BEAUFORT, S.C. - The 18th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, toured training facilities aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort and took questions from service members and their dependents during a town hall meeting, March 21.
One of the major concerns brought up by service members was the unpredictable budget constraints.
The fiscal situation is becoming more confusing and uncertain, said Dempsey. The military, especially the Marine Corps must remain constant.
“We need you to be exactly who you are,” the chairman told the Marines and family members that filled the theater. “[The Marine Corps is the] rock upon which this great military of ours rests.”
During Dempsey’s visit he was briefed on the current construction projects aboard MCAS Beaufort including training facilities for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Dempsey’s visit was part of a tour to various military installations on the East Coast.
When asked by a Marine what he expects from the Marine Corps, Dempsey replied “I expect you to be Marines."
“I find that to be the most important thing about the United States Marine Corps, that you take it upon yourselves to commit to keep your honor clean,” the chairman said.
The town hall the was last event of Dempsey’s visit to the Air Station and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.