Sailor, Marine initiative unveiled

Photo By Sgt. Daniel Valle | Juan M. Garcia III, the assistant secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), speaks to sailors and Marines about the 21st century sailor and Marine initiative at the Camp Foster theater Aug. 30. The 21st century sailor and Marine initiative is a set of objectives and policies that maximizes personal readiness.  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

08.30.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. Daniel Valle 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP FOSTER, Japan - Juan M. Garcia III, the assistant secretary of the Navy (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), visited Marines and sailors on Okinawa to speak about the 21st century sailor and Marine initiative at the Camp Foster Theater Aug. 30.

The 21st century sailor and Marine initiative is a set of objectives and policies, which maximizes each sailor’s and Marine’s personal readiness to hone the most combat effective force in the history of the Department of the Navy.

“The knowledge accumulated through the years has created a base for this program, which is intended to aid Marines and sailors in various aspects of their careers and lives,” said Master Chief Petty Officer John M. Toomer, the command master chief of Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa. “Many of the initiatives have already been put into place, and once the program grows and matures, the changes will be noticed more often.”

During the brief, Garcia spoke to Marines and sailors about various topics the initiative covers such as readiness, safety, physical fitness and continuum of service. Garcia also covered plans to create a new retirement system for active-duty service members.

“There will be a study into altering our traditional retirement in some way,” said Garcia. “We may take the elements of the 401(k)-style system that is most frequently used by corporate America in the private sector.”

Garcia further explained to the Marines and sailors that, if they are now on active-duty, they may be allowed the choice of retirement plans.

“If you are on active-duty now, you will be grandfathered into the existing traditional 20-year military retirement,” said Garcia. “There may be a date further down the road when you will have an option to go to this new 401(k)-style plan.”

Garcia also informed the sailors and Marines that the Department of the Navy will continue to offer tuition assistance.

“We know what a value (tuition assistance) is to the sailors and Marines,” he said. “Last year, we had 8,000 sailors and Marines graduate with either degrees or vocational certificates funded by tuition assistance.”

According to Garcia, it is important to stretch tuition assistance dollars as far as possible and make sure they are being applied properly. Service members will be required to be in their command for at least one year, have an education plan on file, and maintain high fitness scores.

“We want them to know what their work demands will be,” said Garcia. “If a sailor or Marine drops from a course, they will pay the tuition assistance back. It’s a tough standard, but it is fair and rewards our hardest chargers.”

Another topic Garcia discussed was the 19 newly-commissioned female ensigns who have made their way through the nuclear training pipeline and reported to their submarines.

“The decision to bring women aboard submarines was not made in response to any outside pressure,” said Garcia. “It was about national security – it was a strategic decision.”

Garcia wrapped up by emphasizing the importance of the work done by sailors and Marines on Okinawa.

“Know that your work is being watched and it is appreciated,” said Garcia. “The nation knows that the work being done out here is vital. Our new national defense strategy is a Navy and Marine Corps strategy, and it’s a Pacific strategy. You all are the tip of our nation’s spear.”

• Date Taken: 08.30.2012
• Date Posted: 09.06.2012 02:48
• Story ID: 94283
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP