SMMC MEMO 01-08
1. Warfighting: On our recent visit to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait, the Commandant and I were extremely impressed with the high morale, can do attitude, and a warrior mentality of all Marines and Sailors. The American people are very proud of what Marines and Sailors are doing on and off the battlefield.
2. Recruiting: Not only did we meet our goal for the first fiscal year of our 202K plus up, we exceeded that goal without lowering our standards. This would not be possible if it weren’t for the efforts of our recruiters as well as Marines re-enlisting to ensure our Corps remains the most feared and respected fighting force in the world.
3. Safety: We continue to lose Marines due to off-duty fatalities such as motor vehicle accidents. We need involvement at all levels to prevent off-duty fatalities especially at the small unit leader level.
4. Uniforms: Recently we have had violations of uniform regulations to include a recent article in the Marine Times. Reference issue 24 December 2007 and the article was entitled “Dressed Down”. Every Marine joined our Corps to be held to a higher standard than any other Military service. SNCO’s and NCO’s are the keepers of tradition and standards!
I recommend that all Marines familiarize themselves with MARADMIN 065/08 in regards to the wear of cell phones/electronic equipment on Marine Corps Uniforms and ALMAR 004/08 in regards to Civilian Wear of the Marine Corps Combat Utility Uniform.
5. New Physical Fitness Uniform: Thanks to the input from all Marines throughout the Corps, the Commandant has approved the new physical fitness uniform. Further guidance will be published soon.
6. PME: Our Commandant put out a great article in the November 2007 issue of the Leatherneck and I recommend you read it. The title of this article is “Noncommissioned Officers Will Win This War.”
I referenced the below in one of the previous SMMC Memo dated 26 July 2007. The below information is provided to be utilized in PME’s as an example to show Marines/Sailors that maintaining high standards are not something we take lightly from generation to generation of Marines. The Marine Corps always has and always will maintain high standards.
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY 19 JULY 1971
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: All General Officers and All Commanding Officers - Active and Reserve
Subj: Marines Don't Do That
General Chapman:
"Recently I was in an air terminal......(Most people there presented a pretty sloppy appearance) - coats unbuttoned, ties loosened, etc. There was a Marine Corporal (in uniform) who was just the opposite. I spoke to the Marine and pointed out the difference to him. I asked him why it was so? His answer was: 'The Marines don't do that.'"
"Regards,"
"The Marines don't do that." A simple statement of fact which leaves no question in the mind of the listener.
*Marines don't - wear a scruffy uniform.
*Marines don't - slouch around with their hands in their
pockets.
*Marines don't - wear long hair.
*Marines don't - fail to respond with a "Yes, or No, Sir" when
speaking with a senior. Marines don't - render
a half-hearted or sloppy salute to the Stars
and Stripes or to their seniors.
*Marines don't - gang up on each other.
*Marines don't - question lawful orders.
*Marines don't - lie or cheat or break their word.
*Marines don't - abandon a fellow Marine in time of need.
*Marines don't - let down their fellow Marines by succumbing to
drug temptation.
*Marines don't - meet problems with "It can't be done" or
questions with the easy answer "No."
*Marines don't - knock the system without recommending
appropriate change.
*Marines don't - (the list is all but endless).
Marines don't do that. But why not? Because they are a breed apart. They are not the run of the mill; they are but a few good men. They are proud members of an elite Corps. They are as well trained as-if not better than-any military outfit, anywhere. They have led the way, in war and peace, for 196 years. And they know that today they are ready-combat ready-to move out, any time, with the Navy, go anywhere, take on anybody, fight and win.
We must keep our balance, raise our quality, maintain our standards, and be ready to serve our Country. Marines do that!
/s/ L. F. Chapman, Jr.
Commandant
6. BCP/Weight Control: New order is forthcoming and the order will be fair for every Marine. Further guidance will be published soon.
7. Joint Professional Military Education: The website provided below is a link to Joint PME in which all Marines can take online. https://www.jfsc.ndu.edu/schools_programs/se_jpme/enroll.asp
Upcoming Senior Enlisted PME Course will be up and running around spring 2008 and will focus on enhancing our combat capabilities for Master Sergeants through Sergeants Major to assist our Commanders at the operational level or higher.
8. Non-Compliance at Special Duty Schools: We continue to have a high percentage of Marines reporting to Special Duty Schools who are not qualified. We need SNCO’s at all levels involved in the screening process to ensure all Marines are qualified prior to reporting to Special Duty Schools.
9. Selection for promotion to Staff Sergeant: A high percentage of Sergeants selected to Staff Sergeant are not re-enlisting. This is not fair to those Warriors who didn’t get selected due their Military Occupational Specialty did not have enough allocations. Marines who anticipate separating from the Marine Corps should submit a letter to the President of the Board in order to not be considered for selection as stated in every promotion board announcement MARADMIN.
Semper Fidelis,
CARLTON W. KENT
16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
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