JOJ Ep. 61 - Inside the Life of a Marine Corps Officer with Second Lieutenant Calvin Fernandes

Podcast Show Notes: JOJ Episode 61 – Featuring Calvin Fernandes, Marine Corps Officer Second Lieutenant

 

Episode 61 of the JOJ Podcast features Calvin Fernandes, a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant. Calvin shares his journey from boot camp to officer training, discussing The Crucible, stoicism, camaraderie, faith, and advice for aspiring Marines. This episode offers an inspiring look into the sacrifices and brotherhood of the Marine Corps.Episode Highlights with Timestamps

• 00:00:00 - The Crucible
  Calvin recounts The Crucible, a 15-mile hike with minimal sleep, earning the Marine title atop the Reaper.
• 00:00:34 - Earning the Title
  Calvin describes the emotional moment of earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
• 00:00:46 - Life Decision
  A Michael B. Jordan comparison and his father’s question led Calvin to join the Marines.
• 00:01:05 - Mental Health & Faith
  Calvin reflects on losing a Marine to suicide, emphasizing support and faith.
• 00:01:21 - Introduction
  The host introduces Calvin, thanking him for his service.
• 00:02:05 - Brotherhood
  As the youngest of five, Calvin’s brothers shaped his resilience and Marine bonds.
• 00:03:13 - Joining the Marines
  Guided by his Marine brother, Calvin joined the Corps in 2017.
• 00:04:32 - Greater Good
  Calvin focused on serving a purpose, not risks, when signing up.
• 00:05:34 - Father’s Influence
  A talk with his dad solidified Calvin’s Marine commitment.
• 00:07:27 - ASVAB Struggles
  Calvin passed the ASVAB after six tries, scoring a 77.
• 00:09:16 - Boot Camp Prep
  Calvin cut social media and trained rigorously for boot camp.
• 00:11:19 - Teamwork
  Boot camp taught Calvin teamwork, as one mistake impacts all.
• 00:13:07 - Stoicism
  Calvin identifies stoicism as a Marine’s key trait.
• 00:14:15 - Marines vs. Others
  The Marine Corps, under the Navy, is agile compared to the Army.
• 00:16:24 - MCRD San Diego
  Calvin shares his boot camp experience at San Diego.
• 00:18:04 - Close Order Drill
  Drills instill discipline, with cadences building cohesion.
• 00:19:13 - Weapons Training
  Calvin qualified with the M16 A4, avoiding the “pizza box” badge.
• 00:21:41 - Pistol Training
  Pistol training was tough; Calvin earned a sharpshooter badge.
• 00:22:50 - Receiving Phase
  “Black Friday” and yellow footprints marked boot camp’s intense start.
• 00:25:07 - The Crucible
  Calvin details The Crucible’s hike and earning the Marine title.
• 00:26:28 - Physical Fitness
  Hydration and PFT/CFT tests were key in boot camp.
• 00:29:20 - Camaraderie
  Training with peers built a competitive, supportive bond.
• 00:31:54 - Martial Arts
  MCMAP’s pugil sticks and boxing honed combat skills.
• 00:35:55 - CS Gas Chamber
  Annual CS gas training builds resilience.
• 01:15:23 - Leadership
  Calvin explains operational planning and small unit leadership.
• 01:18:15 - Morale
  Officers maintain unit morale with staff NCO support.
• 01:21:12 - Work-Life Balance
  Calvin balances his Marine career with personal life.
• 01:22:47 - War Movies
  Favorites include 1917, American Sniper, Black Hawk Down.
• 01:29:29 - Mental Health
  Calvin advocates seeking help after losing a Marine.
• 01:36:13 - Marine Potential
  Less than 5% of men meet Marine Corps standards.
• 01:38:07 - Advice for Aspiring Marines
  Mentally reset, train, and avoid negative influences.
• 01:40:31 - Relationships
  Partners must support the military lifestyle.
• 01:42:14 - Officer School
  OCS tests leadership, academics, and fitness.
• 01:46:16 - The Basic School
  TBS’s six-month grind trains platoon commanders.
• 01:49:57 - Faith
  Faith gives Calvin strength and purpose.
• 01:51:41 - Final Words
  “Stay hungry, stay focused; tough times pass.”

Key Themes

• Stoicism & Resilience: Mental toughness defines Calvin’s journey.
• Brotherhood: Family and Marine bonds are central.
• Faith: Faith guides Calvin through challenges.
• Mental Health: Seeking help is crucial.
• Preparation: Discipline and perseverance are key.