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

Welcome to Episode 61 of the JOJ Podcast, where we dive into the inspiring journey of Calvin Fernandes, a Marine Corps Officer and Second Lieutenant. In this episode, Calvin shares his experiences from boot camp to becoming an officer, the challenges of Marine Corps training, the importance of stoicism, camaraderie, and faith, and his advice for aspiring Marines. This heartfelt conversation offers a glimpse into the life of a Marine, the sacrifices made, and the brotherhood that defines the Corps.

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Episode Highlights with Timestamps

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to The Crucible
  Calvin recounts the grueling culminating event of Marine Corps boot camp, The Crucible, a 15-mile hike with minimal sleep, leading to the iconic moment of earning the title of Marine atop the Reaper.
• 00:00:34 - Emotional Impact of Becoming a Marine
  Calvin describes the surreal and emotional moment of earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, signifying the transformation into a Marine and unlocking a "new version" of himself.
• 00:00:46 - Michael B. Jordan Comparison & Life Decision
  Calvin shares a humorous comparison to Michael B. Jordan and recalls a pivotal moment when his father asked, “What do you want to do with your life?” sparking his decision to join the Marines.
• 00:01:05 - Coping with Loss and Faith
  Reflecting on the loss of a fellow Marine to suicide, Calvin emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support and maintaining a strong sense of faith to navigate challenges.
• 00:01:21 - Podcast Introduction
  The host introduces Calvin Fernandes, a Marine Corps Officer Second Lieutenant, and expresses gratitude for his service, setting the stage for a deep dive into his journey.
• 00:02:05 - Family and Brotherhood
  As the youngest of five brothers, Calvin discusses how growing up with older siblings shaped his resilience and the unbreakable bond of brotherhood, both in family and the Marine Corps.
• 00:03:13 - Path to the Marines
  Calvin shares how his brother, a Marine, guided him through the recruitment process, his time as a “white shirt” in the Delayed Entry Program, and his decision to bet on himself by joining the Corps in 2017.
• 00:04:32 - Mindset of Service
  Calvin explains his mindset when signing his contract, focusing on serving a greater good and personal growth rather than dwelling on the risks of military service.
• 00:05:34 - Pivotal Moment with His Father
  A candid story about a summer day when his father’s question, “What do you want to do with your life?” solidified Calvin’s commitment to joining the Marines.
• 00:07:27 - Overcoming the ASVAB Challenge
  Calvin details his struggle to pass the ASVAB test, taking it six times before achieving a breakthrough score of 77, highlighting the importance of perseverance.
• 00:09:16 - Preparing for Boot Camp
  Calvin describes the mental and physical preparation for boot camp, including cutting out social media, running regularly, and adopting a disciplined mindset.
• 00:11:19 - Boot Camp Challenges and Teamwork
  Insights into the intense boot camp environment, where teamwork is critical, and one mistake affects the entire platoon, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
• 00:13:07 - Defining a Marine: Stoicism
  Calvin identifies stoicism as the defining trait of a Marine, emphasizing professionalism, humility, and a relentless drive to improve.
• 00:14:15 - Marines vs. Navy and Army
  Calvin explains the unique role of the Marine Corps, a small, agile force under the Navy, capable of operating from sea to shore, compared to the Navy’s sea control and the Army’s large-scale mobilization.
• 00:16:24 - Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego
  Calvin shares his experience at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, the intense training environment, and the beauty of the surrounding area.
• 00:18:04 - Close Order Drill and Discipline
  A look into the repetitive yet foundational close order drill, which instills discipline and teamwork, with cadences and marching fostering unit cohesion.
• 00:19:13 - Weapons Training
  Calvin discusses qualifying with the M16 A4 and M4 rifles, adapting to urban combat environments, and the pride of earning an expert badge while avoiding the “pizza box” (lowest qualification).
• 00:21:41 - Pistol Training Challenges
  Calvin shares the difficulty of pistol training, requiring a steady hand and precise technique, and his achievement of a sharpshooter badge.
• 00:22:50 - Receiving Phase and Black Friday
  Calvin describes the chaotic receiving phase, including stepping onto the yellow footprints and enduring “Black Friday,” a day of intense drill instructor-led chaos to build resilience.
• 00:25:07 - The Crucible and Earning the Title
  A detailed recount of The Crucible, a 15-mile hike with minimal food and sleep, culminating in the emotional moment of earning the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
• 00:26:28 - Physical Fitness in Boot Camp
  Calvin explains how his body held up through rigorous physical training, emphasizing hydration and the importance of the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT).
• 00:29:20 - Camaraderie and Reliance on Peers
  Calvin highlights the importance of relying on fellow Marines during training, fostering a competitive yet supportive environment that builds camaraderie.
• 00:31:54 - Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)
  Calvin discusses MCMAP, including pugil sticks, boxing, and grappling, and the belt system (tan to black), which builds confidence and close-quarters combat skills.
• 00:35:55 - CS Gas Chamber Experience
  Calvin describes the annual CS gas chamber training, where Marines break the seal on their gas masks to experience the burning effects, building resilience and preparedness.
• 01:15:23 - Operational Planning and Leadership
  Calvin explains the importance of operational planning, contingency strategies, and small unit leadership, ensuring Marines understand the mission to execute it effectively.
• 01:18:15 - Morale and Leadership in the Corps
  Calvin discusses how officers set the tone for unit morale, relying on experienced staff NCOs to maintain a positive environment, regardless of external factors like political changes.
• 01:21:12 - Work-Life Balance
  Calvin reflects on learning to balance his intense Marine Corps career with personal life, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical training outside of work.
• 01:22:47 - Favorite War Movies
  Calvin shares his favorite war movies, including 1917, American Sniper, Black Hawk Down, Fury, and The Covenant, discussing their realistic portrayal of combat.
• 01:29:29 - Addressing Mental Health
  Calvin opens up about losing a Marine to suicide and the importance of reaching out for help, emphasizing resources available for mental health support in the Corps.
• 01:36:13 - Who Has What It Takes to Be a Marine?
  Calvin estimates less than 5% of the male population has the physical and mental fortitude to meet the Marine Corps’ demanding standards.
• 01:38:07 - Advice for Aspiring Marines
  Calvin advises high schoolers interested in the Marines to mentally reset, avoid negative influences, train physically (running and pull-ups), and prepare for the challenges ahead.
• 01:40:31 - Relationships and Military Life
  Calvin offers advice on maintaining relationships while pursuing a military career, stressing the need for a supportive partner who understands the lifestyle.
• 01:42:14 - Officer Candidate School (OCS)
  Calvin details the rigorous OCS process, focusing on leadership, academics, and physical fitness, designed to weed out those unfit to lead as Marine Corps officers.
• 01:46:16 - The Basic School (TBS)
  Calvin describes TBS, a six-month grind teaching provisional platoon commander skills through academics, physical fitness tests, and leadership evaluations.
• 01:49:57 - Role of Faith
  Calvin emphasizes the centrality of faith in his life, providing strength and purpose throughout his Marine Corps career.
• 01:51:41 - Final Words
  Calvin leaves listeners with advice to “stay hungry, stay focused,” and reminds them that tough times will pass, encouraging resilience and dedication.

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Key Themes

• Resilience and Stoicism: Calvin’s journey underscores the importance of mental toughness and stoicism in overcoming the challenges of Marine Corps training and leadership.
• Brotherhood and Camaraderie: The tight-knit community of the Marine Corps, mirrored by Calvin’s bond with his brothers, is a cornerstone of his experience.
• Faith and Purpose: A strong sense of faith guides Calvin through personal and professional trials, offering a foundation for leadership and resilience.
• Mental Health Awareness: Calvin advocates for reaching out for help, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health challenges in the military.
• Preparation for Service: From ASVAB struggles to boot camp and OCS, Calvin’s story emphasizes preparation, perseverance, and teamwork.