CAMP KINSER, Japan — U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, took part in a brief for Korean Marine Exercise Program 26.1 at Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 5, 2026. The briefing gave Marines the opportunity to learn about financial advice, laws and the different culture they will experience during their deployment in Korea.
The brief focused on ensuring Marines are financially ready before deploying, emphasizing how proper planning and readiness can reduce stress and help maintain readiness while they are overseas. Marines were also introduced to other resources such as Military OneSource, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and installation financial counselors, which offer help and support in budgeting, emergency savings accounts and understanding deployment-related information for the regulations in Korea.
In addition to financial readiness, leaders highlighted how KMEP provides valuable operational experience and long-term career benefits. Deployments offer Marines the opportunity to train in a new environment, apply their skills outside of the garrison environment and to work alongside fellow Marines and Sailors.
“I do think it will have long-lasting impacts on their careers,” said Sgt. Matthew Thatcher, an ammunition technician with CLR-37. “Anytime you get to go away from your home station and practice what you do in an environment where you're constantly challenged, it really tests your skills outside of what you do daily.”
“KMEP gives Marines the chance to step away from garrison and really focus on the mission,” said Christina Glisson, CLR-37’s Deployment Readiness Coordinator. “It helps build confidence, reinforces discipline, and reminds Marines why they joined in the first place.”
Marines were encouraged to support one another for positivity in general and use available resources to remain mentally fit throughout the deployment. Leaders stressed that readiness is not limited to technical skills, but also includes morale, adaptability, and teamwork. These factors contribute to unit cohesion, positivity and mission success while overseas.
Sgt. Thatcher explained how the upcoming deployment has already improved readiness through increased preparation and hands-on training.
“Mentally, physically, and emotionally, it will be hard times,” Sgt. Thatcher said. “But hardness makes us better. If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be worth doing.”
The Marines and Sailors preparing for the upcoming KMEP are showing high levels of motivation and readiness as they prepare to operate in a new environment alongside allied forces in Korea.
“There’s a noticeable buzz in the air,” Sgt. Thatcher said. “There’s real excitement about going somewhere they haven’t been before and being challenged in a new way.”
KMEP continues to provide CLR-37 Marines the opportunity to strengthen readiness capabilities, maintain financial and personal readiness, and gain experience that supports long term professional development.