DVIDS – News – Introducing Capt. Billy Barefoot: The Devil Dog of Wall Street

In order to value the commanding worldwide existence the United States has actually kept because the close of the Cold War, it is necessary to think about the strong, cooperative link in between America’s financial expertise and its military strength.

For this factor, within the record of American history, people like J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Andrew Carnegie are typically admired along with military stalwarts such as Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller and James Mattis, all bathed in the very same patriotic light.

But from this abundant tapestry of American exceptionalism emerges a man who left the pledges of a monetary profession on Wall Street to serve the nation he as soon as promised to support and protect. Meet Capt. Billy Barefoot—the Devil Dog of Wall Street.

Barefoot was born to an All-American family in the Texas heartland and raised in the lively city of Fort Worth, where his youth was imbued with the worths of neighborhood, patriotism, and a deep inner voice. From a young age, Barefoot understood he wished to follow in the steps of his relative who signed up with the Corps, however remembers that it was enjoying the change his friend experienced after bootcamp that assisted comprise his mind.

“The transition was swift,” Barefoot remembers. “We graduated high school on a Friday, and by Monday, I was already at boot camp. It was a fast-paced introduction to a whole new world.”

Shortly after employing in the Marine Corps in June 2007, Barefoot left for bootcamp at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California. The extensive training and requiring environment of bootcamp supplied him with a quick intro to the world of military service. During his period in the fleet, Barefoot made a tactical choice to chart a unique course that lined up with his call to serve and his interest in the business world. Rather than pursuing a standard fight arms function, he chose the Supply Admin and Operations Specialist military occupational specialized, concentrating on the financial elements of supply management.

This choice would eventually help prepare him for the world of acquisition, and the work principles, management, and worths he got while serving in the fleet have actually assisted make him into the officer he is today.

According to Marine Corps Systems Command Chief of Staff Col. Devin Licklider, “Diversity of thought and experience lends adaptability and flexibility to any team. Billy’s breadth of life experience, passion and dedication to the Marine Corps and its mission strengthen the Marine Corps Systems Command team.”

After getting a respectable discharge as a Sergeant in June 2011, Barefoot rapidly discovered his method to among New York’s Ivory Towers, being accepted to Pace University’s Lubin School of Business—a well-regarded organization situated in the heart of Manhattan’s monetary district.

Although Barefoot keeps in mind thinking about other programs throughout the city, Pace’s involvement in the Yellow Ribbon Program permitted him to go to tuition-free—eventually enabling Barefoot to focus his energy on his research studies and immerse himself completely in New York’s vibrant world of financing. As he pursued his research studies, Barefoot was supported by his caring better half, a fellow Marine veteran who was simply beginning law school in the city.

“I swear, she’s a big part of what’s motivated me along the way, always pushing me to do better. We were always very competitive, you know, like, who’s going get Corporal first, who’s going to get sergeant first,” he remembered with a smile, including, “It really helps having a like-minded partner in your corner.”

While at Pace, Barefoot taken advantage of his distance to Wall Street and protected a prominent summertime internship with a Swiss bank renowned for its service to ultra-high net worth people. During his four-month period, Barefoot was designated to the alternative financial investments department, concentrating on hedge funds, personal equity, and non-traditional property financial investment techniques. The vibrant, busy environment of alternative financial investments mesmerized him.

After graduation, Barefoot received a deal to operate at the Swiss bank’s Portfolio Strategy Group, a leading independent wealth management company. The next year, his profession would lead him to Boston where he received a deal to deal with another prominent trading center, whose services consist of exclusive information, financial investment analytics, information management, portfolio modeling, and electronic trading and cleaning.

Yet, even as he browsed the thrilling waters of financing, a yearning for a various type of obstacle chomped at him. The world of high financing was undoubtedly interesting, however Barefoot discovered himself yearning for something more. Although he discovered convenience and friendship in different veterans companies, such as Team Red, White & Blue and American Corporate Partners, he understood that eventually he longed to serve, yet once again.

“I came to the realization that, yeah, the money’s great and it’s an exciting field to be in, but what I truly missed was the mission, the sense of purpose that the Marine Corps and the military as a whole embody,” Barefoot said.

“On Wall Street, companies have carefully crafted mission statements. But at the end of the day, it’s always about the bottom line; that’s the focus. I missed having a mission, being part of a command that prepares for deployments, supports them, or returns from them. I longed for that continuous planning, working together towards something worth more than a dollar sign,” he included.

Barefoot eventually used—and was accepted to—Officer Candidate School, where he at first got in as a pilot with a flight agreement. Although he enjoyed his time in flight school, he remembers being not able to shake the sensation that something was still missing out on, echoing his experiences in financing.

But like lots of people with a calling, Barefoot would discover clearness while going to Sunday service at his regional church. He keeps in mind the pastor discussed discovering function in different functions—such as being a partner, parent, or law enforcement officer—and how we are all contacted us to serve in our own method.

“It made me reflect on my own situation and it struck me that my true passion lay in working with and leading Marines, but in a different capacity—one that allowed me to leverage my past skills and experiences effectively,” he remembered.

Ultimately, he would re-designate from flight school to end up being a workforce officer—a function in which he stands out today at MARCORSYSCOM.

“I love the MOS, I’m passionate about it, and I’m able to leverage those things that I had previously picked up and put in my tool bag from both my enlisted Marine Corps experience and on Wall Street,” Barefoot said.

Yet, that enthusiasm isn’t simply a talking point; it’s something palpable to anyone who stumbles upon Barefoot and hears his story.

According to Col. Raymond Feltham, military assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisitions, “I was able to learn more about Capt. Barfoot’s time as a civilian through a number of MCSC sanctioned social events at the O Club. His excitement about his experiences on Wall Street was only dwarfed but his passion to be back serving in the Marines.”

Today, Barefoot is the primary consultant to the leader on workforce staffing and administrative concerns that straight effect system preparedness. This summertime, he will leave the command for a one-year post at the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia.

But he won’t leave his present post without leaving a deep mark on the specialists, civilians, and Marines with whom he relentlessly works to gear up the warfighter.

“He’s not just a good dude; he’s a hardworking, top-rate officer,” said CWO3 Khosbayar Rentsendorj, a workers officer and information systems crafting officer at MARCORSYSCOM. “Personally, I admire his qualities, especially in this job where being a good dude matters. In our line of work, we need individuals who make important decisions for others without hesitation, decisions that impact their well-being. When it comes to combat, having good dudes on your side is crucial, especially in leadership roles. So, in my book, he’s a good dude, and I’d be honored to serve with him in battle.”

As he continues to create his special profession course, nevertheless, he fasts to provide sage recommendations to other Marines wishing to utilize their Marine Corps experience in the civilian world.

“The finest recommendations that I can provide is to make your choices based upon the opportunities available to you at the time. Always strategy ahead, have several backup strategies, however stay open up to differing them. The secret is to keep relocating the ideal instructions.”

Barefoot’s life highlights a non-traditional journey from military service to the world of financing and back once again, highlighting the extensive inner voice that drives the American warfighter. His story is not practically personal aspiration or monetary success, however rather an exemplification of devoted service and an unyielding mission for function. As he continues to chart his own course in service of his country and the Corps, his example continues to shine as a beacon of motivation for others, advising all of us of the worth of function, the richness of varied experiences, and the power of a steadfast dedication to service.