A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

For ten years now, our Corps has been engaged in continuous combat operations
against those who threaten the security of America and our allies. We turned the tide in
the Anbar province of Iraq and continue to see success today in southwest Afghanistan.
While it has come at a cost. .. we have much to be proud of.

This past year in operations around the world including humanitarian disaster
relief, counter-piracy, theater security cooperation, special operations, counter-insurgency
and many more, you continued to solidify our place as America’s Expeditionary Force in
Readiness. Since the Continental Congress created two battalions of Marines 236 years
ago, our legacy as an ever-ready, ever capable, victory producing organization remains
intact.

Our rich heritage of selfless service and fidelity to Nation and to one another lives
on in all who currently wear the Eagle, Globe and Anchor – those who have answered the
clarion call to duty with remarkable courage, dedication and unshakable resolve that
Marines are so well known for. To all Marines – past and present – and especially to our
families … I extend my deep gratitude for all you have done and all you continue to do.
As we celebrate our 236th birthday, let us look forward to future challenges whatever
they may be – and reaffirm our pledge to be America’s premier crisis response
force; to be the first to fight… Always ready for the toughest and most challenging
assignments.

Happy 236th Birthday, Marines!
Semper Fidelis,
JAMES F. AMOS
General, US Marine Corps

“Sixty years ago, the United States Marine Corps—as it has throughout our history—demonstrated its vital role as America’s Expeditionary Force in Readiness. Just weeks after North Korean Communist forces crossed the 38th Parallel, the First Marine Provisional Brigade landed in South Korea, forming the backbone of the perimeter around the city of Pusan. The efforts of the “Fire Brigade” at Pusan allowed for the daring amphibious landing at Inchon and set the stage for one of the most savage campaigns in our Corps’ history—the Chosin Reservoir. As we pause to celebrate our 235th Birthday, we pay special tribute to the Marines of the Korean War and recognize their contributions to our enduring legacy.

This past year marked the end of Marine Corps combat operations in Iraq. Beginning with the invasion in March 2003 and through the next seven years of fighting, our Corps acquitted itself valiantly in the Anbar province and throughout the country. Locations such as Fallujah and Ramadi have taken their place in the illustrious battle history of our Corps. Our efforts in defeating the insurgency helped to build a brighter future for all Iraqis.

For 235 years, at sea and ashore, Marines have succeeded in every clime and place . . . where hardship and adversity have often been the common thread. Today, in the rugged mountains and valleys of Afghanistan—and recently in earthquake-damaged Haiti . . . in flood-ravaged Pakistan . . . or off the coast of Africa—we continue to protect our Nation, just as we did 60 years ago in Korea.

To the Marines and Sailors deployed overseas, to those training and preparing for their next deployment and to the warriors who no longer wear our uniform . . . we honor your selfless service to the Nation. To our loved ones who endure the many difficulties that come with being part of the Marine Family, I want to extend my sincerest thanks for all you have done and all you continue to do.”

Happy 235th Birthday, Marines!

Semper Fidelis,

James F. Amos
General, U.S. Marine Corps

When explorers discovered modern-day Camp Pendleton, it was common for Catholic missionaries to name points of arrival or rest stops for the patron saint whose holy day coincides with time they arrived. A majority of Camp Pendleton locations can be traced to these Spanish padres and voyagers who traveled to Southern California in the late 18th Century.

“The land we know as Camp Pendleton has a rich and colorful history that extends over 230 years,” said Richard B. Rothwell, president, Camp Pendleton Historical Society. “From the Spanish mission days, through its service as a working ranch under Mexican and United States rule, to its present role as an amphibious training base for U.S. Marines. Several historic sights serve as reminders of Camp Pendleton’s rich and colorful past.”

In 1942, The Marine Corps bought 125,000 acres of land in southern California for nearly $4.25 million. The very same undeveloped beachfront, valuable ranch land and scenic mountain vistas would later become the base we know today.

Remaining true to the heritage of this historic land, base officials decided to keep the names given to geographic locations by Spanish explorers and the native descendants after the purchase.

According to the CPHS, examples of these geographic names include:

Cristianitos: Seventeenth century Spanish priests of the Portola-Serra expedition named this area as they made their way through this land on their way to northern California. The site of their encampment was named after St. Apollinaris, but since priests conducted California’s first known Christian baptisms for two dying Indian infants, the soldiers referred to it as Los Cristianitos, or “the little Christians”. Today, the baptismal site is an official California Historical Site.

Las Pulgas: Eighteenth century soldiers accompanying a survey party for the San Luis Rey Mission were constantly bothered by fleas, or Las Pulgas, while camping here. The area was then named after the tiny pests that made a stronger impression than the physical beauty of the area.

Las Flores: The way station or assistance to Mission San Luis Rey was established in 1827 near what is today the Las Pulgas exit to Interstate 5. Seeing wild roses and flowers at the mouth of the canyon and remembering the name given by Father Crespi years earlier, the name Las Flores, meaning “the flowers,” was given to the area.

Chappo: The name is believed to be derived from the word Chapala that was the thick undergrowth found in the area.

Horno: This is the Spanish word for the clay oven or kin used by early settlers. Camp Horno is nestled below the coastal mountains, which block the cooling ocean breezes. As any Marine stationed there can attest, it can get hot as an oven in the summer.

San Onofre: In keeping with the padres’ tradition of naming areas after patron saints, this area was named after the obscure Egyptian, Saint Onuphrius.

San Mateo: This was derived from Saint Matthew, a saint whose name was a favorite with the Catholic missionaries.

Deluz: An Englishman by the name of Luce kept a corral of horses in the area north of the village of Fallbrook. The Spanish-speaking neighbors knew it as Coral de Luz, which was later shortened to the name we use today.

Lake O’Neill: This is a man-made lake created for the irrigation of the fields on Rancho Santa Margarita in the late 1800s. It is named for Richard O’Neill who managed the ranch and later became part owner.

Vado Del Rio: At one time the Margarita River was much deeper and wider. Small trading boats actually sailed up the river from the ocean to trade goods behind the base’s Historic Ranch House. When a bridge was constructed so that travelers could easily cross the river the area overlooking the bridge was named Vado Del Rio, or river crossing.

Amazingly, much of Camp Pendleton would be recognizable today to Richard O’Neill, John Basilone, and other historical figures whose stories are intertwined with the land, said Rothwell.

By Lance Cpl. Daniel Boothe , Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. —

Recognizing that the sudden change from military to civilian life can be a bit of a shock for Marines and employers alike, the Corps is giving reservists the choice to stay in longer or get out quicker ? along with benefit extensions to help smooth their transitions.

Reservists can now remain on active duty for an extended period of time even through their activation period.

More than 20,000 activated Marine reservists will demobilize over the next few months, according to Marine Administrative Message 257/03 dated Jan. 17.

“Our intent is to deactivate as many people as possible and recognize the numbers of people who may not have many options outside the military, such as the availability of school or work,” said Lt. Col. Linda L. McGowan, mobilization policy officer with Manpower and Reserve Affairs. “Our mission is to take care of our Marines.”

After demobilizing in the wake of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, many Marines may have left the Corps out of frustration over the process, Marine Corps officials surmise.

The new policies are designed to reduce that frustration.

Reservists opting to stay in can either fill a billet at the same command or fill a gap at another base determined by manpower planners.

“We don’t want to push them out of the Marine Corps,” said McGowan.

Meanwhile, those eager to return to civilian life now have fewer obstacles.

To hasten the deactivation process, Manpower has reduced paperwork. As long as their physical exams are up-to-date, reservists are no longer required to undergo a full physical before leaving. Moreover, they’re not required to attend Transition Assistance Program briefs, which are mandatory for separating active-duty Marines.

Additionally, a limited continuation of health-care benefits, a streamlined deactivation procedure and flexibility in using accrued leave make for a smoother departure than in previous demobilizations.

Manpower authorized the extension of Tricare benefits for deactivated reservists. Reservists with less than six years of cumulative active-duty service will receive 60 days of health care; those with more than six years will be eligible for 120 days of coverage when they leave active duty. The Tricare extension also covers the Marine’s family members.

Manpower is attempting to deactivate reservists as quickly as possible as many employers look forward to their employees’ return and reservists eagerly await resuming civilian life.

The Mobilization Support Battalion processed nearly 130 reservists last month. The MSB’s processing center administers medical status, pay and travel claims ? and reservists are usually out of the Marine Corps within a week, said Maj. Michael J. Bontell, battalion adjutant for MSB.

“It was a big responsibility being back in the Marine Corps, and definitely a big honor to have represented the Corps while at war,” said Sgt. Chris Merkle, a platoon guide for G Company, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment.

He spent four months serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and had “some interesting experiences while in Iraq.”

Merkle plans to rejoin Fed-Ex, where he worked as a driver before being called back on active duty. “My job has been very supportive of me while I was gone. I even got promoted … twice!”

By Sgt. James S. Goff ,
Unit: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Daily Management and  USMC Leadership

When I was in the U.S. Marine Corps, the term “leadership” was taught, explained, and demonstrated almost every minute of the day. I found that the biggest and most important difference between a manager and a leader is the way they motivate people who work for them, or follow them. I find that the traits associated with management and leadership can be very similar but they are definitely not transferable. In our daily routine, there is a need for both types of individuals and many of you have developed both styles in your personal and professional life.

It has been my experience that if you are a manager you normally have subordinates. These are individuals who have been assigned to your charge by higher authorities within a corporate structure. Managers hold positions of authority that have been given to them by upper level administrators and are assigned a multitude of tasks to accomplish for the betterment of the organization.

Management of the daily routine is a very important function, especially in today’s troubled corporate environment. And let me add, not everyone can be an effective manager. It takes training; perhaps vocational, on-the-job or academic instruction. It also takes a ton of organizational skills, patience, self-confidence, and the ability to efficiently function under some extremely high pressure deadlines. Managers usually are not big risk takers and that’s perfectly alright because the company has tasked them (and their subordinates) with the successful completion of a task for the benefit of the company – nothing more, nothing less. That’s what a manager gets paid to do.

Leaders, on the other hand, normally don’t have subordinates but leaders always have followers. People only follow someone because they want to, not because they are asked or forced to do so. Many corporate leaders have subordinates, but that’s only because they are also managers within the organization. But when these individuals feel the need to lead, they must give up their formal corporate managerial authority, because to lead is to have followers, and following is always a voluntary action – there are no exceptions.

There are all kinds of leaders; some are animated and energetic while some are more reserved. Some people seem to be born to lead while others learn how to lead. Some are charismatic while others are extremely humble but whatever the style; there is always a magnetic appeal to whatever the leader does or asks others to do. Leaders will never ask anyone to do something that they won’t do right along with their team. And although leaders aren’t thrill seekers, willing to do anything to get the job done; they are calculated risk takers and not afraid to do something out of the ordinary in order to successfully complete an assigned task.

Like I said at the beginning, most of us have a touch of both – managerial and leadership traits – within us. This allows us to be organizers when necessary and adapt to changing situations, when required to do so. I have heard a simple explanation concerning the difference between management and leadership style that says “managers do things right, leaders do the right things.”  I believe what this means is that managers are centered on the process of accomplishing tasks while leaders are more visionary and imaginative.  I guess that may be true, but I also believe there are many other factors that must be discussed when we consider the value of each role.

If a company is going to surpass its competitors by becoming more productive and innovative, the proper individuals must be assigned within the leadership and the management makeup of the company.  Both of these functions are important and I think we sometimes give too much credit to the star corporate executive rather than realizing that both the internal leader and his or her management staff/team are needed to assure the ultimate success of a company’s business plan.

A news story on the New Marine Corps Tattoo Policy, produced for Marines TV Pendleton, a monthly newsmagazine broadcasting out of Camp Pendleton, CA.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Female Marines

I spent 6 years in the United States Marine Corps and have to say it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had.  When I first told my parents about my decision they had mixed feelings, my father seemed happy but my mother had reservations.

I should say, perhaps some of that came from my mother being ex-Navy (Jarheads and Squids traditionally have friendly rivalry). I also think my mother thought the Marine Corps was too tough for a female to deal with.

The thing about my decision was really that I wanted to do something that not many tried to do, something that was more difficult…..something that would challenge me.  When people found out that I was heading to boot-camp, I think many had an idea that I would fail and be home soon. I wish I had been told about what to expect, a guide or book telling me about all the things I was soon to discover.

People would say things like, “You won’t get through training,” or “Maybe you should look at the Air Force,” or “What about college?”  All in subtle ways to tell me they thought maybe I just couldn’t make it as a Marine.

Well this is the truth; I was worried about my fitness.  I was worried that I couldn’t run, or couldn’t handle the physical fitness.  I was worried that I was simply not strong enough….I was worried that, even I had spent weeks preparing, I was still not in good shape. I went online to look for information before going, but it seemed limited about details of the boot camp, training and more.

These are the facts.  You are never fit enough to think you can go to USMC boot-camp and get through training solely on what you have done to that point.  So then you think what must you do to get fit enough?

The biggest problem for women is that traditionally we have been told not to extend ourselves to the extreme physical workouts.  Not to lift weights.  Not to take martial arts. Not go overboard in the gym…..in other words, not to train like men!

The problem with that is when you go to boot camp; there is no escape from the physical training.  If you think you will be let off the hook simply because you are female….DON’T GO IN THE MARINES!!!!

This is no bullshit…..you will Suffer!  You will want to CRY!  You will want to hide away and try to slip off to medical.  And do you know what will happen if you give the Drill Instructor a passing thought that you might be weak?  That you might be unable to make the grade?  They will break you.  Break your spirit.  You cannot let them!

I am not saying the DI’s are monsters…..it is their job to get rid of those who come and are not the best candidates for the Marines.  They are there to weed out the people who cannot qualify.  Not everyone who goes to boot-camp will succeed.  Some women fall out because they cannot adjust to the living situation, cannot adjust to being told what to do and when; cannot take direction; cannot advance through training.  Some get sent back to do more training with another platoon; some are released from the military.  If you fail the final fitness test chances are you will be let go.

Still it isn’t just the fitness test; there are many other aspects of USMC boot camp that you need to be aware of.  The inside tips and advice about what to expect in Marine Boot Camp, the USMC way of doing things, the words to know and how NOT to react to the pressure.  Wouldn’t it be nice if you could be prepared? To know about all the different experience you will face?  What you will really face in USMC Boot Camp?

Before I went to boot-camp I could run 3 miles under 30 minutes, could do 65 sit-ups in one minute, could do 20 chin-ups and could do the bar hang for 3 minutes….which wasn’t that good.   I thought it was good enough.  I got my butt kicked……I was exhausted after the first day of physical training.  I spent extra time, when we have a free moment, doing more chins and hangs, more sit-ups and trying to make myself stronger.  I remember wishing that I had spent some time lifting weights, or doing something more productive to get ready for boot-camp.  I remember wishing someone had told me how things really were and what to really expect, but they didn’t.

If you are thinking to join the USMC, trust me, don’t let people bullshit you and say it is easy…..it isn’t!   Get in shape, follow a plan, and eat properly.

You will have very little sleep your first week or two, your body will be going through changes and adjusting to a new place and you will have many moments of total stress……add to that the fact that you will struggle with the physical side of things….and you will overload yourself with stress.  If you could eliminate one aspect of that adjusting to make your transition a little easier wouldn’t you do it?

USMC fitness tests are the most difficult physical tests in all of the military, you can ask anyone that…..it is common knowledge.  It is common knowledge that the Marine Corps doesn’t take just anyone, you have to earn your place….you have to earn the right to be called a Marine…..you have to do your time and carry your load…..so if you are a woman, thinking to go into the Marine Corps…..if you don’t want succeed, don’t want the honor of being called a Marine….then keep doing what you are doing….it makes no difference…..the Marine Corps only wants the best.

If you are a woman, wanting to be a Marine…then do something better, get yourself off the sofa and train….push yourself….become what you want…..Semper Fidelis!

Copyright @ McGibbon 2009

Wednesday night, family and friends gathered at Sacramento International Airport to welcome reservists with the Marines’ 4th Maintenance Battalion back home to Northern California.

“We’ve been together since my freshman year in high school,” said Tonya Gonzales of Turlock, whose fiancee, Eduardo Castellanos, is a truck driver and diesel mechanic when he’s with his Marine Reserve unit. At home, he is a deputy with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.

“When he comes home, we’re planning on getting married,” said Gonzales, who screamed as he came down the escalator after his arrival was delayed by over two hours. Gonzales was hugged for several minutes by his fiancee, his family and friends.

The first group of arrivals was reportedly delayed by one of their own.

“My husband told me one of the Marines neglected to clean out a bathroom, so their flight had to get changed because he didn’t do his job,” said Jessyca Foreman, whose husband Randy Foreman is a mechanic with the unit. “I would like to know who that guy was.”

But all was soon forgiven and forgotten as her husband arrived, along with about 30 other members of the unit. “What he wants to do is celebrate all the holidays he missed and he’s really excited about Valentines Day,” Foreman said.

At least part of the unit will be deployed again in about six months, said several family members. But for now, it is time for members to get back to their civilian jobs and the lives they left behind.

“They say out of the military, one of the hardest jobs of all is the wives,” said Foreman, whose husband plans to take her out to a very fancy restaurant for Valentine’s Day.

News10/KXTV
Dave Marquis

First lady Michelle Obama delivers Christmas toys from White House staff to the Toys For Tots Stafford County Distribution Center in Stafford Va

Mrs. Obama visited a Toys for Tots warehouse near Marine Corps Base Quantico to deliver a portion of the more than 500 toys collected during a White House drive. She helped sort a pile of toys for girls, and appealed for gifts for 11- to 14-year-olds after longtime volunteer and base public affairs officer Wilma Vaughn told her about the shortage of toys for bigger kids.

On the warehouse floor, bins marked for youngsters overflowed with goodies while those for older kids were almost empty.

“If you’re 11, you’re still waiting for Santa, and you still want to make sure that they have something in the stocking,” Mrs. Obama said.

She told Vaughn: “I’m going to go back shopping because we still have a couple of more days, and we’re going to pick up some more toys.”

President Barack Obama and the first lady personally donated toys to the White House drive, her office said. No details were given on what the items were, other than that daughters Malia, 11, and Sasha, 8, helped make selections for kids in their age groups.

In all, Mrs. Obama brought a total of six bulging sacks – three red, three green – and two cardboard boxes of toys that the first lady’s office said included board games, a Barbie Corvette car, Legos, clothes and books.

Toys dropped off at this warehouse will be delivered to needy children throughout a nine-county area of Virginia. Other items from the White House drive, which continues, were to be sent to a distribution facility in the District of Columbia’s Anacostia neighborhood.

“We’ve tried to do our part at the White House,” said Mrs. Obama, promising to “be a part of this as long as I am in the White House.”

Since Toys for Tots began in 1947, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children.

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Associated Press Writer

Pentagon Social Networking Problem

Service members from the youngest private to the Joint Chiefs chairman are on Twitter, Facebook or both. Both of these popular online services present threats — to security if they’re used to spread viruses; to operational capabilities if they consume too much bandwidth.

As a result, the Pentagon is looking into a unified plan for service members’ access to social networks on military computers.

For now, the Army, Navy and Air Force allow access, subject to the local commander’s discretion. A temporary ban in the Middle East all but created a communications blackout for many young sailors for whom the medium is an instantaneous link up with friends and family back home.

the Marine Corps, meanwhile, has placed a servicewide ban on using social networking on its official computers.

The Defense Department must weigh this medium’s very real value against the associated security concerns. As Navy Secretary Ray Mabus — who began “tweeting” Aug. 1 — said when asked about the value of social media to service members: “Two-thirds of the Corps are under 25. I know there’s one way to skin this cat in a way that’s secure.”

That’s the right attitude. Senior leaders must bear in mind how much social media play into morale, especially for service members away from their families for long periods.

Forward-leaning leaders such as Mabus and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen already recognize the value of social networking. Network security is vital, but blindly shutting down access is the wrong approach. Leaders need to find a balance that serves the needs of both the mission and the service members.

Source: Marine Corps Times

Oshkosh Corporation Awarded $1.05 Billion Delivery Order to Supply M-ATV to Soldiers, Marines

OSHKOSH, Wis. – June 30, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced today it has selected Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) to supply the next generation of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, MRAP All Terrain Vehicles (M-ATV) for its fighting forces. Oshkosh has received an initial delivery order from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) for 2,244 M-ATVs valued at $1.05 billion, following months of government testing on multiple production-ready vehicles.

Oshkosh M-ATV

“We are proud that Oshkosh was chosen to provide its M-ATV offer to the the U.S. Armed Forces. Our M-ATV design combines the crew protection warfighters have come to expect in MRAP vehicles with the extreme mobility and durability needed to negotiate Afghanistan’s mountainous off-road terrain,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh Corporation chairman and chief executive officer. “Due to the urgent need of our Armed Forces for a survivable and highly mobile vehicle, our Corporation’s number one priority is meeting the Department’s accelerated delivery schedule of the Oshkosh M-ATV. Oshkosh Corporation will put whatever resources are necessary to meet or exceed the government’s delivery schedule. While we believe we can meet or exceed the government’s current delivery requirements, we intend to enter into discussions with other manufacturers to determine if they can assist in the production of the Oshkosh M-ATV.”

Bohn went on to say, “As we begin supplying our advanced, high-performance vehicles, our full-service aftermarket support network will be available with replacement parts, technical support, and repair or refurbishment services. If demands for technology or component upgrades should arise, our team is ready to deliver.”

Andy Hove, Oshkosh Corporation executive vice president and president, Defense said, “Much has already been done to ensure we can meet the government’s delivery schedule. In recognition of the urgent need, we began daily production of Oshkosh M-ATVs on our flexible manufacturing line a few weeks ago. We and our suppliers have already made significant investments in materials and are well positioned to accelerate our manufacturing capabilities.”

The Oshkosh Defense investments, planning and engineering activities, and production of the next generation of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, M-ATVs (MRAP All Terrain Vehicles) in advance of this award will allow for accelerated delivery of the Oshkosh M-ATV, with initial vehicles available to TACOM LCMC in July.

In order to achieve the off-road mobility that soldiers and Marines need in Afghanistan, Oshkosh integrated its TAK-4® independent suspension system onto the vehicle. As further testament to the government’s confidence in this suspension system, the company recently received a supply order to equip more than 1,500 legacy MRAPs with the TAK-4 system and continues to work with the Army to evaluate using the system on additional legacy MRAP models. The TAK-4 suspension system is used on more than 10,000 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVR) supplied to the Marines and Seabees, as well as on the Marines’ Logistics Vehicle System Replacement (LVSR) and the Army’s next-generation Palletized Load System (PLS).

Oshkosh Defense teamed with Plasan North America for the M-ATV armor system to provide an advanced armor solution. Plasan also developed the armor system used on more than 5,000 legacy MRAPs and thousands of Oshkosh Armored Cab MTVRs already in theater.

Oshkosh performed more than 7,500 miles of independent off-road testing to identify possible enhancements to the vehicle so it would meet or surpass the performance requirements in the rugged terrain in Afghanistan.

About Oshkosh Corporation

Oshkosh Corporation is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad range of specialty access equipment, commercial, fire & emergency and military vehicles and vehicle bodies. Oshkosh Corp. manufactures, distributes and services products under the brands of Oshkosh®, JLG®, Pierce®, McNeilus®, Medtec®, Jerr-Dan®, BAI®, Oshkosh Specialty Vehicles, Frontline™, SMIT™, Geesink™, Norba™, Kiggen™, CON-E-CO®, London® and IMT®. Oshkosh products are valued worldwide in businesses where high quality, superior performance, rugged reliability and long-term value are paramount. For more information, log on to www.oshkoshcorporation.com.