NCOs’ most wanted [Archive] - Marine Corps

thedrifter

06-28-05, 12:51 PM

3 more NCO ideas that deserve a look
Marine Corps Times

A group of 40 noncommissioned officers briefed the commandant and sergeant major of the Marine Corps on an impressive list of issues at this year's NCO symposium.

The NCOs want to see changes ranging from a more accommodating emergency-leave policy to improved crew-served weapons training for junior Marines.

But equally impressive are the topics that ended up on the cutting-room floor as they pared down their list for discussion with the top dogs.

Three in particular are worth revisiting for further debate:

• New re-enlistment incentives for first-termers. Beyond job-specific cash bonuses, special-duty assignments and opportunities to attend elite courses such as jump school, there is little the Corps can offer a first-term Marine upon re-enlistment other than the joy of continued service to Corps and country.

The NCOs proposed a new incentive package that the Corps should forward to the Defense Department for consideration across the services. Specifically, the NCOs raised the idea of paying an additional $2,000 bonus to a re-enlisting first-term Marine if he meets a certain set of criteria relating to his performance during his initial enlistment.

Those criteria include completing all required education courses, maintaining high proficiency and conduct marks, and logging top-tier scores in marksmanship and fitness, among others.

The benefit of such a bonus is twofold. It's not a lot of money, but it does sweeten the deal for top-notch Marines who are considering re-enlistment. And knowing such a bonus is out there encourages Marines to stay on top of their game throughout their enlistment.

• Tattoo policy. The NCOs took this issue off the table because the Corps already is planning to put one of their notions in place: expanded education of junior Marines on the rules and regulations governing tattoos and what impact an ill-placed or ill-chosen piece of ink can have on your career.

That's a good first step, but definitely not the end of the discussion.

The NCOs also proposed that a Marine should have to get approval from his leadership before getting a tattoo. That's far too restrictive.

The middle ground here lies not only in conducting regular education sessions, but also in encouraging Marines to check with gunny before heading to the tattoo parlor off base - not for approval, but a simple reality check.

A quick "what are you thinking?" from gunny could steer Pfc. Beltbuckle away from getting that dog collar tattooed around his neck.

• Job proficiency testing before promotion. This is by far the best of the ideas that didn't make the cut this year, and it's one that came up among another group of NCOs at the symposium two years ago.

As was the case then, the NCOs suggest that tests be designed for each military occupational specialty - and that those tests become a factor for promotions.

In an increasingly technical Corps that is doing more of its training on the job, the development of such a system is long overdue.

Already, Marines are held accountable for the war-fighter skills required of all leathernecks - marksmanship, physical fitness and basic infantry tactics and fieldcraft among them.

Yet no system exists to ensure Marines are learning, and maintaining, the skills required in their specific jobs.

All three are worthy notions that should be explored further.

With the Corps' top sergeants major set to gather in early August for their own symposium, these ideas should be added to their agenda.

Ellie