U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command’s Pass-in-Review in Great Lakes, Illinois, Feb., 1, 2024. US Navy Photo This story has been corrected to reflect that the Navy grew its delayed entry program pool.

Matthew Partyka was built for the infantry, not sales. The young, blue-eyed Marine sergeant was a quiet introvert, almost sphinx-like, with a soft smile. He thrived in the brotherhood of combat units.