Posted 9/13/23

The Marine Corps has identified Lance Corporal Joseph D. Whaley as the Marine who died during a nighttime live-fire training event at the West Coast infantry school. Whaley was in his fourth week of the 13-week Basic Reconnaissance Course at School of Infantry-West.

The Basic Reconnaissance Course is the entry-level training for those joining Marine reconnaissance. Whaley, originally from Columbia (Maury County), had previously undergone boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, and rifleman training at the Marine Corps School of Infantry–East in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He had also earned the National Defense Medal.

The Marine Corps Training Command stated that an investigation into the matter is ongoing and that they are fully cooperating. They expressed their deepest condolences to Whaley’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.