In a remarkable return to the United States Marine Corps, Sgt. Dakota Meyer has added another chapter to his storied career by completing the Basic Reconnaissance Course at Camp Pendleton, California. As the only Medal of Honor recipient currently serving in the Marine Corps, Meyer now holds the 0321 Military Occupational Specialty, marking his transition to a reconnaissance Marine.
The achievement was celebrated by the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos A. Ruiz, who attended the graduation ceremony for BRC Class 2-26. Ruiz highlighted Meyer’s accomplishment in a social media post, drawing attention to this milestone in Meyer’s journey.
Meyer himself took to Instagram to share his success, posting, “No quit. No shortcuts. No looking back.”
A New Chapter for a Decorated Marine
Meyer’s graduation from the reconnaissance program is part of his return to the Marine Corps after a 15-year hiatus. Having left active duty in 2010 following two combat deployments, Meyer reenlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve on April 17, 2025, at a ceremony held in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth administered the oath of enlistment, with Ruiz and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in attendance. Initially returning as an infantryman, Meyer has now redefined his role by completing the 12-week reconnaissance course, renowned for its physical demands.
The training regimen is rigorous, with students enduring more than 15 hours of training daily over 69 days. Among the challenges are a 12-mile forced march with a 50-pound load and a 1.25-mile open-water swim with fins, both under time constraints.
Speaking at his reenlistment ceremony, Meyer reflected on his motives, emphasizing integrity. He recounted encouraging a young Marine to remain in service, realizing, “How could I ask them to continue to serve and sacrifice without doing it myself?”
Recognition and Service
Meyer, a Columbia, Kentucky native, enlisted in 2006 after high school and quickly distinguished himself. He served in Iraq in 2007 as a scout sniper before deploying again to Afghanistan. On September 8, 2009, in a heroic act, he repeatedly entered a kill zone near Ganjgal to rescue wounded comrades and retrieve fallen soldiers. This valor earned him the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama on September 15, 2011, making him the first living Marine to receive the award since the Vietnam War.
After leaving active duty, Meyer co-authored “Into the Fire,” a bestselling recount of his experiences. He also worked as a firefighter and veterans’ advocate, often speaking to troops about leadership and resilience. “Still today, at my age, joining the Marine Corps is the single greatest thing that I have ever done,” Meyer stated, underscoring his commitment to service.
