Marines launch amphibious mission to aid Haiti, will arrive in days

More than 2,000 Marines and sailors with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are now underway and in route to aid in the international Haiti relief effort.
The MEU departed Morehead City, N.C., Jan. 16 at 9 a.m. aboard the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan and are expected to arrive off the shore of Haiti by Jan. 18.
A fourth ship, the USS Gunston Hall, was added to the Marine effort in addition to the USS Fort McHenry and Carter Hall already slated for support. The Gunston Hall will transport a platoon of amphibious assault vehicles from 2nd Marine Division. View Full Article

Hard Times: Recruiting During Economic Hardship

Historically during times of recession, military recruitment picks up and it’s easy to understand why. The military guarantees a steady paycheck, housing and medical benefits that in a stressed economy may be hard to find.
While economic recession and a slow job market are understandable reasons for looking to the military, this is still a time of war and service demands more of a Marine than just three meals a day and collecting a paycheck.
In a statement released by the House Armed Service Committee, Lt. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, said “Our focus in Fiscal Year 2009 will be to continue to recruit quality men and women with the right character, commitment, and drive into our Corps.” View Full Article

Marines to Participate in inaugural Warrior Games

Marines will compete in the inaugural Warrior Games, May 10-14, 2010, at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Wounded Marines will compete against the Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard in Warrior Games hosted by U.S. Olympic Committee’s (USOC) Paralympic Military Program.
The Warrior Games will help elevate abilities through athletic competition for wounded, ill and injured servicemembers by providing a focal event to empower the incorporation of athletics into Military Service wounded warrior programs. “Our goal is to showcase the value of sports and athletic competition in the rehabilitation of our wounded Marines” said Col. Greg Boyle, Commanding Officer, Wounded Warrior Regiment. View Full Article

Marine general a “champion” in environmental conservation

11/24/2009 By Cpl. Priscilla Sneden, Headquarters Marine Corps

WASHINGTON — The former commanding general of Marine Corps Installations-West, Maj. Gen. Michael R. Lehnert, was honored for his leadership in the protection and restoration of America's endangered wildlife at the Endangered Species Coalition’s Fall Celebration in Georgetown Nov. 19.
According to the citation, Lehnert was presented the Champion Award for Habitat Protection in recognition of his environmental conservation efforts and his enthusiasm with restoring endangered species and protecting habitat on military bases. View Full Article

1.  Know yourself and seek self-improvement
2.  Be technically and tactically proficient
3.  Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates
4.  Make sound and timely decisions
5.  Set the example
6.  Know your Marines and look out for their welfare
7.  Keep your Marines informed
8.  Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions
9.  Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished
10.  Train your Marines as a team
11.  Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities