[stylin19a]

The move is part of a Marine Corps initiative aimed at increasing the Corps' fighting strength.

I know a Marine and his rifle is the deadliest force on earth.
And 48 Marines together could probably stage a successful coup in any country in the world.
But these 48 Marines are integral in increasing the fighting strength of the Corps ?
Seems like a weak reason for this stand-down.

[Wristpin]

"But these 48 Marines are integral in increasing the fighting strength of the Corps ?
Seems like a weak reason for this stand-down."

You have to realize that since the 1993 "Bottoms Up Review" the force structure has been cut nearly in half. Non core mission jobs such as these strain the residual force. You don't see many Marines at the gates of Navy bases these days.

[Dick Vomer]

But these 48 Marines are integral in increasing the fighting strength of the Corps ? Seems like a weak reason for this stand-down.

all Marines are riflemen first and foremost...from cook, band member, administrative assistant to intel... all are riflemen.

I'd be willing to bet a T-Bone steak and some Shiner Bock that if you asked the 48 Marines in question they'd answer this question to a man..."send me with my brother Marines into battle or stay stateside and stand watch?".... "What time do we load up? Where's my ammo? Sir."