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Marines

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A student, right, participates in bite training during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s Combat Support Orientation Course at the multipurpose canine training facility aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 22, 2018. MCSOC is designed to provide Marines interested in serving a tour of duty at MARSOC as a special operations capability specialist with the knowledge of what professional, mental, and physical attributes are desired for a potential assignment to MARSOC. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley/released)

A student, right, participates in bite training during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s Combat Support Orientation Course at the multipurpose canine training facility aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 22, 2018. MCSOC is designed to provide Marines interested in serving a tour of duty at MARSOC as a special operations capability specialist with the knowledge of what professional, mental, and physical attributes are desired for a potential assignment to MARSOC. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley/released)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command conduct Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction techniques with the aid of a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 30, 2018. Marines from 3rd Marine Raider Battalion completed SPIE training as part of MARSOF Helicopter Insert Extraction Techniques and Para Operations pre-deployment training requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command conduct Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction techniques with the aid of a Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter in Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 30, 2018. Marines from 3rd Marine Raider Battalion completed SPIE training as part of MARSOF Helicopter Insert Extraction Techniques and Para Operations pre-deployment training requirements. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Sergeant Major Schaffer is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. He completed his high school education in 1988 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1990, he graduated from Basic Training as a Private First Class (Meritorious) in May 1990.

In May of 2011, Sergeant Major Schaffer was promoted to his current rank, and assigned as the 9th Engineer Support Battalion (Team-Nine) Sergeant Major and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Sergeant Major executed orders to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, where he served from 2012 through 2015. Sergeant Major Schaffer then received orders to 23rd Marine Regiment where he served as the Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major Schaffer assumed his current duties in January 2018.

Sergeant Major Schaffer is a native of Roanoke, Virginia. He completed his high school education in 1988 and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in January 1990, he graduated from Basic Training as a Private First Class (Meritorious) in May 1990. In May of 2011, Sergeant Major Schaffer was promoted to his current rank, and assigned as the 9th Engineer Support Battalion (Team-Nine) Sergeant Major and deployed in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Upon returning from Afghanistan, Sergeant Major executed orders to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, where he served from 2012 through 2015. Sergeant Major Schaffer then received orders to 23rd Marine Regiment where he served as the Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major. Sergeant Major Schaffer assumed his current duties in January 2018.

Photo by Sergeant Janessa K. Dugan

A military dog handler lifts his canine out of a zodiac and onto a U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter in a simulated boat raid during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 12, 2018. Dog handlers drilled on advanced insertion techniques and mission profiles during the final phase of their 16-week training pipeline, leading to their certification as special operations multi-purpose canine handlers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A military dog handler lifts his canine out of a zodiac and onto a U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter in a simulated boat raid during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 12, 2018. Dog handlers drilled on advanced insertion techniques and mission profiles during the final phase of their 16-week training pipeline, leading to their certification as special operations multi-purpose canine handlers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

A military dog handler and canine team apprehend a role player aggressor during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 9, 2018. Dog handlers executed this scenario during their amphibious training package, part of a 16-week training pipeline to produce special operations multi-purpose canine handlers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A military dog handler and canine team apprehend a role player aggressor during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 9, 2018. Dog handlers executed this scenario during their amphibious training package, part of a 16-week training pipeline to produce special operations multi-purpose canine handlers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

A special operations multi-purpose canine leads his handler toward a suspected vehicle holding explosives in a threat detection exercise during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 11, 2018. Dog handlers executed this scenario during their amphibious training package, part of a 16-week training pipeline designed to produce SOF handlers and forge strong bonds between handler and canine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A special operations multi-purpose canine leads his handler toward a suspected vehicle holding explosives in a threat detection exercise during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 11, 2018. Dog handlers executed this scenario during their amphibious training package, part of a 16-week training pipeline designed to produce SOF handlers and forge strong bonds between handler and canine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

A military dog handler positions his canine on a flotation device prior to them executing a 1000-meter swim to shore during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 10, 2018. Dog handlers undergo 16 weeks of advanced training with their assigned dogs in order to become special operations multi-purpose canines. Individual MPCs are capable of conducting a variety of missions which require separate military working dogs in the conventional forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A military dog handler positions his canine on a flotation device prior to them executing a 1000-meter swim to shore during U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command’s multi-purpose canine handler training in Key West, Fla., Jan. 10, 2018. Dog handlers undergo 16 weeks of advanced training with their assigned dogs in order to become special operations multi-purpose canines. Individual MPCs are capable of conducting a variety of missions which require separate military working dogs in the conventional forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, decontaminate a simulated chemical contact victim, Dec. 6, 2017, during a training event aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., for the management and care of casualties following a chemical or biological weapons attack. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, decontaminate a simulated chemical contact victim, Dec. 6, 2017, during a training event aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., for the management and care of casualties following a chemical or biological weapons attack. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper removal of a gas mask from a simulated chemical contact victim while training for the medical management of chemical and biological causalties during an exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper removal of a gas mask from a simulated chemical contact victim while training for the medical management of chemical and biological causalties during an exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Long prohibited by international agreements, chemical weapons have been increasingly used on the battlefield by American adversaries including violent extremist organizations. Raiders gained valuable practical application skills in handling casualties in complex and dangerous chemical environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper protective gear removal techniques from a simulated chemical contact victim during a medical management of chemical and biological causalties training exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. This exercise was part of training for a countering weapons of mass destruction course, designed to advance service members’ knowledge and build on the basic chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training that they receive in annual training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, demonstrate proper protective gear removal techniques from a simulated chemical contact victim during a medical management of chemical and biological causalties training exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. This exercise was part of training for a countering weapons of mass destruction course, designed to advance service members’ knowledge and build on the basic chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear training that they receive in annual training. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, work to decontaminate a simulated chemical contact victim during a medical management of chemical and biological causalties training exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Raiders received hands-on training in casualty treatment, casualty evacuation and decontamination procedures in a chemical weapons attack scenario. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Marines and Sailors with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, work to decontaminate a simulated chemical contact victim during a medical management of chemical and biological causalties training exercise at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 6, 2017. Raiders received hands-on training in casualty treatment, casualty evacuation and decontamination procedures in a chemical weapons attack scenario. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno, released)

Photo by Sgt. Salvador R. Moreno

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, controls a laceration on a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. (Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, controls a laceration on a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. (Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K Whitley

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, applies medical dressings to a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. (Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, applies medical dressings to a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. (Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K Whitley

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, checks for a pulse while administering medical care to a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. (Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A multi-purpose canine handler with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, checks for a pulse while administering medical care to a realistic canine mannequin during MPC medical training at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Dec. 1, 2017. During this training, MPC handlers practice applying canine medical aid on the new “robot dog” for the first time, which is in its final stages of testing and development. (Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K Whitley

A critical skills operator with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, instructs Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group on how to provide better cover during an operations in urban terrain training exercise in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 6, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

A critical skills operator with 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, instructs Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group on how to provide better cover during an operations in urban terrain training exercise in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 6, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group infiltrate a high value target building during an exercise with Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Slidell, La., Nov. 7, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group infiltrate a high value target building during an exercise with Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Slidell, La., Nov. 7, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group conduct a simulated high value target detention exercise with the guidance of Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 6, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group conduct a simulated high value target detention exercise with the guidance of Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 6, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group provide cover during a raid with the guidance of Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 6, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group provide cover during a raid with the guidance of Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 6, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to enhance the battalion’s readiness for upcoming deployments. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

U.S. Army CH-47 helicopter provides air support to Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command and Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group during a simulated causalty air-evac during a medical training exercise in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 4, 2017. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

U.S. Army CH-47 helicopter provides air support to Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command and Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group during a simulated causalty air-evac during a medical training exercise in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 4, 2017. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group provide cover while completing a causalty air-evac with Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command during close quarter combat in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 4, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Marines with Marine Air Control Group-28 and 2nd Marine Information Group provide cover while completing a causalty air-evac with Marines from 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command during close quarter combat in Hattiesburg, Miss., Nov. 4, 2017. Marines with 1st MRB participated in RAVEN 18-02, a 10-day realistic military training exercise designed to assess the Marine Special Operations Companies and Marine Special Operations Teams’ capability to effectively complete their missions. Marines with MACG-28 and 2nd MIG played the role of partner nation forces during the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley)

Photo by Cpl. Bryann K. Whitley