JOHN HOLMES
Quantico
Summary
Mission-focused and results-driven Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps with 9 years of experience leading combat operations, managing personnel, and delivering tactical instruction in high-pressure environments. Holds an active Top Secret security clearance and is a Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician. Proven expertise in coordinating multisectional operations, training over 600 candidates, and supervising teams in both deployed and garrison settings. Adept at developing policy, executing complex missions, and maintaining administrative readiness across all levels of command. Recognized with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and multiple Letters of Commendation for outstanding performance. Holds an Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from American Military University. Committed to bringing disciplined leadership, operational excellence, and strategic insight to a federal role.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Detachment Commander
Marine Corps Embassy Security
10.2022 - Current
- Maintained active 24/7 security of multi-million dollar diplomatic facilities housing over one hundred diplomatic personnel.
- Successfully completed multiple augmentation deployments to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, supporting the safe evacuation of American diplomats and citizens during periods of escalating gang violence and civil unrest.
- Deployed to multiple locations in support of the President of the United States, providing armed access control for the White House Communications Agency to ensure the security of critical communications operations.
- Identified problem areas and proposed and implemented effective solutions; took responsibility for personal actions and team performance to ensure goals and deadlines were met; led meetings to drive alignment and progress.
- Assisted, directed, and demonstrated a multitude of differing skills, tasks, and objectives to obtain mission accomplishment in an expedient, effective, and safe manner in both Diplomatic and Operational settings.
- Provided armed internal and external security for U.S. Embassies and Consulates at the request of the Department of State.
- Operational readiness support and emergency preparedness to the diplomatic mission of the United States, responding and being prepared for vicissitude, security breaches, and natural disasters.
Infantry Platoon Sergeant
Officer Candidate School
05.2021 - 10.2022
- Oversaw daily personnel administration and accountability for the platoon, ensuring accurate documentation, timely processing of records, and effective communication across command channels. Conducted monthly counseling sessions to support the professional development, well-being, and performance tracking of individual Marines.
- Recognized for exceptional performance with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and multiple Letters of Commendation, reflecting consistent dedication, leadership, and mission readiness.
- Assisted the Platoon Commander in drafting, refining, and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) specific to tactics section protocols, ensuring operational consistency, safety, and compliance with higher command directives.
- Played a key role in developing and interpreting policies, procedures, and strategic approaches that guided service planning and delivery within the section, enhancing coordination, mission execution, and overall effectiveness of operations.
Tactics Instructor
Officer Candidate School
07.2020 - 05.2021
- Coordinated across multiple sections to maintain clear, timely communication in support of mission objectives, ensuring unity of effort and operational success.
- Delivered over 20 hours of instruction to more than 600 candidates across a 20-week training cycle, facilitating their professional development and readiness through structured, mission-relevant content.
- Supervised daily operations within the unit, including the mentorship, performance evaluation, and discipline of junior Marines, promoting accountability, growth, and mission-focused behavior.
- Planned and prepared instructional sessions and assignments aligned with curriculum objectives, helping students effectively grasp course material and apply learning outcomes in practical settings.
- Conducted and submitted curriculum evaluations to support the continuous improvement of instructional programs and services, identifying gaps and recommending updates to enhance training effectiveness.
Squad Leader
United States Marine Corps
12.2017 - 07.2020
- Deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan with Task Force Southwest under Operation Freedom’s Sentinel as part of the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission. Conducted ground defense patrols, executed fire missions in support of allied units in the area of operations, and played a critical role in training, advising, and assisting the Afghan National Army to enhance their operational capacity and self-sufficiency.
- Led a fire team through infantry dismounted battle drills and situational training exercises, reinforcing combat readiness and tactical proficiency in diverse environments.
- Trained teams on emergency preparedness and tactical integration, including operational planning, weapon systems handling, and equipment maintenance, improving overall mission capability and safety protocols.
- Supervised and led a squad of 13 Marines, setting and maintaining high standards of performance, discipline, loyalty, and integrity in daily operations and field exercises.
- Provided operational briefings to leadership on unit readiness, equipment status, and enemy activity, enabling informed strategic decision-making and mission planning.
- Completed a 7-month deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a Special Operations-Capable Task Force, actively participating in multinational and bilateral exercises that strengthened joint interoperability and regional security cooperation.
Education
Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
American Military University
Charleston, West Virginia06-2025
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Initiative
- Interpersonal ability
- Leadership
- Organization and planning
- Problem solving and judgement
Training
Infantry & Tactical Training
- School of Infantry – 2016
- Advanced Mortarman Course – 2018
- Infantry Small Unit Leader Course – 2022
- Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) – Black Belt
- E-Marine Courses – Completed 60 classes
Topics include Infantry Tactics, Leadership, Operational Vehicle Use, and Security Operations
Leadership Development
- Leading Marines
- Corporals Course
- Sergeants Course
Security & Diplomatic Protection Training
- Marine Security Guard School – 2022
- Marine Security Augmentation Unit (MSAU) Certification Training – 2023
Advanced Quick Reaction Force (QRF) Training for Diplomatic Security and VIP Support, including:
Emergency Medical Care
Room Entry Tactics
Radio Communications
Weapons Handling
Security Analysis
Department of State Diplomatic Security Courses
- High Risk Environment Firearms Course – 2023
- Advanced Room Entry Tactics – 2023
- Less Than Lethal – 2024
Medical Certification
- Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – 2023
Timeline
Assistant Detachment Commander
Marine Corps Embassy Security
10.2022 - Current
Infantry Platoon Sergeant
Officer Candidate School
05.2021 - 10.2022
Tactics Instructor
Officer Candidate School
07.2020 - 05.2021
Squad Leader
United States Marine Corps
12.2017 - 07.2020
Associate of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
American Military University
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