Former Marine Corps engineer now an Army tanker

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ray Daniels was around six years old when he decided he wanted to join the military when he grew up, and that dream never wavered.

Former Marine Corps engineer now an Army tanker

After graduating high school in 2008, Daniels joined the Marine Corps and went to Parris Island, South Carolina, for boot camp. He then attended the School of Infantry at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, before being assigned to 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

During his time with the Marines, Daniels deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He also participated in several exercises, including Bold Alligator and African Lion.

“I loved being a Marine,” said Daniels, who left the Corps in 2014 as a sergeant. “I got out because I wanted to go back to school and I thought the Army would be a better fit for me at the time.”

After leaving the Marines, Daniels attended Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, where he studied civil engineering. He also worked as a construction laborer and a heavy equipment operator.

In 2018, Daniels decided to rejoin the military and went back to Parris Island for Officer Candidates School. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army and assigned to 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.

Daniels, who was promoted to staff sergeant in 2021, is now a platoon sergeant with Bravo Company, 1-66th Armor. He is responsible for leading a platoon of M1A2 Abrams tanks and their crews.

“I like being able to lead Soldiers and train them to be the best tankers they can be,” said Daniels, who has deployed once to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. “It’s also rewarding to see them succeed and achieve their goals.”

Daniels, who is married and has two children, said he plans to stay in the Army for the long haul.

“I love serving my country and I can’t imagine doing anything else,” he said.