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thedrifter
03-13-06, 06:01 PM
Redeployed Marines, sailors transition back to states
2nd Marine Logistics Group
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (March 13, 2006) -- When Marines and sailors deploy they leave family and friends behind. Returning to a home life after being in a combat environment for a prolonged period of time can be difficult and can complicate communication with not only their loved ones, but also within their chain of command.

Briefs such as the Warrior Transition Program, a program mandated by Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps; provides Marines an opportunity to share their narratives, stories and experience while stationed in hostile environments.

“The brief allowed us to share stories with one another,” said Cpl. Justin Connolly, a unit movement control center clerk with Headquarters Company, Headquarters and Service Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward). “Some of us had some rough times and in those cases talking is the best medicine.”

Marines and sailors attend other briefs as well that deal with suicide prevention, combat stress, classified information, hazing as well as a brief that explains situations that may have occurred within the administration system.

Suicide, particularly among first-term Marines and sailors, is a military dilemma with increasing dimension and growing concern.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in the Marine Corps which statistically has a higher rate than all other U.S. military branches, according to the 2nd MLG order 1754.1C.

For 2nd MLG (Fwd) Marines and sailors the suicide prevention program, which implements and provides guidelines for servicemembers who are either considering suicide, or for servicemembers who detect a sense of suicidal tendencies in someone they know.

“If one of the guys I work with is ever in trouble I am the one who has the power to do something about it,” said Cpl. Mack Coffman, a data network specialist with Headquarters Co., H&S Bn., 2nd MLG (Fwd). “Perception is important when dealing with someone you may think is unstable.”

Many briefs deal with handling emotions, however, the service record book audit brief is just as important since it deals with the monitary situation of each individual who returned stateside.

According to Marine Corps Order IAW MCO P1080.40C, all Marines returning from deployment must complete a post-deployment audit. This audit consists of the record of emergency data, record of service or performance evaluation record, Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance and other information contained in Marine Corps Total Force System.

Pay entitlements are also reviewed to ensure all deployed related pay entitlements, such as hardship duty pay, hostile fire pay and family separation allowance have been stopped appropriately.

For more information on the warrior transition or suicide prevention programs contact your respective chaplain or a medical provider for further guidance. For questions regarding pay or any other information contained in the SRB, contact your unit’s administration section.

Ellie