thedrifter
06-15-06, 07:37 PM
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(June 15, 2006) -- Headquarters Marine Corps announced a new career retention and permanent limited duty policy for Marines wounded in combat in an all-Marine administrative message May 17.
The message provides guidance to Marines who desire to continue their service after suffering significant combat injuries that may have restricted them from continuing their Marine Corps service under previous retention policies.
The new policy allows Marines to pursue retention and reenlistment opportunities despite their medical restrictions.
The commandant’s intent is to provide assurance to those Marines going into harm’s way that the Marine Corps will be there to support them as they face uncertain risks regardless of the outcome, allowing Marines to fully focus on their missions without distractions.
The policy is restricted to Marines who have received combat injuries since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, after Sept. 11, 2001. The guidance will apply only to those combat wounded Marines whose injuries were a result of hostile action and meet the criteria for awarding the Purple Heart. Marines being retained must be capable of performing in a military occupational specialty and effectively contribute to the Marine Corps mission. Passing all or part of the physical fitness test and being deployable worldwide are not prerequisites for retention in this status.
Combat wounded Marines may request to remain in an initial period of permanent limited duty until the end of their current enlistment. Marines desiring to extend or reenlist beyond the initially approved PLD period may submit requests for retention in PLD status. Career retention specialists will assist Marines in their submissions.
Submissions will include complete medical and physical evaluation board results, a letter to the commandant indicating reason for their desire for retention, as well as an endorsement from their commanding officer and commanding general. Each submission will be reviewed by a combat wounded/PLD retention board that will make recommendations to the commandant for final approval or disapproval of each request.
The assignments of combat wounded Marines will be limited to those bases and stations that have suitable medical facilities capable of providing the required additional or follow-up medical care. All other policies pertaining to enlisted Marines will apply to combat wounded Marines.
Maximum service, up to 30 years, is allowable provided the Marine meets promotion and enlisted career force control’s criteria and demonstrates the high standards of leadership, professional competence, and personal behavior required to maintain the prestige and quality standards of the Marine Corps.
Since the onset of the Global War on Terrorism, the Corps has lost many good Marines that have had to be separated due to injury, said Gunnery Sgt. Darlinda L. Staples, career retention specialist, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. A lot of experience has left the Marine Corps.
“Now Marines have a choice,” said Staples. “They have a chance to get back on their feet as well as share their experiences with others and save lives.”
Ellie
The message provides guidance to Marines who desire to continue their service after suffering significant combat injuries that may have restricted them from continuing their Marine Corps service under previous retention policies.
The new policy allows Marines to pursue retention and reenlistment opportunities despite their medical restrictions.
The commandant’s intent is to provide assurance to those Marines going into harm’s way that the Marine Corps will be there to support them as they face uncertain risks regardless of the outcome, allowing Marines to fully focus on their missions without distractions.
The policy is restricted to Marines who have received combat injuries since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism, after Sept. 11, 2001. The guidance will apply only to those combat wounded Marines whose injuries were a result of hostile action and meet the criteria for awarding the Purple Heart. Marines being retained must be capable of performing in a military occupational specialty and effectively contribute to the Marine Corps mission. Passing all or part of the physical fitness test and being deployable worldwide are not prerequisites for retention in this status.
Combat wounded Marines may request to remain in an initial period of permanent limited duty until the end of their current enlistment. Marines desiring to extend or reenlist beyond the initially approved PLD period may submit requests for retention in PLD status. Career retention specialists will assist Marines in their submissions.
Submissions will include complete medical and physical evaluation board results, a letter to the commandant indicating reason for their desire for retention, as well as an endorsement from their commanding officer and commanding general. Each submission will be reviewed by a combat wounded/PLD retention board that will make recommendations to the commandant for final approval or disapproval of each request.
The assignments of combat wounded Marines will be limited to those bases and stations that have suitable medical facilities capable of providing the required additional or follow-up medical care. All other policies pertaining to enlisted Marines will apply to combat wounded Marines.
Maximum service, up to 30 years, is allowable provided the Marine meets promotion and enlisted career force control’s criteria and demonstrates the high standards of leadership, professional competence, and personal behavior required to maintain the prestige and quality standards of the Marine Corps.
Since the onset of the Global War on Terrorism, the Corps has lost many good Marines that have had to be separated due to injury, said Gunnery Sgt. Darlinda L. Staples, career retention specialist, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. A lot of experience has left the Marine Corps.
“Now Marines have a choice,” said Staples. “They have a chance to get back on their feet as well as share their experiences with others and save lives.”
Ellie