R 112117Z FEB 20
MARADMIN 083/20
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA/MP//
SUBJ/EXIT AND MILESTONE LONGITUDINAL SURVEY PARTICIPATION//
REF/A/MSG/CMC WASHINGTON DC MRA MPA/021905ZOCT17//
AMPN/REF A IS MARADMIN 544/17, ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE EXIT AND MILESTONE LONGITUDINAL SURVEY PROGRAM.//
POC/B.M. BOWMAN/MAJ/DC MRA/MP/MPA/-/TEL: 703-784-9370//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. PURPOSE.  The purpose of this MARADMIN is to encourage continued and maximum participation in the Exit and Milestone Longitudinal Survey (EMLS) program.
2.  BACKGROUND.  Reference (a) announces the EMLS program, which is a set of surveys that are administered during specific milestones in a Marine’s career:  initial accession, first and subsequent reenlistments, career designation, officer promotion (O4-O6), and upon exiting the Marine Corps.  The EMLS program provides Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, essential feedback and key information to better understand personnel satisfaction regarding career opportunities, leadership, performance management, diversity, and work-life programs.  It launched in FY18 and is now beginning its third year of data collection.
3.  In addition to collecting feedback at specific milestones in a Marine’s career, the EMLS program was designed to be an enduring set of surveys used to monitor attitudinal changes in the Marine Corps.  Detecting these changes requires a minimum of four years of data collection, similar to the time point when most Marines make a career decision (i.e., reenlist, career designate, or exit).  The future potential of the EMLS program to shape policy decisions based on the Marine Corps’ collective attitudes and opinions is vast.  From training opportunities to on-base housing conditions, there are multiple career aspects for Marines to voice their opinions to Headquarters Marine Corps leadership.   It is imperative that Marines continue to participate at high levels in order for Manpower and Reserve Affairs to make meaningful personnel and force management decisions.
4.  Since its inception, thousands of Marines have provided their opinions leading to response rates upward of 30 percent in certain populations; however, recent trends indicate a decline in responses among some population groups.  Additionally, some demographic populations are so small (e.g., female field grade officers or Marines with PMOS 0161) that we need almost every eligible Marine to participate in the surveys for adequate representation.  As such, we are asking for maximum participation from all eligible Marines from all populations to ensure that we have enough compelling, data-driven information for decision-makers.
5.  Those invited to take part in the EMLS program are strongly encouraged to participate and are assured that all responses are kept confidential.   Commanders should encourage Marines to participate in the EMLS program and stress the impact that survey responses have on improving the Marine Corps. The EMLS program produces relevant and actionable information, and Marines’ inputs only take 5-15 minutes, which can be provided on- or off-duty.
6.  The EMLS can be accessed at https:  (slash)(slash)go.max.gov(slash)EMLS.
7.  The POC for the EMLS program is Maj Brandon M. Bowman, surveys@usmc.mil, or at 703-784-9370.
8.  Released by Brigadier General Daniel L. Shipley, Director, Manpower Plans and Policy Division.//