4th CAG Sets the Example

Readiness is a concept 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Forces Reserve takes

very seriously. The unit is continuously deploying and places an emphasis on being ready to go

at a moment’s notice. This high operational tempo requires a lot from the Marines, but having

their administrative house in order is among the most important keys to success. 4th CAG

recently passed their Force Readiness Assessment and Assistance Program inspection with

scores of 100 percent in manpower and personnel. Those outstanding scores are not only a rarity

among Marine units, but reflects 4th CAG’s administrative readiness which plays a large role in

the unit’s overall mission success.

“The FRAAP is an extensive inspection that looks at everything including a unit’s career

planner, ensuring everyone is placed in the correct billets, ensuring primary residences are

entered, family care plans are complete and training is accomplished,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan D.

Price, Inspector Instructor with 4th CAG.

The purpose of the inspection is to evaluate a Reserve unit’s ability to integrate with

various elements of the Active Component. Each Selected Marine Corps Reserve

unit in MARFORRES is evaluated twice a year in this way to assess their mobilization

capabilities.

“The inspector determines whether a unit is mission capable and able to mobilize based

on their timeliness, pay related matters and policies,” said Gunnery Sgt. Patrick Donacien,

administrative chief, 4th CAG.

4th CAG passed the inspection with flying colors. It is almost unheard of for a unit to

do so with 100 percent in both manpower and personnel. Receiving these scores is also an

accomplishment because of the range of work that is covered in an administrative unit.

 “The reason that 100 percent doesn’t happen very often is because an administrative unit

 does so many other things than just travel claims. We range over twenty other different sections.

It is like consolidating an Installation Personnel Administration Center into a four to five man

team. That is why it is significant,” said Donacien. “The four to five Marines, depending on the

size of the shop, do everything an IPAC would do.”

Standard Operating Procedure

4th CAG consists of multiple sections including both the Active and Reserve

Components.  In order to continue to support the entire unit and achieve high scores in

administrative readiness, the Marines take a proactive approach by placing importance on

following their standard operating procedures no matter what.  They also focus on having

engaged leadership, who ensure the mission is accomplished and have an Inspector-Instructor

staff that works closely with the USMCR Marines.

            According to Price ensuring the leadership is engaged is a large part of why they do so

well. For example, the I & I Marines brief the SMCR Marines on the requirements of travel

claims before their annual training. Once the Marines return from training they are expected to

have receipts turned in with in one business day and their travel claims signed within three to

five business days. If the Marines are not providing what is needed, a call is place to the SMCR

unit leadership asking for the Marines to provide the needed documents to ensure it happens that

day.

            “I think the critical point is for the USMCR leadership to support the I & I as much as

you can,” said Col.  Augustin Bolanio, commanding officer of 4th CAG. “I have good people

working in the I & I and their counterparts in the USMCR who are well trained and experienced,

and it is a mutual effort.”

Teamwork and Taking Care of Marines

            Another key component to their success is the teamwork the Marines strive to display.  

“Our unit has a unique chemistry, we work very well together. There are engaged leaders

and Marines who care,” said Price. “We hear from our USMCR Marines that our admin provides

great customer service, they are helpful and engaged. Instead of just saying ‘follow the

guidance,’ they actually assist them step by step through the entire process.”

By continuously supporting their Marines they are able to remain ready to support their

 active counterparts.

 “It is important because the Reserve Component needs to be ready to ‘fight tonight’ just

like the Active Component, we need to be able to deploy as soon as possible,” said Price. “If

your unit is not ready, you are going to take months to get out of the door, and that leads to pay

problems, family care problems, that then impact that Marine’s livelihood and their ability to

take care of themselves and their family.”

4th CAG has had zero Government Travel Charge Card discrepancies, no pay problems

and ensures its Marines are ready to go, an accomplishment that is possible for every unit in the

Marine Corps.  

 “We are asked, ‘what’s the secret?’” said Donacien. “The secret is anyone

can do the same, you just need to put 100 percent effort into it. Usually Marines look at the clock

and see 4:30 p.m. and they are finished, but it’s not 4:30 p.m. It’s whenever the missions is done,

and the Marines that work with me have that mentality.”

According to Donacien, it is a good feeling having Marines with that mentality and

knowing that the unit is healthy and able to send Marines down range, and an even better feeling

knowing the Marines he works with, like the sergeants and corporals, are getting recognition for

their work.

4th CAG is proud of the work they have done and will continue to stress the importance

of dealing with issues on the spot and supporting its Marines. Their hard work and constant

diligence in their administrative department has led their unit to overall mission success and