SHIZUOKA, Japan -- No one knows where life’s path will lead them, which is why it’s worth taking chances. Lance Cpl. Jacob Brown, a field artillery Marine, with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, never would have imagined that one day he would be on Camp Fuji, Fuji, Japan, firing weapons in the Artillery Relocation Training Program in the Marine Corps, but here he is.

Brown worked in New York’s Central Park Zoo. While there, he worked with animals on a daily basis, but wanted more in life.

“I was at Central Park’s Zoo working and doing whatever I could do to make a paycheck,” said Brown, a native of the Bronx, New York. “It was alright. I got to meet famous people and the staff is great, but I wanted more.”

Brown wanted to be a part of something bigger and that’s when he made the decision to join the Marine Corps.

“I wanted to be part of something professional, as well as challenge and better myself,” said Brown. “I wanted to be in the field defending my country.”

Brown’s determination sets him apart from the rest of his unit.

“In my eye, Brown seems to be stepping up beyond his peers,” said Sgt. Austin Smith, a field artillery Marine with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. “He’s showing he can take on the responsibility of the higher positions in our section. He’s one of the best Marines that I have.”

According to Brown, this is his first time shooting on Mount Fuji, but he’s ready for the challenges he might face out in the field.

ARTP is a chance for Marines to train in a different environment than what they are used to and to improve their techniques and skill, as well as creating a stronger sense of camaraderie between the sections.

“I’m excited for this exercise, not just for the change in scenery, but we get to see the challenges we might have to face in the future,” said Brown. “I’ve come a long way with this section and my end goal is to be a section chief in the future.”

According to Lance Cpl. Marshall Ebeling, a field artillery Marine with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, Brown has shown his drive amongst his peers as well as his work and advancement.

“He’s one of the hardest workers we have in our section, he’s willing to do anything and everything,” said Ebeling, a native of Kress, Texas. “He’s a jack of all trades and motivates us on a daily, and I can see him being a great Non-Commissioned Officer in the future.”

With hard work comes responsibility. Brown’s command recognizes his eagerness to take up challenges and has high hopes for him.

“I see Brown as very driven and successful,” said Smith, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma. “With his hard work and dedication to the team, I definitely see him becoming a corporal before we get off of this deployment.”