Navarre NJROTC Instructors
The Department Head of Naval Science at a school hosting an NJROTC program is called the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI). The SNSI is the senior commissioned officer employed by the school. All other personnel employed by the school in the NJROTC Program are called Naval Science Instructors (NSI). At the school's option, one of the instructors may be a retired or other eligible member of the Marine Corps or Coast Guard who is certified by the Navy to serve in the NJROTC program. Senior Naval Science Instructors (SNSIs) are commissioned officers (W-2 through O-6). Naval Science Instructors (NSIs) are retired or other eligible enlisted personnel (E-6 through E-9). The minimum education requirement for SNSIs is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required of NSIs followed by an Associate’s degree within 5 years of employment as an NSI. Specific instructor qualification requirements will remain the decision of school officials who are the employers of these individuals.
The Naval Service Training Command enforces stringent certification requirements on all personnel applying to the NJROTC program. School officials may not offer employment to an applicant who does not possess a valid NSTC certification.
CAPT Michael FISHER, USN (RET)
A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Captain Fisher enlisted in the Navy in 1984 through the Delayed Entry Program and reported to Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes in February, 1985. Captain Fisher earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1987 from the enlisted ranks as a nuclear trained Machinist Mate, through the Naval Academy Preparatory School, graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering. He reported to the Bullfrogs of HC-16 at NAS Pensacola in June 1991 while awaiting flight school. In April 1992, Captain Fisher commenced Aviation Pre-Flight Indoctrination training at NAS Pensacola and reported to the Red Knights of VT-3 on NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida. He earned his wings of gold in January 1994 from Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8).
Following initial H-46D “Sea Knight” Fleet Replacement Pilot training at Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE (HC-3), he reported to HC-11 in San Diego, California for his first operational tour and deployed aboard USS SACRAMENTO (AOE 1), and USS SHASTA (AE 33) in support of Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf Operations. In 1998, Captain Fisher returned to HC-3 to serve as a Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot in the H-46D. Captain Fisher also served as National Secretary for the Naval Helicopter Association from 1998 until 2000.
Captain Fisher’s next assignment was Safety Officer and INSURV Coordinator aboard USS BOXER (LHD 4) from April 2000 to September 2002, conducting a six month deployment to the Arabian Gulf followed by an extended yard/dry-dock period. While attached to USS BOXER, Captain Fisher earned his CICWO/OOD (in port)/CDO (in port)/OOD (underway) and CDO (underway). Additionally, Captain Fisher was designated Special Evolutions OOD, an unusual but honorable designation for a non-Surface Warfare Officer. In September 2002, Captain Fisher reported to HC-8 in Norfolk, Virginia and served as Operations Officer, Administrative Officer, and Detachment FOUR Officer-in-Charge aboard USNS ARCTIC (T-AOE 8) deploying with the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Groups in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Captain Fisher’s Detachment was the first helicopter unit since the Vietnam era to conduct ordnance vertical replenishment simultaneously to two underway aircraft carriers as operational strikes were being launched from both decks.
Reporting to US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) in February 2005, Captain Fisher served as the Navy Operations Readiness Officer in the J3 Directorate and worked extensively on rotational and emergent force requirements to support Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, also serving as the G-SORTS Functional Manager for all Services, DRRS Developer, and JOPES planner for contingency operations of Defense Support to Civil Authority and Homeland Defense.
In June 2008, Captain Fisher was assigned as Executive Officer of HT-8 until July 2009 when he assumed the duties of squadron Commanding Officer. During this tour, Captain Fisher also served as the Naval Helicopter Association, Region FIVE President. After an extremely successful CO tour, he relinquished command in October 2010, reporting to Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center in San Diego, volunteering for a one year Global War on Terror (GWOT) Support Assignment to serve as Deputy Inspector General for US Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) at New Kabul Compound, seeing ground combat during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Captain Fisher served from April 2012 until May 2015 as Executive Officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, Florida, training all new enlisted and officer aviation accessions in water survival and initial aviation preflight indoctrination, while simultaneously flying with Training Wing FIVE as an Associated Instructor Pilot in the TH-57.
Prior to assuming responsibility as Navarre High School Senior Naval Science Instructor for the NJROTC Raider Battalion in 2017, Captain Fisher’s last tour on active duty was Branch Head for the Navy’s Suicide Prevention and Operational Stress Control programs, working in the Chief of Naval Operations’ 21st Century Sailor Program, to improve resilience and behavioral health for the entire US Navy.
Captain Fisher is a fully qualified Joint Service Officer, having completed JPME Phase I through the US Naval War College Distance Education Program Seminars, and his JPME Phase II through the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. Captain Fisher also earned his Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies through the Naval War College, concentrating in Middle Eastern Studies as his Area of Expertise.
Captain Fisher’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and numerous unit and campaign awards.
Captain Fisher is married to the former Kimberly J. Marks of Clifton, Virginia. Together they have four children.
First Sergeant Tim Grier, USMC (RET)
First Sergeant Grier enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1992. He completed Marine Corps Recruit Training at Parris Island, SC in June of the same year and subsequently attended Marine Corps Combat Training at Camp Geiger, NC. He was then transferred to Marine Corps Engineer School located at Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon graduation of Engineer School, he was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal and was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 10th Marine Regiment, also located at Camp Lejeune. During this time he was promoted to Corporal and attended the Non-Commissioned Officer's Development Course. Corporal Grier served with 10th Marine Regiment until 1995 when he opted to make a lateral move to the M1A1 Tank Technician MOS.
Then Corporal Grier attended the Basic M1A1 Tank Mechanic’s Course at the Army Armor Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Once he completed this course, he reported to Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Tank Battalion, Camp Lejeune. In 1997 he attended and completed the Marine Corps Advanced Tank Technician’s Course at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD. Upon the successful completion of this course, he was assigned to Company B, 2d Tank Battalion where he served as a Platoon Tank Mechanic, M1A1 Tank Driver, Loader and Gunner, Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, as well as the Company Ramp Chief.
_edited.jpg)
In 1999, then Sergeant Grier was reassigned to instructor duty at the Armor Center at Fort Knox with the Marine Training Company. During this time he attended the Formal Schools Instructor’s Course and the Army’s Combat Lifesavers Course. Sergeant Grier was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 2001 and was reassigned to Charlie Company, 2d Tank Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC in 2003.
Staff Sergeant Grier was chosen to deploy as a Tactical Trainer for the Georgian Train and Equip Program (GTEP) and was deployed to the Republic of Georgia in November of 2003. As a tactical instructor, he assisted in instructing Georgian Troops on a wide variety of skill sets to include: land navigation, small arms and crew served weapons operation and employment, physical fitness and martial arts. He was also responsible for instructing on the maintenance of the Company’s BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicles and T-72 Main Battle Tanks. Staff Sergeant Grier was then redeployed to the United States for duty with Headquarters and Service Company, 2d Tank Battalion.
Staff Sergeant Grier attended the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course in August of 2004 and was subsequently assigned to Company D, 2d Tank Battalion for duty as the Headquarters Platoon Sergeant and Maintenance Chief. He then deployed with this Company in August of 2005 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His Company was deployed to Fallujah, Al An bar Province, Iraq. Staff Sergeant Grier filled three billets during this deployment: Headquarters Platoon Sergeant, Gun Truck Section Leader and Company Maintenance Chief. As a Platoon Sergeant, he was responsible for the training, discipline and well-being of 55 Marines. As a Gun Truck Section Leader, he was the vehicle commander for the lead vehicle in the platoon. He and his crew were responsible for early IED detection, point security and navigation for the platoon. He and his section took part in numerous cordon and knock operations, cache sweeps, vehicle checkpoints, mounted and dismounted patrols, logistical resupply, assembly area operations, and detainee and casualty evacuations. As the Company Maintenance Chief, he was responsible for the maintenance of 17 M1A1 Main Battle Tanks, 2 M88A2 Heavy Recovery Vehicles and 1 M60 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge. Staff Sergeant Grier was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in December 2005. He redeployed with his Company to the United States in April of 2006.
Gunnery Sergeant Grier attended the Marine Corps Security Force Leadership Course in July of 2006. After successfully graduating from the course, he was assigned to 2d Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST), Marine Corps Security Force Battalion, for duties as Company Operations Chief. He attended the Advanced Course from April to June 2007. In June of 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Grier volunteered to fill vacancy for platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, 2d FAST. He participated in security operations overseeing the security of special materials related to the fueling of the USS George Bush at Northrop Grumman Shipyards, Newport News, Virginia. Later that year, he deployed with his platoon to Guantanamo Bay Cuba to assume the fence line security mission. During this time he served as the Watch Commander for the Leeward side of the base.
In October of 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Grier deployed with his platoon as part of the FAST Deployment Program (FPD) to Naval Station Rota, Spain, where he participated in Operation Noble Shirley, a joint exercise with the Israeli Defense Force. Subsequently his platoon was assigned to a joint security mission in Israel of strategic level infrastructure. His platoon redeployed to Rota, Spain in November of 2008.
Gunnery Sergeant Grier redeployed to CONUS in March of 2009 and was reassigned as the Platoon Commander for 1st Platoon, 2d FAST. During this time, he task organized the platoon to support multinational training exercises, while embarked aboard the USS Oak Hill. In June of 2009 he detached from Marine Corps Security Force Regiment and attached, along with a section of his platoon, to HMH-461 and embarked on the USS Iwo Jima for transport to Ghana to execute a month long security mission in support of the President of the United States. Serving as the FAST Detachment Commander, he oversaw the security of Air Force One and supporting infrastructure for the duration of the President's visit to Accra.
Upon his return to CONUS in July of 2009, Gunnery Sergeant Grier was assigned as Platoon Sergeant, 4th Platoon, 2d FAST. During this time he participated in Exercise Tartan Eagle, a bi-lateral exercise with the British Royal Marines. In December of 2009, Gunnery Sergeant Grier was selected to the rank of First Sergeant. First Sergeant Grier executed Permanent Change of Station Orders to 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, MCAGCC 29 Palms, California in May 2010.
First Sergeant Grier was assigned to Company B, 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion for duties as the Company First Sergeant. Upon the Battalion's deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in October of 2010, First Sergeant Grier assumed the duties of the Remain Behind Team (RBT) Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, as well as remaining as the First Sergeant for Company B. First Sergeant Grier attended the First Sergeant's Course in February 2011.
Upon 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion's return from Afghanistan in May 2011, First Sergeant Grier began the Predeployment Training Program (PTP) Cycle with Company B. He subsequently deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in April 2012. During this deployment Company B successfully executed numerous mounted and dismounted security patrols, heliborne operations, the retrograde of directed military equipment and the de-mil of selected Combat Outposts and Patrol bases. First Sergeant Grier returned to CONUS with Company B in August 2012. First Sergeant Grier reported to Company B, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Fort Detrick, Maryland for duties, as directed in March of 2013.
During his assignment to Company B, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion he was responsible for supervising a staff of (14) Inspector-Instructor Marines, as well as training and mentoring the Selected Marine Corps Reserve First Sergeant.
First Sergeant Grier retired in July of 2014 and was subsequently offered and accepted a position as the Marine Instructor for a Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) program in Louisville, Kentucky. During this time he also served as a drill, marksmanship, and physical fitness instructor for the program's nationally known competitive teams.
In July of 2018, First Sergeant Grier applied for and was hired by Navarre High School for duties as the Navarre NCJROTC Naval Science Instructor.
First Sergeant Grier’s awards include: The Meritorious Service Medal (with one Gold Star in Lieu of Second Award), The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two Gold Stars in Lieu of Third Award), The Army Commendation Medal, The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with two Gold Stars in Lieu of Third Award), The Army Achievement Medal, The Navy Unit Citation, The Army Meritorious Unit Citation, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, The Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal (with Star in Lieu of Second Award), The Navy and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (with five Stars in Lieu of Sixth Award), The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three Star in Lieu of Fourth Award), The Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, The Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon and The NATO-ISAF Afghanistan Campaign Medal.