Downloadable Version of Welcome Aboard Package

Welcome Aboard

2nd Battalion

24th Marine Regiment

4th Marine Division

Marine Forces Reserve

WELCOME ABOARD MARINE!

When you enlisted, you took the first step in becoming a member of the world’s finest military organization, THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS. You raised your right hand and swore that you would bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America and that you would serve honestly and faithfully against all your countries enemies. This is a sacred oath taken by you and there is great trust placed in you by the people of America.

We are glad to see that you have joined the ranks as a member of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines. Being a new member of a unit is sometimes a challenging experience; getting checked in and adjusting to your new surroundings can sometimes be hard, but with this welcome aboard packet your transition will be much easier. This package is a tool that you should use to help you become better educated on the requirements and benefits of being a member of this Command.

It will benefit you to read through this packet completely and to keep as a future reference. If after reading this information you should have any questions, feel free to consult your either your Chain of Command or one the Inspector-Instructor Staff members.

We, as members of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marines, hope that your time in the Marine Corps is both educational and rewarding. Just as you expect much from the unit, the Command expects a lot from you. Conduct yourself in the most professional manner at all times. Remember what you were taught in both Recruit and Marine Combat Training, we will build upon that. Once again, WELCOME ABOARD.

COMMANDING OFFICER’S EXPECTATIONS OF EACH MARINE

1. Keep your phone number and address current with the Reserve Chain of Command and the Inspector-Instructor Staff. As a Marine, you are required to maintain a positive line of communications to the unit in order to ensure you get the information necessary in a timely manner. Ensure your personal information is up to date in MOL i.e. address, cell number, home number, and work number.

2. Maintain Marine Corps personal appearance standards with regard to personal grooming (haircuts, mustaches, etc).

3. Maintain Marine Corps personal appearance standards with regard to weight control and military appearance.

4. Comply with the Commandant’s drug abuse policy by not taking illegal drugs. Random tests are conducted; if you are caught using drugs expect the maximum punishment allowable. The USMC policy is NO TOLERANCE!

5. Attend all 48 required drill periods and no less than the 14 days of active duty training required each year.

6. Perform all assigned duties in a professional and thorough manner with a positive attitude. Seek self-improvement and use initiative. Do not “wait for the word.” Take advantage of all training time. I want aggressive, take charge Marines in all ranks.

7. Use the Chain of Command to solve problems. Do not allow yourself to be stopped by the first obstacle of discouragement. If you have questions, ask them.

8. Think, act, and operate with safety in mind. Peacetime training events should never cause the death or serious injury of a Marine. We can do hard and challenging training as long as it is done intelligently and with the correct safety measures in place.

HELPFUL HINTS

As a member of the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) you are expected to possess a large amount of self-reliance and forethought in preparing yourself for drill weekend and other periods of active duty.

Self-reliance – not depending on someone else to see that you are ready for drill.

Forethought – preparing in advance for drill and not waiting until the last minute.

These two words can help lead to a very successful and personally enriching tour in the Marine Corps Reserve.

GUIDE TO SUCCESS

3P’s (PREPARATION-PRECEDES-PERFORMANCE)

1. Performance is the key to success.

2. Perform your professional military education by ordering and finishing your MCI’s. Once complete, bring in your completion certificates so you can be credited for your hard work and the point towards promotion.

3. Volunteer and attend specialty schools if given the opportunity. We need specially trained Marines in order to successfully accomplish our missions.

4. PFT, CFT, PRO/CONS, AND Rifle Range scores are weighted toward your composite score. The higher you score on the PFT/CFT and Rifle the higher you composite score will be towards promotion.

5. Marines that work hard, attend drills regularly and stay in shape are the Marines who can be Meritoriously Promoted.

6. Keep your Chain of Command and the I-I Staff informed of your status at all times. (Phone numbers, Address, etc). Remember that your Chain of Command and the I&I Staff are here to support you, but you must keep us informed.

UNIFORM STANDARDS

All Marines in the Company will be required to come to drill in a clean, serviceable uniform. Any reservist who comes to drill in dirty, unserviceable or improperly worn uniform may have that drill declared unsatisfactory. Again…Remember the 3P’s.

The Marine Corps Reserve utilizes the in-kind clothing issue system. If you have uniforms that are unserviceable, they may be exchanged for new ones at no cost to you. For example, if you have an old set of utilities that are ripped or tattered, turn them into supply and a new set will be ordered.

If you request to get out of the Marine Corps Reserve before your first term contract is up, you will be required to turn all clothing items into supply. All clothing issued under this system is the government’s property, and depending on the type of clothing, it is subject to being reclaimed.

All Marine Corps clothing items are for DRILL PERIODS AND OTHER OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS only. They are not for use at home, hunting and fishing, as civilian attire or at civilian jobs. If you have clothing that requires replacement sooner than the training schedule indicates as normal wear and tear, you will be required to pay for the replacement yourself.

GROOMING STANDARDS

After completing a significant amount of time on active duty, every Marine should be familiar with Marine Corps grooming standards. On drill weekend or when at the Reserve Training Center, grooming standards will be met and enforced.

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Every Marine regardless of rank, MOS, or duty assignment, is required to engage in an effective regular physical conditioning program. Three hours or more of rigorous exercise each week including calisthenics and running are needed to develop and maintain an adequate level of physical fitness. This should include running to develop lower body and cardiovascular endurance and calisthenics and/or weight lifting to develop and maintain strength and endurance in other muscle groups.

The purpose of physical fitness training is to maintain at least an acceptable level of fitness in the event of mobilization and to ensure that all Marines present a neat and fit military appearance.

All Marine Reservists are required to take the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) annually. The PFT is designed to evaluate both the physical fitness of the individual Marine and the effectiveness of unit physical conditioning programs.

Since physical fitness cannot be maintained solely by PT on drill weekends, it is the responsibility of each Marine to exercise self-discipline and exercise regularly. Individual Marines will maintain the capability of passing the PFT at anytime. Any Marine who fails the PFT will be put on a remedial PT program and his/her evaluations will be effected.

I-I STAFF JOB DESCRIPTION

To serve as a bridge between the regular and reserve components of the total force Marine Corps; to provide daily administrative, logistical, technical, instructional, and operational support to Marine Forces Reserve Units; to assist unit commanders in the accomplishment of all command functions, Mission-Essential Tasks and Force Commander's goals; to support commanders in attaining and maintaining the standards of operational excellence prescribed by regulations and the state of readiness required for immediate mobilization; and to fight alongside their reserve counterparts when the Command is mobilized.

ADMINISTRATION

ANNUAL AUDITS- The annual audit is important to a Marines pay and promotion. They are a once a year overview of the pay and promotion data held in the computer systems that automatically computes a Marines pay and promotion. If the audit doesn’t receive the amount of detailed attention it deserves months can go by without a Marines record reflecting the correct data that could potentially boost his pay or provide a promotion opportunity.

SUPPLY

LODGING: Marines who do not go to the field and live outside the 50 mile radius can request billeting in a hotel. If you require billeting, you must request billeting at a minimum of 5 days in advance of the date required. This should be done one month prior to drill. BOTTOM LINE, NO REQUEST, NO ROOM.

CLOTHING: New joins are required to bring in all clothing items issued during recruit training if not already inventoried at MOS school. If you are a 90 day reservist you will bring in all uniforms to be inventory by the Supply Section.

782 GEAR: During your initial check-in, supply will issue a full set of 782 gear. You are responsible for maintaining this gear once it is in your possession. Make sure it is clean and serviceable at all times. Exchange unserviceable items immediately upon identification. If you leave the unit for any reason other than training purposes or mobilization, turn in all issued 782 gear immediately.

MEDICAL

Medical: Medical has no sick call capability at your training center. If you are sick or injured and cannot make it to a scheduled training, you must make contact with your Chain of Command.

A Doctor’s note will need to be obtained to excuse you from duty. The medical documentation must be renewed each month that the illness or injury persists and you may be required to report for medical evaluation to a military hospital. The medical documentation must list your complete diagnosis (what you have), prognosis (how long you will have it), and treatment plan (what the doctor is doing about it). Medical will advise the Chain of Command of your medical condition. However, medical cannot excuse you, only the Commanding Officer can approve a medical absence.

Medical Alert Tags: If you have allergies, sensitivities, or have any other special medical condition you must bring your red medical alert tags to drill with you. If you do not have any tags you may obtain a set from Medical, but you should have at least one set that was issued while you were in Recruit Training.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL BENEFITS

As a member of the SMCR, while in the line of duty, you are entitled to medical and dental coverage under the following conditions.

1. While performing inactive duty training or drills.

2. While traveling to and from drill. Injuries incurred as a result of the member’s own negligence or misconduct is not covered.

3. While at annual training.

If you are injured while at Drill or on Annual Training, you must report to Medical to get a Line of Duty package (LOD) started, if you want to receive treatment from the U.S. Marine Corps. If you do not start an LOD package before you leave that training period you will have to pay for your own medical expenses.

Dependents are entitled to medical and dental benefits when the member is on active duty in excess of 30 days. Medical and dental coverage starts on the first day of orders.

NOTE: Ensure your family is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) this is the system that enrolls your family into TRICARE, and TRICARE is the U.S. Marines Insurance Provider.

No coverage is provided for conditions or ailments which existed prior to the drill or training period or which are not a result of military service.

Drilling Reservist and family members may be eligible to enroll into TRICARE Reserve Select. See Website for more information.

http://www.tricare.mil/

TRAINING INFORMATION

Each month a drill notice will be given to each member in the company.

The notice in not always a reflection of every event that is coming up in the training schedule, but is intended to remind you of the time, location, and any specific or pertinent information that may be required for the drill weekend. Read the entire notice. The information is for you!!

REGULAR DRILLS

The weekend training conducted in the Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR) is called, “drill”. One drill consists of a minimum of 4 hours of continuous training and a maximum of two drills per day.

2nd Battalion, 24th Marines is classified as a 48 drill unit, which means that all members are required to perform 48 drills per fiscal year, (1 October to 30 September).

Five drill weekend consists of:

1 drill performed Friday night (normally muster 1800)

2 drills performed on Saturday (all day)

2 drills performed on Sunday (depart sometime around 1630)

Four drill weekend consists of:

2 drills performed on Saturday

2 drills performed on Sunday

Three drill weekend consists of:

2 drills performed on Saturday

1 drill performed on Sunday (depart before 1300)

1 drill performed on Friday (normally muster 1800)

2 drills performed on Saturday (depart sometime around 1630)

A two drill weekend consists of:

2 drills performed on Saturday

*NOTE* All drills above are on a normal basis, but can be changed by the Commanding Officer.

A typical drill weekend starts Friday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Normally we travel anywhere from 100 to 200 miles to and from a training area.

ANNUAL TRAINING

The mandatory two week annual training is usually conducted during the summer months as a Company. This training is usually conducted outside of the United States, but occasionally training is conducted at a major training installation around the country.

RESCHEDULED DRILLS (RIDT)

If you have a conflict with a scheduled drill period, and you feel you need to drill at another time, there is only one course of action to follow, as outlined below:

1. Contact your Platoon Sergeant and explain your situation. Your platoon sergeant will take your request up the chain of command. You will be notified by your platoon sergeant when your request is approved or disapproved.

2. If your request is approved, you will be told to call the drill center and contact your Medical Department Representative to arrange a make-up date that works for the I-I staff.

3. If you do not understand the above process, call your Platoon Sergeant for instructions. DO NOT call the drill center to explain the problem. If you fail to follow the above procedure, your absence will be unexcused and you will be required to make up the drill without pay.

4. The only person authorized to grant a different drill period is the Commanding Officer. USE YOUR CHAIN OF COMMAND.

RESERVE REFERRAL CREDIT INCENTIVE PROGRAM

The Battalion is responsible for the recruitment of 45 Marines on an average each fiscal year into the Active or Reserve force.

The process is easy. All you have to do is find someone that is interested in being a Marine, Active or Reserve. Your next step is to fill out a reserve referral card on the prospective Marine. These cards are at the Reserve Center. If you don't have a card, call the information into the Reserve Center by contacting your Chain of Command and they will assist you.

The required information for a referral is:

1. Name of the applicant, first and last

2. Good point of contact phone numbers

3. Address (at least city and state)

4. The name of the Marine doing the referral, and his SSN.

*NOTE* once this information has been obtained the interested applicant needs to be screen by this command.

There are incentives for Marines who recruit new Marines. For Corporal and below you will receive 20 points for each referral added to your composite score. For Sergeant and above you will have an additional comment in section "I" on your next Fitness Report.

A referral is a person who actually signs a contract to become a Marine. No credit is granted until the applicant is sworn into the United States Marine Corps. These applicants must be at least 17 years of age, preferably a High School Graduate, no physical limitations and never have been convicted of a felony or other serious crime.

Remember this is a “Battalion Mission” every year. We are all tasked with ensuring, mission accomplishment. Any additional information can be obtained through your chain of command or by contacting your Career Planner.

YOUR MARINE CORPS RESERVE BENEFITS

1. Drill Pay

2. Privileges at military installations.

3. Commissary Privileges. You and your spouse are entitled to use military commissaries.

4. Full time Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage of $400,000.

5. Eligibility for space available flights anywhere within the United States.

6. Accruing of Reserve Retirement Points at a rate of one per four hour drill period. This sets the foundation for a good retirement program if you choose a career with the Marine Reserve. (No civilian employer offers its employees a retirement after working one weekend a month plus two weeks out of the year.) The Marine Corps Reserve, as well as the other armed forces reserve units and the national guard, are the only part time careers that offer retirement benefits. These retirement benefits begin at age 60 and include the same benefits available to active duty Marines: full medical benefits, full dental benefits, full privileges aboard military bases (including full use of the PX and commissary). Retirement pay is based on three (3) factors: rank, time in service, and the number of retirement points accumulated. Although retirement pay varies, it is usually more than the national average for full time employee’s pensions.

7. Eligibility to join any Federal Credit Union.

8. Free (unlimited) medical treatment while attending Drills and Annual Training.

9. Opportunity to train at other bases such as Camp Pendleton, 29 Palms, Camp LeJeune, as well as other areas outside the United States.