Marine Officer - Capt Patrick Spencer

<span> <p> <img style="float: none;" src="http://assets2.marines.com/assetmgr/image/disp/inline/size/460x259/id/254007" alt="Capt Patrick Spencer <br /> Artillery Officer" /><h2>Seeking Opportunity</h2>Spencer1Becoming :36<br /> <br /> Capt Patrick Spencer:<br /> My recruiter, he actually drew a timeline of everything-all the opportunities I had and the opportunities I would have in the Marine Corps. And it was the first time that I had a clear understanding of what I wanted to do and how to get there. At that time, I didn´t have a bachelor´s degree but I had a lot of college. And with him sitting down and giving me a clear direction, it was very easy for me to say yes. And the physical requirements was a big plus for me. But the reason why I got a commission is the challenge and the opportunity to expose myself to greater things.<br /> <hr /><h2>Listening to Your Marines</h2>Spencer2Leadership :40<br /> <br /> Capt Patrick Spencer:<br /> First and foremost, I´m a leader. Every Marine is a leader. And you think at one point, I know everything I need to know. But if you don´t listen to your Marines, you honestly are limiting yourself.<br /> <br /> The objectives of the Marine Corps is mission accomplishment, troop welfare. And that´s where the listening part comes in. Not only listening to the mission, what we need to do as a team, but stepping back and looking each Marine in the eye and elaborating what the intent is and how we as a team can step across together. That´s the foundation of the Marine Corps: Honor, Courage and Commitment. It´s the same in boot camp, Officer Candidates School, and even when you leave.<br /> <hr /><h2>Turning Practice into Instinct</h2>Spencer3MOS :47<br /> <br /> Capt Patrick Spencer:<br /> I´m an Artillery Officer. My job is to coordinate training for about 164 Marines. Throughout the days as you practice, your 164 Marines become more and more efficient. So when combat does happen, your efficiency is so great that it, it´s almost second nature. Almost like breathing and your Marines will instinctively know what to do in that given situation.<br /> <br /> There´s so much gear that I use, you´d probably be here all day. But the main emphasis that we´re known for is our big guns. As a battery commander, I have six of these large guns that I´m responsible for. I have 164 Marines that run that whole battery.<br /> <hr /><h2>What it Means to be a Marine</h2>Spencer4Career :40<br /> <br /> Capt Patrick Spencer:<br /> This particular occupation of being a Marine, has so many unique factors to it. The Marine Corps will set conditions for any individual, no matter what your background is, as long as you have heart, you will succeed. 14 years later, I´m still setting goals and the Marine Corps still gives me new opportunities. That´s what´s dynamic about-what´s so exciting about this. Every time there, there´s a new adventure around the corner. <br /> <br /> Our job is defending the Constitution of the United States. I look at that and just understand the Preamble, only the Preamble that gives me the biggest reward.<br /> <hr /><h2>Serving for his Family</h2>Spencer5 :52<br /> <br /> Capt Patrick Spencer:<br /> I´m blessed to have a family that is accepting, understands that my whole job is defending the Constitution of the United States. That´s it. My girls understand whatever it may be, what their occupation may be, they understand that as long as you look at it, understand it, and go for it with all your heart, you´ll be successful regardless of what anybody else thinks. Being a Marine, they see it by example, by the interactions. I always tell them they now have 202,000 aunts and uncles. I think I get an opportunity to expose them to quite a bit. And I tell you, matter of fact, we´re going to Japan. They now get exposed at the age of ten and four to a whole new culture. And where else can you, you get that. But also I have the opportunity to go home and be a father. So I really have the best of both worlds.<br /> <hr /> </p> </span>

Honor, Courage and Commitment — it’s the same in boot camp, Officer Candidates School and even when you leave.
—Capt Patrick Spencer

Enlisted: 1994
Commissioned: 2001
Commissioning Program: Enlisted Commissioning Program
Education: National University

For Captain Patrick Spencer, being a Marine is all about heart. His enthusiasm and willingness to listen are a constant inspiration to those around him. They are also critical skills that enable him to succeed, whether the goal is accomplishing a mission, taking care of his Marines or taking care of his family.

For this Oregon native, every day in the Marine Corps presents a new challenge and adventure. He has not only deployed as an Artillery Officer, but has served in different roles such as a Commanding General Aide and a student in Expeditionary Warfare school. In his next assignment, he’ll return to a command role, leading Marines stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

Marines. The Few. The Proud.

Capt Patrick Spencer
Artillery Officer

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Marines. The Few. The Proud.

Capt Patrick Spencer Artillery Officer

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Capt Patrick Spencer
Artillery Officer