Journeys Through Service

Aiming For the Best

As a combat marksmanship coach, Sergeant Chyna Gibbs analyzes shooter performance, helping new recruits perfect their aim.

Meet Sgt. Gibbs

Combat Marksmanship Coach

The Range Instructor

Marksmanship coaches in the Marine Corps train service members and recruits to safely handle firearms, helping them improve their shooting skills to earn qualifications. They assist with technique, equipment and maintenance to keep participants safe while improving proficiency.

SIMILAR JOBS OUTSIDE THE MILITARY

Private Marksmanship Coach, Law Enforcement Instructor, Firearms Safety Official/Educator

BRANCH

Marine Corps

RANK

Sergeant

Sgt. Gibbs’ Journey at a Glance

Trains others to earn their firearms qualifications

Makes an impact keeping the next gen of Marines safe on the range

Uses military benefits and works relentlessly toward her bachelor’s degree

What Led Sgt. Gibbs to the Military

The Spark

The Spark

As a child, her dream job changed every year: police officer, firefighter, astronaut. Deep down, she knew she’d end up in uniform.

The Drive

The Drive

She felt bored and stagnant with her customer service job after high school. A desire to make an impact fueled her fire for service.

The Decision

The Decision

The Marine Corps’ people-first mission aligned with her goals. A conversation with a recruiter sealed the deal.

Hitting Her Marks and Leaving a Mark

Service isn’t just a point of pride for Sgt. Gibbs, it is something she chose to show others how much their support meant to her from the beginning.

 

 

 

 

“A personal goal of mine is always to be better than what I was before. And I think the Marine Corps has instilled that in me from day one — just being better overall.”

What Sgt. Gibbs Does on the Job

Teaches Fundamentals

Gives recruits the 101 behind shooting techniques, helping them improve each day.

Coaches Recruits

Prepares Marines for weapons qualifications through combat shooting exercises.

Keeps Ranges Safe

Ensures Marines are following proper safety protocols.

“I would simply say that I am a teacher. That is exactly what I do day in and day out — teach the individuals that are in recruit training the proper executions and fundamentals to become a basic rifleman.”

See Yourself as an Instructor?

You’ll coach students in various training environments to improve their skills.

Learn More

Skills for Success

Speak on It

Sgt. Gibbs attended a public speaking course to learn the fundamentals of communication. The most important lesson she learned? Know your audience.

Learn How Service Grows Skills

Training to Target

In addition to receiving ample training of her own, Sgt. Gibbs is a key part of other Marines’ growth.

 

Excel in the Military and Beyond

Life out of Uniform

Sgt. Gibbs keeps things well rounded outside work – from studies to her personal interests to discount trip tickets that help her get out and explore Southern California, where she’s based.

Sgt Gibbs studies at her computer

Hits the Books

Sets herself up to succeed during and after service with a debt-free degree.

Sgt Gibbs paints herself, her partner, and their two dogs

Gets Crafty

Taps into her artsy side with painting and pottery.

Sgt Gibbs with her two dogs

Cares For Animals

Quiet nights in with her dogs, fun nights out to dinner with friends.

Balanced Life in the Military

See how service members spend their free time — pursuing interests, volunteering in the community, and relaxing with friends and family.

Learn About Life Off Duty

Ready for the Road Ahead

Future-Proofing

  • An education fully paid for by the Military
  • Transferable skills that carry over to civilian life
  • Meaningful work helping develop the next gen of Marines

Life-Shaping

  • The focus and discipline she wanted
  • Stronger speaking skills, on and off the range
  • Lifelong bonds with friends and teammates

 

 

“I think the Military plays a big part in you being a better individual so that when you do intentionally go back to being a civilian, you’re a better overall person than when you came in.” 

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