this course.

In 2016, after his tour at Reconnaissance Training Company SSgt Harris reported to 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, I MEF, where he held the billet of Platoon Sergeant and Operations Chief and was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant.  During his time at 1st Force Recon, GySgt Harris participated in multiple operations to include deploying with his platoon to the Mexican / American boarder in support of Joint Task Force North to conduct ground reconnaissance in support of the boarder crisis.  In 2019 he deployed as an Operations Chief, aboard the USS COMMSTOCK for Task Force Ellis. After returning from his deployment GySgt Harris executed orders to Marine Detachment, Maneuver Center of Excellence where he is currently serving as the Senior Enlisted Leader.

First Sergeant’s decorations include the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal W/V, 2nd award, the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal W/V, 2nd award and the Combat Action Ribbon.