Shaffer
11-14-02, 09:20 AM
Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps General William "Spider" Nyland was the military guest of honor at the Marine Corps University Foundation's Maj. Gen. John H. Russell Leadership Award Luncheon here Nov. 13.
Addressing an assembly of former and current Marines at the Union League Club, Gen. Nyland said the foundation's service to the Marine Corps was "greatly appreciated."
In addition to praising the MCUF for its work in providing Marines with an outstanding professional development and leadership program, Nyland also updated the luncheon attendees on the status of the Marine Corps, to include retention, recruitment, and weapons programs.
"Your Corps is exceptionally strong and healthy," said the Assistant Commandant. "Each and every [Marine] is standing tall, proud, and bringing great credit to the institution we all support. Each one of these men and women is truly the nation's finest."
Nyland says the retention goal of the Marine Corps for the fiscal year was 6,000 Marines; by Oct. 15 there were more than 5,000 reenlistment packages up for review. Officer retention is also at an all-time best.
He also said recruiting has been solid for "87 straight months."
"When I see statistics like that, it is clear we not only provide the challenge ... but also the leadership," said Nyland on recruiting and retention figures.
The Assistant Commandant also addressed weapons systems the Marine Corps are investing in. According to Nyland, the MV-22 Osprey is "doing exceptionally well" and the light weight 155 mm is "doing great."
The MCUF's Russell Leadership Award Luncheon is annual event that honors recipients who best portray a commitment to personal and professional excellence as embodied by the Marine Corps. This year's recipient is Raymond Kelly, retired Marine colonel and currently the Commissioner of the New York Police Department.
Addressing an assembly of former and current Marines at the Union League Club, Gen. Nyland said the foundation's service to the Marine Corps was "greatly appreciated."
In addition to praising the MCUF for its work in providing Marines with an outstanding professional development and leadership program, Nyland also updated the luncheon attendees on the status of the Marine Corps, to include retention, recruitment, and weapons programs.
"Your Corps is exceptionally strong and healthy," said the Assistant Commandant. "Each and every [Marine] is standing tall, proud, and bringing great credit to the institution we all support. Each one of these men and women is truly the nation's finest."
Nyland says the retention goal of the Marine Corps for the fiscal year was 6,000 Marines; by Oct. 15 there were more than 5,000 reenlistment packages up for review. Officer retention is also at an all-time best.
He also said recruiting has been solid for "87 straight months."
"When I see statistics like that, it is clear we not only provide the challenge ... but also the leadership," said Nyland on recruiting and retention figures.
The Assistant Commandant also addressed weapons systems the Marine Corps are investing in. According to Nyland, the MV-22 Osprey is "doing exceptionally well" and the light weight 155 mm is "doing great."
The MCUF's Russell Leadership Award Luncheon is annual event that honors recipients who best portray a commitment to personal and professional excellence as embodied by the Marine Corps. This year's recipient is Raymond Kelly, retired Marine colonel and currently the Commissioner of the New York Police Department.