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Corporal Kenneth Nageotte, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with Regimental Combat Team 7 and native of Redlands, Calif., served on Marine Security Guard duty in Latvia and Egypt, and now plans to exit the Marine Corps to get his degree and go back to Latvia as a civilian security expert. “He embodies our core values and truly lives his life as Marines should,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Orr, the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense officer with RCT-7. "He is aware of what the title he's earned represents, and he approaches every day as if he were trying to earn that title, over and over again. Nageotte will likely transition back to the civilian sector after his obligation is complete, but he will continue to represent our Corps well into the future, regardless of where he may find himself."

Photo by Cpl. Kowshon Ye

Marine’s career leads him to path outside Corps

22 Jan 2013 | Sgt. Ned Johnson 1st Marine Division

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan— Marine Security Guard is a special duty during which Marines provide internal security at designated U.S. diplomatic and consular facilities to prevent the compromise of classified material vital to the national security.

Serving in this capacity gave one Marine the desire to continue work with a U.S. Embassy after his service in the Marine Corps.

Corporal Kenneth Nageotte, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist with Regimental Combat Team 7, served on MSG duty in Latvia and Egypt and plans to exit the Marine Corps to get his degree and go back to Latvia as a civilian security expert.

“Latvia was a great time for me,” Nageotte said. “It was hard work because we were working three days on and one day off, but it was still fun. I want to go back out there.”

Nageotte currently works in RCT-7’s Combat Operations Center tracking events that happen throughout Helmand province. He spends only about four hours per week working his CBRN job, while working 12-hour shifts daily as the common operational picture manager.

“His primary role as the COP manager requires that he be aware of all significant activity, which occurs throughout the regimental battlefield,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 William Orr, the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense officer with RCT-7. “He then takes that information and updates collaborative products, which ultimately keep the commander informed and enables him to make decisions based upon an ever-evolving enemy situation.”

Nageotte’s experiences as a Marine have helped prepare him for this job, Orr said.

“He has a unique ability to deliver presentations in front of groups, large and small, without seeming in the least bit concerned about the composition of these groups or the subject matter,” Orr said. “He prepares well and demonstrates a manner of confidence that I have seldom seen from Marines of his grade.”

He is also focused on his future after the Corps.

“Nageotte has a positive outlook on the future, which resonates into everything he does,” said Orr. “He is eager to tackle complex problems and takes a tremendous amount of pride in his work.”

Nageotte, a native of Redlands, Calif., is preparing for his future by studying Russian in college and majoring in international relations with an emphasis in eastern European studies. His ultimate goal is to serve as a regional security officer at the embassy as the civilian in charge of MSG Marines there.

While he wants to work for the U.S. Department of State, Nageotte admits he wants to maintain his ties with the Corps.

“He embodies our core values and truly lives his life as Marines should,” Orr said. “He is aware of what the title he's earned represents, and he approaches every day as if he were trying to earn that title, over and over again. Nageotte will likely transition back to the civilian sector after his obligation is complete, but he will continue to represent our Corps well into the future, regardless of where he may find himself.”

Until then, Nageotte continues to study at American University while deployed and hopes to attend the University of Southern California in the future.

Editor’s note: This article is part of a series wherein every week we recognize an individual Marine or sailor with Regimental Combat Team 7. The Marines and sailors of RCT-7 are dedicated, disciplined and driven to accomplish the mission, and the Marine in this article has earned special recognition for standing out among these professionals. Be sure to check every week to see who will be honored as the latest Marine of the Week.

 



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1st Marine Division