Cadre Cleve (alias) was born and raised in New York. He is a Combat Wounded Marine Veteran who has been a part of the UWVC community since 2016. Cleve’s work experience is focused on team building and leadership training combined with endurance and survival coaching.
1. WHY DID YOU JOIN THE MILITARY?
September 11, 2001
2. DID YOU HAVE VETERANS IN YOUR FAMILY?
I had a couple nasty leg (non-airborne) uncles that served in the Army during the Vietnam War.
3. WHERE DID YOU ENLIST?
Albany N.Y.
4. WHAT WAS YOUR PRIMARY MOS/RATING?
(0321) Reconnaissance Marine; Billet – Force Recon Team Leader
5. DO YOU REMEMBER THE NAME OF YOUR FIRST DRILL INSTRUCTOR?
I don’t know about the first drill instructor but, I do remember the first time I was introduced to the entire drill team. These dudes were sharp, clean and what I thought at the time all killing machines. As per the Marine Corps though, right?
6. WHAT WAS THE WORST THING YOU ATE IN THE MILITARY?
I would have to stay the worst thing I have ever ate in the military was probably the Veggie Omelet M.R.E.. You have to be pretty down and out, staring down a box of ravaged M.R.E.’s downrange to ever come to the conclusion that “A Veggie Omelet M.R.E. does sound pretty good right about now. What the heck?” Perfect for survival chow though.
The Lesson: Survival chow should always be something that you can’t stand to eat because you will be less tempted to eat it and will avoid actually consuming it…
7. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE DAY IN THE MILITARY?
I have two: June 16, 2010 was our initial insert to a 54 day operation OTW (outside the wire) and on that date when we inserted my element was engaged in a 12 hour gun fight in Trek Nawa, which is just East of the city of Marjeh in the Helmand Province.
October 10, 2010 is when we inserted into the Upper River Sangin Valley. Once the sun rose, after call to prayer, we were engaged in a 3 day sustained gun fight.
8. IF YOU COULD GO BACK TO THE DAY YOU GOT OUT OF THE MILITARY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
“EXTEND FOR ANOTHER DEPLOYMENT!!!”
9. DID YOU HAVE ANY VETERAN MENTORS?
I have had a few mentors along the way, and still to this day have mentors. Senior ranking commandos that would offer their insights about their experiences and the lessons they learned during certain situations. Mentors in the business and professional industries that know how to dominate a sector and offer their insight to others in order to help guide, counsel as well provide sound mentorship. I am a strong advocate for having trustworthy and loyal mentors that are not afraid to keep it real with you at all levels.
10. WHAT WAS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A VETERAN?
Presenting a Marine Recon Paddle to the honorable Vince McGowan on Veterans Day in NYC, alongside the 38th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General David Berger.
11. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE MILITARY THEMED MOVIES?
Movies about all wars prior to the GWOT campaign are definitely my favorite military themed flicks. Least favorite would probably be most of the modern day war movies for the GWOT Campaign…