 Sergeant James Waddell, 4CB Echo Company, squad leader. I'm from Mumford, Alabama. I'm an automotive technician. I diagnose and repair vehicles. I've been in the Marine Corps for going on nine years. June will be nine years for me. The reserves, to me, give a different perspective on civilian life. It makes you more effective in your job field and your career, whatever you choose to do. You have more drive, more motivation to go out and seek greater responsibility and greater things, which can help you be much more competitive when it comes to work and your ability to start a career. I joined the reserves because I kind of understood the benefits of the reserves more so than active duty for my career goals. I've wanted to work on cars since I was a little kid, so that helped out a lot being able to come to the Marine Corps and gain the skill set and the mindset that I have and then being able to actually go pursue the career that I want to while still being able to be a Marine. I would highly recommend to join the reserves after you finish your time on active duty because it allows you to continue to serve your country. You still get the benefits of being a Marine, but you're also able to pursue that career that you've always wanted to go after. It's given me the opportunity to be able to travel across the country and be able to go across the world to Japan and Okinawa. It's been a phenomenal experience. I've been very thankful for every minute of it.