Photo By Cpl. Samuel Ranney | Lance Corporal Brain Ramirez, administrative clerk on Marine Corps Logistics Base...... read more read more
BARSTOW, Calif. - Single Marines across the Corps are given the opportunity to go to amusement parks, national parks, movie theaters, and other events for free or at discounted prices through the Single Marine Program.
The SMP was established in 1995 by General Charles C. Krulak, 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps. The program was established to identify and improve the quality of life of Marines living in the barracks.
“It also encourages single Marines to provide input and ideas toward programming for the SMP component areas, such as: community involvement, life skills, health and wellness, recreation, and career progression,” explained A.J. Jacobs, SMP coordinator on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
The program is not only enjoyed by single leathernecks, but run by them as well.
“The program is run by motivated single Marines, a supportive command, and Marine Corps Community Services staff,” said Lance Cpl. Kristopher Ezell, president of the SMP committee here.
An established council composed of unit representatives from the command. The elected leadership positions include: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, explained the LaGrange, Ohio native. This group comprises the SMP executive council. This council meets once a month to discuss trips, community service opportunities, budget and QOL issues. These issues are then submitted to the command for resolution.
The base sergeant major serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the council and is the liaison to the installation commander. The SMP Coordinator provides support and guidance, explained Jacobs.
Every member of the council is given a certain time limit to address the council, the base sergeant major, and other members of plans, programs, and any issues others were not aware of, expressed Jacobs. After action reports are also submitted to the sergeant major for review after every event.
All single Marines are eligible to go on the trips as well as geographical bachelors; a Marine who is married but living in the barracks because their spouse doesn’t live with them, he added.
“There is no membership required to ‘join’, all single and GO bachelor Marines are automatically included,” said Jacobs.
“However, the primary target market age is 17 to 25-year-old Marines living in the barracks. The program relies on the ideas, issues, and concerns of Marines for its success. The more Marines participate, the more morale is improved.”
“The SMP provides recreation centers in the barracks throughout the Marine Corps,” explained Ezell. “Most recreation centers have a full movie theatre, video game rooms, couches, card tables, pool tables, and ping pong tables.”
Through the SMP, Marines across the Corps who haven’t tied the knot with a significant other or have but do not live with them, are given the opportunity to get off base, see new things and enjoy trips with their comrades, concluded Ezell.
| Date Taken: | 01.22.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.22.2014 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 119483 |
| Location: | BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Hometown: | LAGRANGE, OH, US |
| Web Views: | 551 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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