WASHINGTON -- For the first time in two years, the Headquarters Marine Corps Office of Legislative Affairs hosted Marine Day at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, May 15.
For nearly two decades, OLA has held their annual Marine Day in order to inform congressional personal and professional staff members about the Marine Corp’s history, ethos, and current and future warfighting capabilities.
“The Marine Corps has a close link with Congress,” said John J. Daly, the legislative liaison of OLA. “There have been periods in history where its existence has been challenged, and it’s always been Congress that has stepped in. The Continental Congress created the Marine Corps, the 82nd Congress saved the Marine Corps after World War II, and it continues to play a key role in seeing that the Marine Corps is fully funded.”
Congressional staff members were flown out to Quantico’s Range-15 on an MV-22B Osprey, CH-53E Super Stallion, or CH-46E Sea Knight, where they spent the first half of the day.They were given the opportunity to shoot live rounds with individual and crew-served weapons and operate non-lethal weapons that Marines use today.
“We’re really focusing on the individual Marine and what they bring to the fight,” said Maj. Brian A. Shottenkirk, the liaison officer of OLA.
Marines at the range also demonstrated techniques from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program, canine handling, unmanned aerial surveillance, and prepared a static display of all elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force for the congressional staff members.
This year, OLA added a visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, where members learned about the Corps’ history during the second half of the day.
“This hasn’t been part of Marine Day before,” said Shottenkirk. “It’s a great tool for us to use to teach these people about the Marine Corps’ 200-year rich history, our ethos, and our traditions.”
In addition to educating the congressional staff members, Marine Day is used as a premier way to show Congress where their investments are going and to confirm and build confidence in their relationship with the Marine Corps.
“Marine Day is a future investment,” said Daly. “We want to create a positive impression of the Marine Corps and a shared understanding of the Commandant’s priorities with Congress.”