QUANTICO, Va. -- A Reserve career planner from Marine Forces Reserve was recognized at the Commandant of the Marine Corps Combined Awards Ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 11, 2016.
Staff Sgt. Christopher Smith with 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, Force Headquarters Group, was named the 2015 Reserve Career Planner of the Year and received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his hard work and dedication.
“Out of all of the highly qualified and experienced career planners in MARFORRES today, I was given the honor and privilege to represent them and be able to set the example for future career planners to come,” Smith said.
Smith was also recognized at the official Career Planner Award Ceremony, Feb. 13, 2016 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California, where he was congratulated by Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of MARFORRES and Marine Forces North, as well as Sgt. Maj. Anthony A. Spadaro, sergeant major of MARFORRES and MARFORNORTH.
“We have to recognize the Marines that are getting out in front, doing exceptional work and rising to the top,” McMillian said. “It's important to the leadership of the Marine Corps and MARFORRES to recognize and give them credit they deserve.”
The Combined Awards Program originated in 1995 when Gen. Charles C. Krulak, the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps, sanctioned the first Recruiter of the Year Award. Since then, the program has expanded to include prior service recruiters, drill instructors, Marine security guards, Marine combat instructors, career planners, and athletes. The program’s mission is to recognize Marines within those billets and honor them for their commitment to the Marine Corps, and their dedication to improving themselves and the future of the Corps.
A career planner’s main priority is to retain Marines by providing career counseling and ensure Marines clearly understand the opportunities available to them. They also work hard to put Marines in a job that fits best or help transition them from active to Reserve. By retaining Marines, career planners help keep the Marine Corps strong and prepared for the future.