About the Special Training Branch
The Special Training Branch (STB) of I MEF G‑7 is recognized as one of the premier training destinations in the Marine Corps. We specialize in advanced, high‑risk instruction that enables Marines to operate confidently in the most demanding environments. From precision marksmanship to multi‑domain reconnaissance and complex boarding operations, our programs hone the skills that make Marines lethal and adaptable across every domain.
Our cadre comprises seasoned Force Reconnaissance Marines, former special operations instructors and subject matter experts drawn from across the Services. With decades of operational experience in every clime and place, they design and deliver courses that mirror real‑world missions while maintaining uncompromising safety standards. STB remains at the forefront of innovation, constantly refining curricula based on fleet feedback and lessons from ongoing operations to ensure our Marines maintain a decisive advantage.
Headquarters
Maj August B. Valentine
Branch Officer in Charge
An infantry officer with combat and training deployments across the globe, Major Valentine leads STB operations. Commissioned in 2013, he has commanded rifle and scout platoons and now sets the vision for our advanced training programs.
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Capt William E. Anderson
Assistant Officer in Charge
A native of Ohio, Captain Anderson commissioned as an infantry officer in 2020 after serving in the reserves. He has led rifle platoons through extensive training exercises in California and deployed to Okinawa in support of the Korean Marine Exchange Program. He assists in the planning and execution of STB courses.
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MSgt Shane M. Fredericks
Senior Enlisted Advisor
Master Sergeant Fredericks is a combat‑tested reconnaissance Marine with multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Rising through the ranks from rifleman to squad leader, he now serves as the senior enlisted advisor for STB, ensuring discipline, standards and instructor development across the branch.
Read Full Bio →Close Quarters & Tactics
GySgt Frederick Padilla Jr.
Course Chief, CQT
A Force Recon Marine with deep experience in visit, board, search and seizure operations, GySgt Padilla runs the Close Quarters and Tactics Course. He leverages deployments with MEU and Force Recon units to teach Marines how to dominate confined spaces and maritime objectives.
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SSgt Ethan Culbert
Assistant Course Chief, CQT
Staff Sergeant Culbert is the assistant course chief for CQT. A seasoned reconnaissance Marine, he ensures day‑to‑day execution of the program and mentors students in breaching, room clearing and small unit tactics.
SSgt Brandon Pruitt
Explosive Ordnance Technician
Staff Sergeant Pruitt provides explosive breaching and ordnance expertise to the CQT program. As an EOD technician he trains Marines to employ charges safely and effectively during complex assaults.
HM1 Zachery Griffen
Special Operations Corpsman
Chief Griffen is a Special Operations Reconnaissance Corpsman who oversees medical training and casualty response for high‑risk courses. His experience ensures our students learn life‑saving interventions alongside tactical skills.
Multi‑Domain Reconnaissance
GySgt Samuel J. Ackley
Course Chief, MDR
GySgt Ackley is a Force Recon Marine with deployments to Afghanistan and extensive reconnaissance experience. He leads the Multi‑Domain Reconnaissance Course, integrating land, maritime, air and digital sensors into comprehensive mission profiles.
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SSgt Matthew J. Foster
Assistant Course Chief, MDR
Beginning his career as a machine gun section leader, SSgt Foster transitioned to the reconnaissance community in 2017. He now assists in developing curriculum and evaluating students for the Multi‑Domain Reconnaissance Course.
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SSgt Malcolm G. Allen IV
Lead Course Instructor, MDR
SSgt Allen served as a motor vehicle operator before laterally moving into the reconnaissance MOS. An airborne and multi‑mission parachutist, he instructs students on integrating digital command and control with ground reconnaissance.
Read Full Bio →Sniper Section
SSgt Ethan L. Sutherland
SNCOIC Sniper Section
SSgt Sutherland oversees all sniper training at STB. A veteran Scout Sniper, he ensures Marines master precision marksmanship and fieldcraft, whether on the ground or from airborne platforms.
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Sgt Thomas R. Willett
Advanced Sniper Instructor
Sgt Willett joined the Marine Corps in 2018 and quickly distinguished himself in the Scout Sniper platoon. As an advanced sniper instructor he teaches aerial, urban and precision sniper techniques to elevate student lethality.
Read Full Bio →Ropes & Recovery
1stLt Robert D. Domingue
Officer in Charge, Ropes Section
A combat‑proven infantry officer, 1stLt Domingue oversees the Ropes and Recovery program. He ensures Marines are safely trained in fast‑rope insertion, HRST and assault climbing operations.
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SSgt Travis J. Blossom
SNCOIC Ropes Section
SSgt Blossom enlisted in 2013 and served in infantry and scout sniper billets before joining STB. As the senior enlisted leader for ropes training, he manages instructors and certifies Marines in HRST, fast‑rope and assault climbing techniques.
Read Full Bio →Sgt Kevin Betrisey
Instructor, Ropes Section
Sgt Betrisey—often called "Swiss" by his peers—is an experienced infantry leader qualified in assault climbing and mountain operations. He brings his expertise in rope systems and mountain warfare to the Ropes & Recovery team.
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Cpl Chayten Westgate
Combat Engineer & Ropes Instructor
A combat engineer by trade, Cpl Westgate is certified in assault climbing and HRST. Attached to STB from 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, he teaches technical rigging and supports ropes training across the branch.
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