MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Family, colleagues and distinguished guests gathered at the School of Infantry West parade field to welcome the Mobilization Training Battalion new commanding officer, Lt. Col. Thomas C. Gresser, and bid farewell to outgoing commander, Maj. Mark A. Shuster during a change of command ceremony, Oct. 12.
Excitement filled the air as the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band from Twentynine Palms, Calif., performed for the crowd and Navy chaplain Lt. j.g. Matthew A. Riley, SOI West, delivered the invocation.
Gresser takes over MTBn., a Marine Forces Reserve unit permanently assigned to SOI West, providing Combat Hunter and pre-deployment training for Individual Ready Reserve, Selected Marine Corps Reserve and active duty Marines in order to increase individual war fighting skills and prepare for future operations.
After the ceremony, Shuster’s leadership, service and major accomplishments at MTBN, were recognized in a bestowment accepting the Meritorious Service Medal presented by Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Padilla, Commanding General, Eastern Recruiting Region and Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, S.C.
Mentioned in the citation were Shuster’s efforts directing the implementation of the Combat hunter course at MTBN and staffing field mobile training teams designed to teach and train Marines deployed throughout the globe on this program.
The Combat Hunter course is a five-day and ten-day training exercise, taught regularly at SOI West/East by combat instructors, that helps prepare Marines for upcoming deployments, develop the fundamentals of observation, profiling and tracking. Combat Hunter grew out of a concept by Gen. James Mattis, commander, U.S. Central Command, who has spearheaded the realization of various training programs for the Marine Corps.
Following the formalities and a heartfelt welcoming speech filled with gratitude and encouragement words from Padilla, the two commanding officers addressed the crowd.
“I am very honored and humbled to have led MTBN and the outstanding Marines in the command,” Shuster said. “This has been a tremendous opportunity and honor Marines, thank you for your dedication, loyalty and support, the award on my chest is a direct reflection of your hard work,” he added.
Gresser, who previously served as the Staff Secretary for Marine Corps Installations West, expressed excitement about taking the reins at MTBN.
“Marines, I am looking forward to serving with you and to continue on the phenomenal legacy commanders before me have developed,” Gresser said.
Gresser, 43, is a native of Deer Park, N.Y. residing in Murrieta Calif. He is a 1992 graduate from the State University of New York, Old Westbury College with an undergraduate degree in American Studies. Gresser earned his commission through the Platoon Leaders Class, and after completing The Basic School, began his career with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines in Okinawa, Japan.
His personal decorations include a Meritorious Service Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Shuster received an undergraduate degree in psychology from California State University at Northridge. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. from the University of California Los Angeles NROTC program and entered the Marine Corps in June of 1991. Upon completion of The Basic School in March 1992, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Shuster, 41, was born in Rochester, N.Y. and lives in Simi Valley, Calif. and is the proud father of his son Tyler, 13.
Shuster most recently served as the executive officer, Mobilization Training Battalion.
Shuster is a graduate of the Marine Corps Logistics Education Program, Advanced Logistics Operations Course and a graduate of the reserve resident Command and Staff College. His personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal.