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thedrifter
03-05-08, 06:43 AM
Lejeune seeks civilian applicants for family readiness posts
BY KEVIN FORSYTHE
2008-03-04 23:59:00
DAILY NEWS STAFF

CAMP LEJEUNE — The search is on by the Marine Corps for qualified candidates to fill five family readiness officer positions open with the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune.

Originally, the Marine Corps filled the positions with active-duty Marines who not only served as a unit’s FRO but also had additional duties.

However, it didn’t take long for the Marine Corps to realize the duties of the FRO required a full-time commitment.

“Hiring civilians in a full-time capacity is going to add continuity to the position,” said 1st Lt. Craig Thomas of the Camp Lejeune Public Affairs Office.

The positions opened after Marine Corps Commandant James Conway pledged to support family programs and earmarked $30 million for family readiness programs.

The current FRO openings are with 6th Marine Regiment Headquarters, 10th Marine Regiment Headquarters, 2nd Marine Regiment Headquarters, 2nd Marine Division Command Element and 8th Marine Regiment Headquarters.

Applicants are required to apply for each position separately through Marine Corps Community Services — although the Marine Corps, not MCCS, will be the FRO’s employer.

“(MCCS is) serving in a support role for the Marines by being a mechanism for hiring,” said Wynn Hildreth, MCCS marketing and community services officer.

FROs wear a number of hats for the Corps. In a nutshell, their responsibilities are a combination of information officer, social worker and unit liaison.

The FRO Web site states: “Family readiness is defined as families who are prepared and equipped with the skills and tools to successfully meet the challenges of the military lifestyle. Family readiness directly affects the fundamental purpose of the Marine Corps to make Marines and win battles by building commitment and raising morale, thereby increasing unit readiness.”

An FRO also offers support to lessen the impact of deployment on the military family. Much of this support comes in the form of directing families to organizations and services in a time of need.

Through a network of military and civilian service providers, the FRO ensures the entire range of a family’s needs are being met — particularly the families of deployed Marines.

The posted minimum annual salary for each FRO position is $49,442. Applicants must have four years of related experience demonstrating a high degree of interpersonal communication and analytical skills. A bachelor’s degree is also preferred.

More information about the FRO positions is available in the classified section of The Daily News or by e-mailing Lejeune.vacancies@usmc-mccs.org.

Ellie