Michael "Mike" Sparks is a well-known, published U.S. military NCO, officer and author dating back to the early 1980s with many works online; however there are some liars and criminal libelers who refuse to face this preponderance of FACTS in their reckless disregard for the truth. Below are pictures of 2LT/1LT Sparks in the service.

2LT Sparks USMCR by BRDM captured in Grenada at the Infantry Officer's Course, Quantico, Virginia, Jumping the Folding MounTain Bike (FMTB) for Operation DARK CLAW in 1993; in 2006 as an U.S. Army Reserve 1LT demonstrating the SLAM gunshield

The above is just a sample of the many articles written by former enlisted NCO, 2LT Michael Sparks USMCR for Marine Corps Gazette from their Marine corps Association (MCA) online web site. Below is his thank-you letter from the USMC Combat Development and Education Command for making the wire cutter feature get incorporated into the M9 bayonet. Notice, he was an enlisted marine NCO at that time.

To see archival Marine Corps Gazette articles in their entirety, you have to pay MCA. However, it's rather obvious that 2LT Sparks was not only an enlisted marine--but also an officer who graduated from both enlisted and officer basic training. Anyone who says otherwise are just liars with prejudices.

Go to their web site and search the "archives".

Or copy/paste the link below.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/results.html?QryTxt=michael+sparks&Search=Search

Results 1 to 10 of 111

1. Survival Keyring

Michael L Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Jan 1990; pg. 35;

2. Combat Loading With Less

Michael L Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Feb 1990; pg. 29;

3. Combat Flashlight

Michael L Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Aug 1989; pg. 55;

4. Survival in the desert

Michael L Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Mar 1989; pg. 31;

5. Carrying Your Compass

Michael L Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Feb 1989; pg. 27;

6. Making a Radio Headset With Your Kevlar Helmet

Michael Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Jan 1989; pg. 35;

10. Reflex sights and night sights

Michael Sparks; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Jul 1987; pg. 38;

17. Night Marksmanship: A Step Forward

Michael J Stroff III; Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994); Apr 1990; pg. 44;

(2LT Sparks credited in article for discovering the red-dot, night reflex sight which Major Stroff and the USMC adopted.)

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/524963331.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Jan+1990&author=Michael+L+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=35&desc=Survival+Keyring

Survival Keyring

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael L Sparks
Date:	Jan 1990
Start Page:	35
Text Word Count:	724

Abstract (Document Summary)

The heart of this system is a small earplug capsule. The first step requires removing the metal chain (which is too weak for much use) and replacing it with a length of 550 parachute cord. Take one end of the cord and insert it into the hole at the bottom of the capsule. Tie an overhand knot and fuse the end with a flame. Now make a couple of long coils and begin wrapping the cord around the longer coils tightly to pack in as much 550 cord into as little space as possible.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/517688581.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Feb+1990&author=Michael+L+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=29&desc=Combat+Loading+With+Less

Combat Loading With Less

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael L Sparks
Date:	Feb 1990
Start Page:	29
Text Word Count:	521

Abstract (Document Summary)

Marines should be encouraged to experiment with field expedients and different ways of using/carrying field gear. In combat, only performance counts. Ideas that have merit should be forwarded to Headquarters Marine Corps, published in the Gazette, and widely promulgated. The combat load problem has been with us for several generations of Marines. Obviously, it will not go away easily.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/524455431.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Aug+1989&author=Michael+L+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=55&desc=Combat+Flashlight

Combat Flashlight

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael L Sparks
Date:	Aug 1989
Start Page:	55
Text Word Count:	694

Abstract (Document Summary)

The Legend can also be used to acquire a flash front sight picture for night pistol firing using the Harries night firing technique. Under this technique the shooter uses a brief 1- or 2-second flash to verify that the target is not friendly and to aim before firing.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/501400801.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Mar+1989&author=Michael+L+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=31&desc=Survival+in+the+desert

Survival in the desert

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael L Sparks
Date:	Mar 1989
Start Page:	31
Section:	Field expedients
Text Word Count:	604

Abstract (Document Summary)

In five 3x5-inch plastic survival cards, Mr. Lee Nading has compiled information about everything from finding water to skinning animals.* In an effort to improve upon Mr. Nading's idea, I laid his cards side by side so that all of the information would fit within the dimensions of a 8 1/2 x 11-inch sheet of paper if copied on both front and back.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/524459501.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Feb+1989&author=Michael+L+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=27&desc=Carrying+Your+Compass

Carrying Your Compass

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael L Sparks
Date:	Feb 1989
Start Page:	27
Section:	Field Expedients
Text Word Count:	497

Abstract (Document Summary)

To connect the compass in this manner, open one of the grenade straps on the M16 magazine pouch (Figure 1). Take the compass lanyard and run it through the center of the pouch (Figure 2). Grab the end of the compass lanyard and open it so the compass can be ran through it (Figure 3). Pull the lanyard tight The compass is now secured to the pouch flap.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/517629281.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Jan+1989&author=Michael+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=35&desc=Making+a+Radio+Headset+With+Your+Kevlar+Helmet

Making a Radio Headset With Your Kevlar Helmet

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael Sparks
Date:	Jan 1989
Start Page:	35
Section:	Field Expedients
Text Word Count:	551

Abstract (Document Summary)

To attach the radio handset, first unsnap your helmet and lay it down with the opening facing up. Loop the boot blousing band around the right rear connection point where the suspension band is attached to the helmet (Figure 1). Place the top of the handset earpiece inside the helmet against the right ear recess (Figure 2). Tie a square knot around the round earpiece, keeping it snug, but with a little flexibility so the handset can be moved up to the mouth when you want to talk (Figure 3).

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/501146331.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Jul+1987&author=Michael+Sparks&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=38&desc=Reflex+sights+and+night+sights

Reflex sights and night sights

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael Sparks
Date:	Jul 1987
Start Page:	38
Section:	Marksmanship
Text Word Count:	1545

Abstract (Document Summary)

When using the AN/PVS-4, one eye has to be closed and pressed firmly into the eyepiece to prevent stray light from leaking out. This limits the user's range to a narrow 14.5 degree field of view. The telescopic nature of the sight allows the Marine to see objects from far away, but the narrow view compromises his ability to quickly spot and engage fast-moving enemy soldiers threatening him. The narrow field of view also causes fatigue, as scanning becomes necessary to observe a wide frontage.

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/mca-marines/access/524481481.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT:TG:PAGE&date=Apr+1990&author=Michael+J+Stroff+III&pub=Marine+Corps+Gazette+(pre-1994)&edition=&startpage=44&desc=Night+Marksmanship%3A+A+Step+Forward

Night Marksmanship: A Step Forward

Marine Corps Gazette (pre-1994) - Quantico

Author:	Michael J Stroff III
Date:	Apr 1990
Start Page:	44
Text Word Count:	1714

Abstract (Document Summary)

Our first test consisted of three shooters who were selected from Company L. 3d Battalion, 6th Marines. A strong shooter, average shooter, and poor shooter were selected for the test. I gave the Marines a short class and then helped them zero their battle sights with six rounds. After dark we had each shooter engage multiple targets at the maximum distance visibility allowed. First the shooters used their tritium front sight posts as they had been trained.