For Ensign Jordan Baus, achieving his commission in the U.S. Navy was the culmination of over a decade of service and perseverance. His journey began in 2008 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving with the 4th Marine Air Wing and Marine Air Logistics Squadron 41 (MALS-41) in support of C-130J operations. After years of dedication, including deployments with the Marine Active Reserves, Baus separated with hopes of commissioning as a Navy officer—a goal that faced multiple setbacks before he finally found success.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to serve,” Baus says. “My grandfathers served in the Army and Navy, and my father was in the Air Force. Service was ingrained in my upbringing. The Navy’s emphasis on challenge and opportunity drove me to keep pursuing my dream, even when things did not go as planned.”

After spending two years supporting Foreign Military Sales partners on the F/A-18 Hornet program in Kuwait, Baus reenlisted as a boatswain’s mate in the Navy Reserve. His deployment to Djibouti, Africa, as a combatant craft crewman engineer with Maritime Expeditionary Squadron 11 (MSRON-11) proved pivotal. It was there that he was selected for a commission, finally pinning on the rank of Ensign in January 2024.

From Marine to Naval Officer

Following his commissioning, Baus attended Officer Training Command Newport, Rhode Island. His time under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) prepared him to take on leadership responsibilities as an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer, both in his military and civilian roles. At Boeing, Baus supports technical publications and maintenance engineering for critical aircraft such as the C-40 Clipper, P-8 Poseidon, and KC-46 Pegasus, ensuring mission readiness for both the Navy and Air Force.

“NETC’s world-class training helped sharpen my leadership and technical skills,” Baus explains. “I now carry a sense of ownership about my career and a responsibility to represent the hard work that Sailors and Marines do every day. We win as a team, and that is where our strength lies.”

Perseverance and Pride

Baus’ journey to commissioning was not easy. Facing rejection five times, he often questioned whether his dream would ever come true. With encouragement from his mentors, LCDR Jay Raymond and LT Cam Stubbs, he refused to give up.

“Completing the final team-building evolution at Officer Candidate School was one of the proudest moments of my life,” Baus recalls. “After everything I went through, to finally be called a Naval Officer was incredibly rewarding. It proved that perseverance and hard work pay off.”

“There is no such thing as a perfect life,” he reflects. “But true fulfillment comes from knowing you gave your best in every assignment. Do not wait—chase your dreams with everything you have got.”

A Message for Aspiring Sailors

For those considering military service, Baus emphasizes the importance of chasing your dreams without fear of setbacks.

“There is no such thing as a perfect life,” he reflects. “But true fulfillment comes from knowing you gave your best in every assignment. Do not wait—chase your dreams with everything you have got.”

A Testament to NETC’s Mission

Ensign Baus’ story highlights the transformational power of NETC’s training programs, which provide service members with the skills, discipline, and leadership required to succeed. His transition from Marine Corps enlisted service to Naval officer demonstrates the impact of perseverance and world-class training.

“My time in both the Marines and the Navy has taught me that discipline yields results,” Baus says. “That ability to hone and exercise personal discipline has shaped me into the leader and person I am today.”

For more stories about how NETC transforms service members into fleet-ready leaders, follow @NETC_HQ and visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/