NEW ORLEANS -- “After a decade of war we have an opportunity to ‘reset’ our Corps... A refocus on our ethos and values… a refocus on who we are and what we do,” said Gen. James F. Amos, the commandant of the Marine Corps.
Amos delivered this statement to the Corps’ senior officers during the General Officer Symposium at Quantico, Va., Sept. 23, 2013. His senior leaders left with a list of initiatives, some to be carried out immediately and some that will come in the future. The Commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North, Lt. Gen. Richard P. Mills, published a force policy letter in line with the commandant’s initiatives. This policy is to be implemented by his Marines without delay. Here is a breakdown of the policy:
· By Nov. 10, 2013, every Marine above the rank of lance corporal will read Leading Marines and Sustaining the Transformation.
· Company grade officers and noncommissioned officers will conduct guided discussions with their Marines in regards to the reading. These discussions will be monitored by field grade officers and staff NCOs.
· Units will report to their headquarters once the readings and discussions have taken place.
· Units will review all orders pertaining to the performance of their duty watch personnel.
· Units will review all orders pertaining to their barracks.
· Units will review all procedures for promotion to the ranks of corporal and sergeant. Each promotion ceremony will reflect the transformation of becoming an NCO.
· Units will prepare and conduct locally-sponsored corporals courses.
· Units will conduct locally sponsored lance corporal, sergeant, staff sergeant and company grade officer symposiums.
This policy will remain in effect until further notice, and is applicable to the entirety of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH forces. Mills believes this initiative will allow MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH to be a more effective forces in readiness.
“In an era of unprecedented change, now more than ever, we need to continually renew our commitment to the institution and the values that set us apart, and remain the distinctive mark of our service to country and Corps,” said Mills in the policy letter. “Marines, I know you will zealously accomplish all that you are tasked, because you are United States Marines.”