Photo By Cpl. Samuel Ranney | A noncommissioned officer's duty belt signifies the responsibilities entrusted into...... read more read more
BARSTOW, Calif. - On Oct. 25, Col. Michael L. Scalise, commanding officer of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., and Sgt. Maj. Karl D. Simburger, base sergeant major, began the day on a run with Headquarters Battalion here, followed by a breakfast and professional military education on the Marine Corps’ upcoming changes.
The changes, known as the ‘reawakening’ have been passed down from the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James F. Amos, explained Scalise during his PME. Scalise and Simburger spent the morning explaining the commandant’s intent to the Marines here.
“I wanted to make the reawakening specific to Barstow,” said Scalise. “All battalions (no matter what size) will be held to the same standard.”
With the aid of a Power Point presentation from Headquarters Marine Corps, Scalise explained to his Marines the reasoning behind the changes. The presentation stated there is a small, but not insignificant behavior problem in the Marine Corps; and something must be done to keep the Marine Corps’ reputation.
The presentation further explained that after 10 years of thriving in combat, Marines have the opportunity to refocus on their ethos and values.
Some of the changes are as follows:
• Sergeants and corporals will return to the barracks; basic allowance for housing is no longer authorized for single Marines (commanding generals will have waiver authority, current noncommissioned officers who reside off-base will remain there while at their current duty station).
• Senior officers, staff noncommissioned officers and NCOs will be in-and-out of the barracks regularly, especially between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
• Duty officers and SNCOs will be armed at all times.
• Every Marine above the rank of lance corporal will read Leading Marines and Sustaining the Transformation, by Nov. 10.
• Group promotions to the rank of corporal or to sergeant are not authorized … each promotion to these ranks will be personal and meaningful.
• Officers and SNCOs will be present in the morning for morning clean-up, organized physical training, and chow for their Marines.
• We will stop accepting bad behavior or substandard performance as a natural consequence of being a ‘combat hardened’ Marine Corps.
• Every Marine checking into a unit will be contacted before arrival by an assigned sponsor, and his or her immediate leadership chain (NCO, SNCO, and company grade officer) will meet and greet the Marine upon check-in.
The Marine Corps needs to do whatever possible to prevent the organization from having its reputation tarnished; it only takes a few, added Scalise.
“We have great Marines here; this morning’s run was a perfect example (of the motivation),” Scalise further explained. “We all know what it means to be a Marine and to be proud to wear the eagle, globe and anchor … so, let’s just stay being Marines.”
Simburger added, “You have to own the title and live it.”
These adjustments are being made to sustain the transformation individuals make from civilian to Marine. Many of the changes involve the duty ensuring good order and discipline throughout the barracks, stated the presentation.
Duty should be taken as an honor. It’s a major responsibility … it means you are trusted. The duty is responsible for maintaining the good order and discipline for the barracks and the safety of fellow Marines, concluded Simburger.
| Date Taken: | 11.05.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 11.05.2013 11:44 |
| Story ID: | 116306 |
| Location: | BARSTOW, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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