Recruiting officials stress importance of early reenlistment
Lance Cpl. Jeffrey Cordero

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (November 14, 2008) -- Due to the large number of boat spaces - available quotas for a military occupation specialty - being filled, recruiting officials addressed the importance of submitting reenlistment packages early for first-term Marines desiring to reenlist in fiscal year 2009.

According to Marine Administrative Message 596/08, a large number of Marines have executed early reenlistments. Officials are encouraging Marines to submit their packages as soon as possible to have a better chance of reenlisting in their desired military occupational specialty and receiving all reenlistment incentives.

"If a Marine waits until the last minute to place a reenlistment package, he may end up not being able to reenlist in his MOS," said Gunnery Sgt. Corey Moore, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge for Marine Corps Bases Japan career planer.

The Marine Corps is continually working on meeting annual retention requirements. Although occupational fields have a limit to the number of Marines who can be retained, there are ways to reenlist into a closed MOS.

According to the message, the Quality Reenlistment Program will begin in December. In order for Marines to apply for a reenlistment under the program, they must first meet certain prerequisites. They must be a non-commissioned officer, have 4.5/4.5 proficiency and conduct marks and have a first class physical fitness test. Under the QRP, an MOS will accept reenlisting Marines up to 105 percent retention.

After QRP reenlistments, a field will close for the remainder of the fiscal year, although reenlistment opportunities will still be available for Marines who desire to make a lateral move from a different occupational specialty.

"If a Marine meets the requirements to lateral move, it can become a reenlistment incentive," said Sgt. Alfred L. Kennard, the career retention specialist for Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.

Marines interested in reenlisting should contact their unit's career retention specialist for information on reenlistment benefits and other incentives.

Ellie