Monte Powell, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma and the physical security specialist at Combined Arms Training Center (CATC) Camp Fuji, shares his story as a prior commissioned officer now working as a physical security specialist on CATC Camp Fuji.

After graduating from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Powell spent ten years as a Marine enlisted in the infantry. He then commissioned as an infantry officer for a combined total of 31 years of service in the Marine Corps. Additionally, he attended Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri, and earned a PhD in homeland security at Walden University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“Security is a job I’ve always had a heart for,” said Powell. “My primary job is to make sure the Marines at CATC Camp Fuji are protected at all times.”

According to Powell, providing security on CATC Camp Fuji has similar concepts of offense and defense, and implementing constant changes to the security gates and operations is critical to keeping Marines safe and prepared. He noted that working with the CATC Camp Fuji Provost Marshall Office Marines and ensuring that security procedures, such as vehicle inspections, are regularly updated are key components in verifying the safety of base personnel.

“It’s a continuous job,” explained Powell. “But ensuring CATC Fuji’s base safety with outstanding Marines and Japanese personnel creates a combined cultural experience between us and strengthens our relationships.”