CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- At 4:45 a.m. the alarm goes off. It’s time for physical training. As he forms up with his unit for a cadence run, Lance Cpl. Zachary Schafer mentally prepares himself for his shift at the Marine Corps Installations Pacific Brig.
Born and raised in the rural city of Lincoln, Illinois, Schafer always had aspirations to join the ranks of law enforcement. He was recruited out of Recruiting Station Peoria and graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in November 2019.
“I joined the Marine Corps not only for the law enforcement training, but I wanted to get the most out of my first years as an adult,” said Schafer. “I want to have the experience the Marine Corps has to offer me before transitioning into civilian law enforcement.”
As a correctional specialist, Schafer is responsible for the well-being, good order, and security of the prisoners at the MCIPAC Brig. Additionally, he is responsible for bringing them three meals daily and to ensure the food is clean and cooked properly.
Holding many responsibilities and duties within the Brig, Schafer’s hard work never goes unnoticed.
“I started working with Lance Cpl. Schafer in the Correctional Custody Unit, and his work ethic has always been evident to me,” said Cpl. Adrian Santos, a correctional specialist with the MCIPAC Brig. “He is the type of Marine that will get the job done the right way, and take corrections, if needed.”
Santos explained that Schafer does his best to keep a positive mindset at all times. He said that the way Schafer carries himself exemplifies his love for the Marine Corps and the work he does at the Brig.
“This is a job where you have to adapt every single day,” said Schafer. “Policies are constantly changing and procedures are always being replaced. Without a positive outlook and a passion for the job, keeping up would be extremely difficult.”
Working long shifts does not equate to a lot of free time or days off for Schafer. However, as soon as he takes off his boots, he grabs hold of the many opportunities Okinawa has to offer.
When Schafer arrived to Okinawa in March of 2020, he immediately seized the chance to earn his scuba certification. Since then, he unwinds from work by going on scuba dives with his friends and exploring the oceans of Okinawa.
“Scuba diving opens me up to a completely other world,” said Schafer. “I have always been fascinated by the idea of breathing underwater. Since I’m stationed in Okinawa, it is an opportunity that I just couldn’t pass up.”
The MCIPAC Brig serves as the regional Level I Military Confinement Facility for both male and female prisoners for up to one year of post-trial confinement. The MCIPAC Brig ensures the safety, security, good order, and discipline of all prisoners. The goal of confinement is to retain and restore the maximum number of prisoners to honorable service and to prepare prisoners for transition to civilian life as productive citizens.