MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Marines are always looking for an edge to put them a step ahead of their peers when it comes to promotion. One tool for enhancing that competitiveness is Marine of the year or quarter and meritorious boards.
Gunnery Sgt. Maurice Bease, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron gunnery sergeant, spearheaded changes to the board process for H&HS, saying the additions represent the full abilities of the Marines and make the boards more competitive.
Three Marines have blazed through these boards and came out on top with distinction. Sergeant Robert Lark with Aircraft Recovery is the H&HS non-commissioned officer of the year, while the Marine of the Year is Lance Cpl. Matthew Hamel with the Distribution Management Office. Corporal Clarence Canty with Air Traffic Control has been selected to go to Marine Corps Installations East to represent H&HS on a meritorious board.
“Healthy competition has always driven the Marine Corps,” said Bease. He continued by saying that Marines tend to thrive in competitive environments, and that helps to build a unit’s cohesiveness through healthy competition.
Events like leading a platoon through a drill card, a physical fitness or combat fitness test, a Marine Corps knowledge test and a uniform inspection were added to the process to more closely review the applicant’s character and leadership abilities in action.
Before, the boards consisted of a review of an applicant’s record with a question and answer session with the Marine. Bease wanted to improve this process, ensuring the most competent Marine is awarded.
Marines who are physically and mentally prepared and display confidence are the ones who stand out during these boards and may eventually receive the award, Bease said.
Canty, an air traffic controller, was selected as the NCO of the quarter for H&HS and then went on to win the H&HS meritorious promotion board. Bease described Canty as the type of Marine who stood out and definitely earned the recognition.
Canty has excelled since recruit training. He was promoted meritoriously to lance corporal during recruit training, selected for a meritorious mast at Marine Combat Training, and was the honor graduate of his military occupational specialty class.
“I was glad to see the change,” said Canty. “This way they get to see well-rounded Marines and what they can do at a moment’s notice.”
The positive influence of one Marine can affect many, and possibly the entire Corps, said Bease, citing examples like recent Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Dakota Meyer.
“What I’m hoping will happen is, section chiefs will take the time to motivate their Marines and train them, in turn making them more competitive,” said Bease. “What that will do for our unit is enhance the level of esprit de corps in our young Marines.”