Commanding Presence
Commandant, sergeant major of the Marine Corps tour Okinawa, get to the bottom of Marines' questions, concerns
Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Flynn

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (July 3, 2008) -- General James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps Carlton W. Kent spoke to and heard from Marines and sailors across Okinawa during their visit here June 26-27.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Corps' top leaders to interact with Marines and sailors, share developments from Washington D.C. that affect the Marine Corps and gather feedback from active duty personnel and family members alike on a host of issues and concerns.

The two covered topics such as the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, new technology on the battlefield and future plans for the Marine Corps.

"The war in Iraq is going very well; it is much more peaceful than it has been in the past," Conway said. The commandant stated that in contrast, more Marines were killed in Afghanistan than in Iraq during June, marking the first month that happened.

The commandant went on to say the lengthy mission underway in Iraq is not the kind of operation the Marine Corps is suited for while continuing to root out insurgents in Afghanistan is. He hinted at a possible increase in the number of Marines in Afghanistan stating more can be deployed if additional forces are requested by area commanders.

The commandant also spoke about new technology the Marine Corps is using in the Global War on Terrorism.

He said Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles are "saving lives," citing that an MRAP was recently hit by a 300-pound improvised explosive device, thrusting it into the air causing it to land upside down. Inside the vehicle were four Marines, none of whom were seriously injured.

Possible weapons changes are underway too, the commandant said.

The Corps is considering replacing the M-16A4 service rifle with a larger caliber rifle named the SOF Combat Assault Rifle, or SCAR, which fires a 7.62 mm round and offers more stopping power than the current 5.56 mm round. Another option is a new 5.56 mm round that is reported to be far more effective in taking down an adversary, he said.

After each brief, the commandant and sergeant major opened the floor for questions.

Questions regarding the combat fitness test, such as when it will start being required, and how it will affect the scoring system for the physical fitness test, were common.

The commandant responded, "soon," as details are still being worked out on how it will conjoin with the PFT. "One possibility we are looking at is conducting a PFT for one half of the year and conducting a CFT for the other," he said.

The sergeant major rallied Marines at every stop during the visit, instilling a sense of 'esprit de corps' by sharing his impassioned views on a few issues that are quite noticeably important to him.

Marines know their history and demonstrate a sense of pride about who they are, which sets them apart from the other service branches, Kent said.

Kent kept the Marines motivated when he voiced his displeasure over a few recent articles in Marine Corps Times.

One article used the term "baby NCOs" in identifying junior noncommissioned officers in the Marine Corps, which the sergeant major calls an insult, and another article talked about the death of the term "Devil Dog."

Kent charged all Marines to remain proud of the title that was first bestowed on the Marines at Belleau Wood during World War I and to ensure the name maintains its proper place amongst Marine customs and traditions.

The commandant and sergeant major rarely had a spare minute during their visit as they got out and met as many personnel as possible visiting every major Marine Corps installation on Okinawa.

The visit was well received by the Marines who do not often get the chance to meet the Marine Corps' commandant or sergeant major.

"I appreciate the commandant and the sergeant major coming to Okinawa and talking to us," said Lance Cpl. John M. Martin, an intermediate mechanic with Motor Transportation Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 35. "Having them come all the way to Okinawa lets me know they care about all the Marines in the Corps."

After each brief, the commandant presented coins to 10 pre-selected Marines from each camp. The presentation was followed by a photo opportunity for the Marines and sailors with the commandant and sergeant major.

Ellie