R 151550Z May 17
ALMAR 014/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS (UC)//
SUBJ/101 DAYS OF SUMMER//
GENTEXT/RMKS/1.  The summer season is traditionally a time when we have a greater number of safety incidents and tragic accidents, especially off duty.  So far this calendar year, we have lost 35 Marines.  None of these losses have been in combat.  22 of these Marines committed suicide.  We have averaged approximately 150 Marines dying each year for the past several years, this is equivalent to losing an infantry company every year, except these Marines are not lost in combat.  It is no surprise that misuse of alcohol is nearly always a contributing factor in these losses.
2.  To change this pattern, I need your help.  As each of you begins to lean into summer and make plans, I also need you to lean into safety, both your personal safety, the safety of your family members, and your fellow Marines.  We need commanders and senior enlisted leaders to remain engaged and develop local campaigns for safety, including coaching our Marines to make smart plans and good decisions.
3.  We ask a lot of our Marines and Sailors and they deserve the personal time they will take this summer.  We have inherited a legacy as Marines and we pass that legacy down to the current generation through our engaged leadership.  Every one of you is critical to our success as a team.  Help ensure we avoid making bad decisions that may have permanent consequences.  Those who have gone before you in our Corps expect you to be ready to fight when called just as they were in past generations.  Being ready means making smart decisions.  Stay vigilant and come back recharged and ready to go when the Nation calls us next.  We need each Marine to “Protect What You Have Earned.”
4.  Semper Fidelis, Robert. B. Neller, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//