MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT, San Diego -- “Be more convincing with that ‘kill,’” bellowed the 6’ 3”, 195-pound sergeant as he instructed his Marines on the proper smash technique during a Marine Corps Martial Arts lesson. “All I’m hearing right now are, ‘children’s books,’ and ‘lollipops.’”
Sgt. Ryan Jones turned sideways to his students, performing the smash with ferocity coming to an abrupt stop in front of his simulated opponent, keeping intense, straight-forward eye contact with them.
To look at this Marine, hear him speak and watch his routine, not many would think that he belongs to Marine Band San Diego. Jones plays the French horn in the band, is a black belt MCMAP instructor but he said he wants more out of his career. So he decided to switch his military occupational specialty to Reconnaissance.
“If you have to imagine someone you despise in front of you to really follow through with your move, then do it,” he said, with a demon’s grin. “I have to do it sometimes.”
“When I was a kid I was a total band geek. My family was very musical,” said Jones. “I would do stuff like play in a traveling youth symphony. I was first chair in my section since sixth grade.”
Jones didn’t really play sports while he was in school, so he said he didn’t get to feel the brotherhood of a sports team. He called himself a nerd because he constantly got good grades. Eventually, he started to think differently.
“I wanted to do something beyond myself, something that would challenge me, because I wanted to be the best at everything,” said Jones, “I wanted it to be something that mattered.”
Jones was only 17 when he decided he wanted to enlist in the Marines. To enlist he needed his parent’s signature, but they would only sign if he enlisted in the band. Jones was okay with that. He could explore the paid-musician aspect of the corps.
“To top that off, my family all went to the same college, and I was expected to go to it, too,” said Jones, “Enlisting really broke the mold and angered a few people, but it allowed me to make my own footsteps.”
As far as Jones knows, he is the first Marine in his family, but other members have served in the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Jones, a native of Penfield, N.Y., shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., on Aug. 20, 2007, after graduating from Penfield High School.
“Amazingly enough, I didn’t really get picked on for being in the band while I was in boot camp,” said Jones. “I was squad leader from the beginning of second phase until graduation, so they tended to leave me alone.”
Upon completing boot camp and Marine Combat Training at Camp Geiger, N.C., Jones attended his military occupational specialty school at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Va.
Jones was then assigned to Marine Band San Diego as a lance corporal, and after 9 months, he picked up corporal. He was promoted to sergeant at the age of 19.
“Initially, my goal as a corporal was to be my absolute best,” said Jones. “I worked my butt off, and I stayed extremely motivated. I wanted to set the example for my fellow Marines and maybe even outdo a few sergeants.” Jones said.
Jones was on several boards as a corporal where he faced three other senior corporals. He was also on a Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter board at both the battalion and the depot, and won. About three months later, he won a meritorious sergeant board.
“The biggest key to succeeding is believing in what you do and setting the example,” said Jones. “It’s actually exciting to stay motivated all the time. It seems like everyone looks to you, like you make them want to be better. Also, don’t put yourself in the limelight, none of that, ‘Hey, look what I can do’ stuff.”
Jones has his own view on what being an NCO means. He feels Marines should take care of their Marines and adjust to the way they learn. If they learn to understand that, then they can guide them easier. Jones even spent his personal time to conduct remedial MCMAP training for Marines who need help with certain moves.. He wants to be able to motivate and inspire his Marines to better themselves.
“Being a sergeant is setting an example of what Marines should be,” said Jones. “Unspeakable strength and valor -- you want to be that shining star to young Marines who come under your charge and are scared. It’s not about bettering yourself, it’s about bettering others.”
After being in the Marines for three-and-a-half years Jones said it’s time for him to start thinking about career changing decisions.
“The band has been fun,” said Jones, “but I really want to get my boots on the ground.”
Jones joined the Marines to be the best and feels that with recon being considered as the “elite brotherhood,” it would be more his speed. He wants to deploy and is looking forward to the training he will receive with deployment. Jones said he is expecting, and looking forward to being miserable as he trains in his new MOS.
“When I first joined, I wasn’t really into it,” said Jones. “Later, I was encouraged to become a martial arts instructor. During that training I got mud and blood on my fingers. After that, it was over. I had fallen in love with the combat mindset of the Marines. I knew there had to be something better.”
Given time to reflect on his decision to go recon, Jones said that he will miss the friends he has made in the band. He also believes that it will be a tremendous change after playing the French horn for a little more than half of his life. He said that he will be gaining much more than he will be giving up though.
Jones has led a motivated career with plenty of Marines. Even those not in his shop have gone to him for inspiration. When he gets to his next duty station he is determined to be just as motivated and try to be that shining star for a new batch of Marines.
“Cling onto your mentors, good NCOs and your fellow Marines,” said Jones, “When you find the ‘right one,’ pick their brains and try to emulate them. Find your own motivation, your own Zen. Above all, stay motivated.”