Rafael Castaneda Belloso
Twentynine Palms,CA
Summary
Active-Duty United States Marine Corps Infantry Mortarman with 3 years of military experience in high-pressure environments. Led and mentored a gun squad of 3 junior Marines, demonstrating strong leadership and team coordination skills. Proficient in problem-solving, equipment accountability, and situational awareness. Seeking to transition military experience to a law enforcement career.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Infantryman Mortarman
United States Marine Corps
Twentynine Palms, California
08.2023 - Current
- Led a team of 3 junior Marines for over 2 years, and managed their training and development.
- Led and instructed small unit teams in weapons training.
- Participated and led daily physical training ensuring personal and team combat readiness.
- Obtained Tactical Vehicle license to transport Marines in Humvees.
- Participated in over 30 military exercises, including live-fire maneuvers, helicopter rescue missions, close-quarters battle training (CQB), underwater helicopter crash training, and NATO-level operations.
- Tracked assigned personnel, weapons, equipment, and supplies with accurate accountability.
- Supervised and mentored junior enlisted personnel.
- Completed all professional military education requirements for the rank of Corporal.
- Certified in Combat Life Saving.
Deployments:
- Okinawa, Japan | April 2025- November 2025
Deployed to Japan with 1st Battalion, 7th Marines and 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit where we sailed and patrolled the Indo-Pacific region for nearly 3 months and conducted numerous training exercises with foreign militaries.
- Okinawa, Japan | October 2026- Anticipated April 2027
Currently deployed to Japan with 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines to conduct military exercises and training to further the unit's overall readiness as the most forward-deployed unit at the time.
Education
High School Diploma -
Hawthorne High School
Hawthorne, NJ06-2022
Skills
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Team leadership
- Weapons handling and accountability
- Combat lifesaving/first aid
- Situational awareness
- Clear communication
- Martial Arts training
- Decision making under pressure
- Planning and coordination
- Conflict resolution
Military Training & Schools
- Basic Recruit Training | August 2023-November 2023 in Parris Island, South Carolina
- Infantry Marine Course (Rifleman Course) | November 2023- March 2024 | Camp Geiger, North Carolina
- Infantry Weapons Course (Mortarman Course) | March 2024- April 2024| Camp Geiger, North Carolina
- Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor Course | October 2025- November 2025 | Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan
Military Qualifications & Awards
- Meritorious Promotion to Corporal (E-4) | September 2025
Selected out of 70 + Marines to promote ahead of peers based on leadership and performance.
- Confidential Security Clearance | September 2026
A tier 3 investigation was conducted in ordered to obtain security clearance.
- The Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon | April 2025
Military award used to recognize sea service duty and operational deployments.
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal | September 2026
Recognized and awarded for 3 years of continuous good behavior and faithful service.
- Annual Rifle Qualification
Expert: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Pistol Qualification
Sharp Shooter: 2026
- Annual Combat Fitness Test
1st Class: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Annual Physical Fitness Test
1st Class: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
Languages & Additional Information
- Spanish- Native/ Bilingual
- Anticipated Honorable Discharge
- Valid Driver's License
Timeline
Infantryman Mortarman
United States Marine Corps
08.2023 - Current
High School Diploma -
Hawthorne High School