Corps Reaches Out to Former Marines

American Forces Press Service ^ | Jim Garamone

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2007 – The Marine Corps is reaching out to former Marines in its effort to grow the service, the Marine commandant said today.

Marine Gen. James Conway said in a media roundtable that the increase of 27,000 Marines by fiscal 2011 will allow Marines to spend more time at home between deployments. He also said the corps will maintain the current quality of recruits.

Part of the effort to grow the force is to contact noncommissioned officers who have separated from the service and offer them the option of coming back in. Conway is sending a letter to every Marine who has gotten out in the last four years. “It’ll say that, ‘You may have already served your nation, but the job’s not done,’” he said.

Everything is negotiable: four-year enlistments, two-year enlistments, airborne school, other military schools, and so on, Conway said. He added that NCOs should be able to come back on active duty with their former ranks. “We don’t have a lot of feedback yet,” Conway said. “It’s still in the early part of the process.”

The corps will grow to 207,000 Marines by 2011. Conway said the service will begin recruiting an extra 5,000 per year beginning this year without reducing standards. “We think 5,000 a year is within the arc of the possible, and that’s our focus at this point,” he said.

The corps will be competing against the other services and especially against the Army, which has been slated to grow by 62,000 over the same period. Conway said the corps will probably put between 300 and 400 more recruiters on the street. He said plans call for the plus-up to be funded out of supplemental requests through 2009 and then become part of the annual budget.

Standards are important to the Marine leadership, Conway said. “We do not want to sacrifice the quality of recruits simply to make the numbers,” the commandant said.

Marine recruit standard is higher than that set by the Defense Department. The DoD standard states that 90 percent of all recruits must be high school graduates. The Marine standard is 95 percent, and the service is recruiting 96 percent.

“We think the Marine Corps -- as the most prestigious service of all, with our mission, with the quality of the folks we are bringing in now -- that we need to hold to those standards,” he said. “And we need to have every Marine to understand that the Marine on their flank is the same quality of individual that we always have.”

DoD officials said that only about one-third of 18- to 24-year-olds qualify to join the military. “We’re going to hold to our standards, and we’re going to have to be driven off those standards,” Conway said.

The 27,000-Marine increase will be put against those units experiencing the heaviest “deployment-to-dwell” ratios, Conway said. “We have some units that are deployed for seven months, … and then they are home for only five months,” the general said. “We start creating additional of those types of units so we’re able to put these folks into rotation and reduce the stress on the force.”

The Marine Corps would like to get to the point of seven months deployed, 14 months at home station. The general said aviation units, military police and civil affairs are among the most heavily stressed units.

The commandant is adamant that the corps must do something about deployment-to-dwell time. “If you want to find sky-high morale, go to a unit that is getting ready to go, is there or is just back,” he said. “Now, that said, we believe as an institution that we have got to do something about the tempo or we’re going to start to lose some great young Americans who otherwise might want to stay.”

Families have to feel that they have been given proper consideration. Seven months at home is not enough time to have a normal life, he said. “We’ve had some great young Marines who have deployed two or three times -- Iraq, Afghanistan -- and they are now in (shoreside, non-deployable) billets. I think when those folks get ready to come back, if the leadership hasn’t done something about this tempo, (the Marines) are going to face a fork in the road.

“The Marine in the family may say, ‘It’s my job. I’ve got to do it.’ But the spouse in the family may say, ‘Uh-uh, I’ve been there. I’ve done that, and I demand more.’”

Growing the force is more than simply going out and hiring more people, Conway said. There are infrastructure concerns, training schedules and billeting arrangements. Marine Corps experts are working on these issues now, he said.

[SandRat]

FR WAR NEWS!

WAR News at Home and Abroad You'll Hear Nowhere Else!

All the News the MSM refuses to use!

[chesty_puller]

Is 34 years too long?

[M0sby]

Will they be contacting you?

[KantianBurke]

"He also said the corps will maintain the current quality of recruits."

The Army should follow suit and reverse their damaging policies.

[dakine]

18 + 20 + 34 = 72.

I think 72 may be a little over the age limit....

[SandRat]

Probably but call the Corps anyways ya never know.

[SandRat]

I'm hoping,..... and glad I'm on a cable modem so that DA can call on the land line or email me with no busy signal.

[tet68]

If this 60 year old former Marine was to get a call up,
I'd say things were pretty bad. I could still work in admin, supply, or a repair facility though.

One can dream, it's not much of a war yet but it's the only one we've got.

[JOE43270]

“We think the Marine Corps -- as the most prestigious service of all, with our mission, with the quality of the folks we are bringing in now --"

I enjoyed this statement SandRat. This Airman thinks the BEST of ALL my Brothers and Sisters that are JarHeads and I say that with respect. All they have to do is call and their air support will be there. God Bless THEM ALL.

[SandRat]

Check some of the ages of Retirees that were recalled during WWII. Some at 68 or better to fill stateside garrison/depot billets.

[SandRat]

If they were to call this Retired Doggie Major, offering an Interservice Transfer Recall I'd be there in a New York Minute.

[JOE43270]

HHHHHHOOOOORRRRRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

[nctexan]

Where's Chesty when we really need him?

[armymarinemom]

Do not, I repeat do not let my Marine see this. He is with the Air Guard now and misses the Corps each and every day.

[centurion316]

The Marine Corps is largely structured, organized, and manned as a 1st termer force. Most Marine Corps rifle squads are a bunch of well trained and well motivated first termers with one or two adult supervisors. This has served the Corps well in its current and former mission.

But, this may not be the best way to man the future Marine Corps. Encouraging reenlistment and restructuring the line doggie piece of the Corps to include more seasoned operators would, in this Army guys opinion, make the Corps even better than it is today. 19 year old Lance Corporals are a wonder to behold, but even better would be a 25 year old Corporal or Sergeant who had learned from all the mistakes he made as a bone head Lance Corporal.

[doorgunner69]

At 59, I regret they will probably not be calling me........

[SandRat]

But, this may not be the best way to man the future Marine Corps. Encouraging reenlistment and restructuring the line doggie piece of the Corps to include more seasoned operators would, in this Army guys opinion, make the Corps even better than it is today. 19 year old Lance Corporals are a wonder to behold, but even better would be a 25 year old Corporal or Sergeant who had learned from all the mistakes he made as a bone head Lance Corporal. And Survived.

[Sgt. Stryker]

If your serious about serving again, I'd suggest you check the National Guard. I was active duty USMC from 76-79 and the Corps told me they wouldn't take anybody over 28 that had been discharged and wanted back in. I checked with the ANG and after going back through the process (ASVAB, physical, etc.), and getting an age waiver, I am now in a Combat Engineer Company. Went to my first drill last weekend and can't wait for the next one.

Semper Fi or Hoooay!

[SandRat]

sigh..... probably the same for me....sigh....

[usmcobra]

Hey I'm only 50, can I go?

[centurion316]

Roger, goes without saying

[SandRat]

Call the Corps and ask.

[Texican]

Chesty:
I got out in 1946, do you suppose that they would take me back in??? I am in good health, still have all of my teeth and can even see some. I even made Sgt. a couple of years ago, even though it was some 60 years late.

How are you my good friend? Do you ever come out to California any more, and if so give me a call. I know that we could have a nice dinner and maybe even some adult drinks.

You have a wonderful evening, and the very best to you and yours.

Texican

[chesty_puller]

Do you ever come out to California any more

I don't travel much anymore since I retired. I bought a little ranch in No Texas and work part-time as an armed guard in a casino. Ya can't beat it. Nice to hear from you old buddy. Semper Fi Marine

[ardara]

How about a late 60 year old attorney ?

[SandRat]

All I can say is call the Corps and see.

[KeyLargo]

Subject: Lee Ermey For the few of you, who missed him, R. Lee Ermey is the host of The History Channel's "Mail Call" and played the Drill Instructor in the movie, "Full Metal Jacket." He is a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and a very plain speaker, as you will soon read. So, for your entertainment, here is Retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant R. Lee Ermey at his first press conference. The main topic of discussion is the Marine in Iraq who shot the Iraq insurgent to death.

We pick up as the reporter asks about how this potential war crime will affect our image in the world: Ermey: "WHAT KIND OF A PANSY-ASSED QUESTION IS THAT?"

Reporter 1: "Well I think...."

Ermey: "THINK, FANCY BOY?! GET THIS THROUGH THAT SEPTIC TANK ON TOP OF YOUR SHOULDERS, MORON: I DON'T GIVE A DAMN WHAT YOU THINK, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME??? THAT MARINE SHOT AN ENEMY COMBATANT, SHITHEAD; SO GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS AND DEAL WITH IT BEFORE I MAKE YOU MY OWN PERSONAL PIN CUSHION!!! NEXT QUESTION: YOU IN THE BLUE SUIT."

Reporter 2: Don't you think that the world's opinion of our operations is important?

Ermey: "OH SURE! YOU DON'T KNOW THE TIMES I HAVE CRIED MYSELF TO SLEEP WORRYING ABOUT WHAT SOME GODDAMNED FRENCH PANSY THINKS! OH THE DAYS I HAVE HAD TO WEEP BECAUSE SOME SHIT EATING TERRORIST SCUMBAG MIGHT BE MAD AT US, BECAUSE WE WENT INTO WHATEVER GOD FOR- SAKEN HOLE IN THE SHIT THAT HE LIVES IN AND KILLED HIM. WHAT THE HELL KIND OF DUMBASS QUESTION IS THAT YOU PETER-PUFFING JACKASS?? WE ARE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AND WHEN YOU ATTACK US, WE ARE GOING TO COME TO YOUR HOUSE AND BLOW YOUR STINKING CAMEL-LICKING CARCASS INTO PIECES SO SMALL WE WILL BE ABLE TO BURY YOUR SORRY ASS IN A THIMBLE!! YEAH, I KNOW WHAT T YOU ARE THINKING. YOU ARE PROB- ABLY AFRAID, THINKING THAT I HAVE SUCH AN "EXTREME" ATTITUDE AND THAT I NEED TO BE MORE "SENSITIVE" TO OTHER PEOPLE'S FEELINGS. WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING YOU POLE-SMOKING PANSY! I DON'T GIVE TWO SHITS WHAT YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE THINKS! THIS IS A DAMN WAR, AND IF YOU CAN'T HANDLE THAT, THEN YOU SHOULD GO HOME AND SUCK ON MAMMA'S TIT!! DO YOU HEAR ME YOU RUNT?? NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I GO CRAZY AND BEAT THE LIVING SHIT OUT OF YOU!!! NEXT QUESTION: YOU WITH THE UGLY-ASSED TIE. LOOK AT THAT THING! IT IS HIDEOUS!"

Reporter 3: "Aren't you going against the freedom of the press by.."

Ermey: "FREEDOM?? WHAT IN BLUE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT FREEDOM? I HAVE SWEATED MY ASS OFF IN JUNGLES, WHILE BEING SHOT AT FOR THIS NATION!! WHAT IN THE HELL HAVE YOU DONE YOU LITTLE SHIT-SUCKING WEASEL? WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU PUT YOUR ASS ON THE LINE FOR ANYTHING? AND YET YOU HAVE THE UNMITIGATED TEMERITY TO SHOW UP HERE AND MONDAY-MORNING QUARTERBACK THE ACTIONS OF A BRAVE MARINE, WHO WAS DEFENDING HIMSELF AND HIS UNIT FROM AN ATTACK BY SOME MURDEROUS AL- QUEDA SYMPATHIZER!!! YOU WANNA KNOW WHAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT, NUMB- NUTS? I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A BUNCH OF GRABASSTIC, ORGANIZED MORONS WITH CAMERAS AND MICROPHONES DOING THEIR BEST TO PORTRAY OUR BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN AS WAR CRIMINALS! I AM CONCERNED ABOUT CHICKEN-SHIT PANSIES THAT WANT US TO NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS AND WHINE ABOUT THEIR PISS-ANT "FREEDOMS"!!"

Reporter 3: "I ..."

Ermey: "DID YOU HAVE A BIG BOWL OF STUPID FOR BREAKFAST THIS MORNING, NUMBNUTS? I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANOTHER WORD OUT OF THAT COMMIE CRY HOLE IN THAT SHIT-PILE YOU CALL A HEAD! AND THAT GOES TRIPLE FOR THE REST OF YOU PANSY-ASSED MORONS! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY PRESS ROOM BEFORE I SHOVE MY BOOT SO FAR UP YOUR ASS THAT YOU CHOKE TO DEATH ON MY SHOELACES!!!!"

Marine DI's have a language all their own. God bless them all!

[Cvengr]

It's a vastly different Marine Corps even from the 80s.

[TADSLOS]

Jack Murtha is available. He supports the Marines. Just ask him.

[SandRat]

LOL - there are a few words in there that DIs would not use but a good rendition - if only something like that were really done to a bunch of self-rightious presstitutes by The Gunny or better yet by an active duty Gunny still covered in dust, still wearing all his battle-rattle at a televised press conference in the combat-zone. He**! I'd PAY GOOD MONEY just to see that and buy the souvenir keepsake CD/DVD

[BluH2o]

HHHHHHOOOOORRRRRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Try 'OOOOORRRRRRRAAAAAAAAHHHHHH'.

Drop the 'Hooo'!

[BluH2o]

Marine DI's have a language all their own. God bless them all!

No mention of 'stacking swivel'? As in 'I'm going to grab you by the 'stacking swivel' you
miserable piece of scum and rearrange it 180 degrees so you can really eyeball'!

[JOE43270]

I'll try that though from what I've seen is that it is done in many different ways.