MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- After graduating High School, the San Fernando Valley, Calif. native was determined to join what he knew to be the best fighting force in the world, after friends and family told him that he would never make it as a United States Marine.
Now, six years into his career, Sgt. Manuel A. Rios, Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle crewman, Amphibious Vehicle Testing Branch, Camp Pendleton, Calif., said he intends to remain in the Corps until retirement. According to Rios, it was a decision he made even before he graduated boot camp and earned the title “Marine.”
“When my friends and family said I couldn’t do it, it just made me want it more,” explained the 24-year-old. “Once I actually graduated and became a Marine, everyone was so proud of my accomplishment. I gained a lot of respect from everyone.”
Rios traveled from California to Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, along with more than 25 other individuals who specialize in the mechanics, operations and overall specifications of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle. The EFV, General Dynamics’ latest version of the amphibious assault vehicle, and its crew of civilians and Marines was brought to Hawaii to conduct capability tests in the waters of Kaneohe Bay, which offer a higher sea state in which to conduct tests.
One of the unique aspects of Rios’ job is the variety of tasks he is trained to perform.
“All of the EFV crewmen are skilled in maintenance because that is one of the things we do the most,” he said. “Other than that we all are trained to be drivers as well as vehicle commanders. We have to know the vehicle inside and out.”
The EFV, operated by a three-person crew, is currently in a prototype phase. Brought to Hawaii earlier this month, the vehicle is undergoing testing at Kaneohe Bay until mid September.
During his time in the Corps, Rios said that he was no stranger to going from one area of the world to another.
“I love traveling,” exclaimed Rios. “I have been to 13 different countries since I joined the Marine Corps, and I am always looking forward to where I might be headed next.”
Rios began his career in the Marines as an Amphibious Assault Vehicle crew chief. Although he said he originally wanted to be a tanker, he is happy with where his career has taken him.
“My most memorable time since I joined would have to be during my deployment to Iraq,” he explained. “Being a Marine, I wanted to go to combat and experience what it was like to be in the war. I imagine that is the attitude of most service members when they join the military.”
Rios explained, although he was apprehensive at times, as to whether or not he would make it back alive, he would still want to go back, just the same.
“I would love to return to Iraq in an EFV,” he said. “But if that doesn’t happen, I would want to continue to be a part of the Amtrak family until the EFV gets fleeted and then go overseas with it.”