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My Open Letter to Commandant Berger

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Okay gang, here it is, read, enjoy or not, and PLEASE give me your comments — I am not thin skinned. What a sad commentary to have to write, but I had to!

Dear Commandant Berger,

Sir, I pen this open letter to you, not as any form of disrespect, but only one of disagreement—albeit a rather loud and harsh disagreement. I have followed with keen interest much of what you have been carrying out as our 38th Commandant. I have hesitated writing to you since I know there is nothing I or any of my fellow retirees can do to change your mind. We have been watching and reading with much dismay your actions aimed in only one direction—you know, and we know where that is.

Firstly, you are surely wondering who this seemingly brash retiree is writing me? Well succinctly, I am a retired Marine just short of thirty-six years—ten enlisted and twenty-six as an officer. Having received a combat commission as a Sgt during my first tour in Vietnam, I eventually retired October 1993, so I was into my 23rd year when you were commissioned in 1981. I also note from you biography we are fellow Marylanders, you in Woodbine, me in Inverness.

In 1982 I was—as a senior Major—assigned as CO of the Corp’s then largest recruiting station—Chicago. I went in as a “fireman,” my predecessor had been fired. Chicago had ninety-two canvassing recruiters; the only station close to us was Los Angeles with seventy-eight. These two stations required a LtCol as CO because they needed an Assistant Operations Officer to help manage a pool that numbered into the thousands at any given time. If my memory serves me correctly, we annually shipped around 4,000 recruits to MCRD, San Diego.

I knew nothing about recruiting when assigned to this command. However, I was blessed to have a Deputy Director, an ADPP, and two Recruiter Instructors who were recruiting SME’s in every respect—they taught this Grunt Major how to spell recruiting.

With the help of many outstanding Marines, both canvassing recruiters and “A” billets, Chicago slowly rose from a failing station to be the top station for nineteen consecutive months. Because of the mentoring I had by so many experts, including the LtCol running MRRE at HQ, I believe by the time I was reassigned three years later, I was among the select few of the most knowledgeable 8402 officers in the Corps. It was the toughest assignment I ever had during my career—including combat. I learned much about the heritage, values, and the respect Americans had for the word Marine—and about myself as a leader.

So, why am I telling you all this? It isn’t meant to be boastful for I am certain any dedicated Marine would have been able to do the same with such expert mentoring and hardworking recruiters. No, I tell you because recruiting is in my veins. I bleed recruiting. I understand it better than most—including your general running the recruiting command. I think about it often. I have visited RS’s, spoke at poolee functions, and I started and ran a National Young Marine unit in IL for years. So your new “plan”—so cagily named “Semper Fi”—where your recruiting general has asked all veterans to be “faithful” to their Corps and assist in the recruiting effort—which I know is not doing well—really “woke” me up. Pun intended. The sheer audacity of such a request is unbelievable. Do you really think the retired community is going to take up that challenge? If you do, you sir have lost touch with your retired Marines.

I communicate regularly with 100’s of Marines, former, active, and especially retired—the entire non-active Marine force are in agreement that you are destroying “our” Corps. Sadly, I can longer speak with recruiters or poolees without lying, and I will not do that.

I say this with a heavy heart, but I have recently talked to one of our super stars from the Young Marine unit out of joining the Corps. That’s all he wanted to do when he graduated; he wanted to be like me. I even gave him some of my uniforms to wear in the unit. My conscience and respect for him would not allow him to do that—he was too good for that. So he took my advice and went on to college in hopes that by the time he graduates in four years you will not have totally destroyed our Corps. Maybe, just maybe, someone will come along and right all your wrongs.

Your actions are—as you state—”in the interest of bringing our Corps into the modern society” are contrary to everything our Corps has stood for since its birth. Your push for sexual preferences for women, unisex uniforms, women in the combat arms, allowing transgenders, relaxed female grooming standards and acceptance of despicable tattoos, fraternization at all levels, the vapid attacks on the very culture of the Corps, and its alleged racist/sexist heritage is unacceptable to those who have worn the EGA. I have not mentioned the draconian reduction or elimination of combat units and equipment, the destruction of the MAGTF, or your latest thoughts on recruiting cyber experts at elevated ranks without having to attend boot camp or OCS

Enlisting high tech people without having to go through boot camp or OCS? Having never been enlisted, you cannot “feel” the rage your Marines will experience. Those two “initiations” have always been the key ingredient that banded us together and made us a family forever i.e., earning that sacred EGA for life. I spent tours as a DI at Parris Island, and a Sgt Instructor at OCS—I know the intensity with which Marines hold that honor. I took part in instilling it.

Eighteen months of maternity leave. Sounds great—the female gender love it. May I asked which Marine, male or female, will do her job while she is home with her newborn for one and half years? Let’s be honest and ask of what value is this Woman Marine to the Corps? Joins for three years and spends one half of her enlistment on maternity leave. Considering recruit training, MCT, and then MOS training, you may have her for a year or even less. Bad move general.

Allowing a Sikh Major to wear his religious head garb and go unshaven? (Update: Doing more research after a call from a dear brother, it appears this dirt bag is a selected captain, not  a major. I can’t find where I got it that he was a selected major? I highlighted and expanded the pic of him and sure enough he is wearing 1st Lt bars. Sorry.) Are you kidding me? Do you have any idea what other Marines are thinking when they see him? No, I’m sure you don’t, and you obviously don’t care. Your changes are all directed towards pleasing every minority and the hell with everyone else. Is that what you mean about bringing the Corps into the “modern society?” General, that is your modern society, not mine or that of the retired community.

You are watering down our Corps, so we look like everyone else. We never looked like everyone else—we never wanted to look like everyone else. Remember the ad, If everyone could be a Marine, it wouldn’t be the Marines. America doesn’t need a second Army, America has always loved her Marine Corps, but that is slowly changing—some look at us as victims now. It’s amazing the questions I get from knowledgeable people when I am out and about wearing my Marine ball cap. You think America isn’t watching? Guess again general.

And what’s this about your comments concerning the Army National Guard recruiting our discharged Marines? Of course they do, why not? They are trained, disciplined, and understand honor, integrity, and commitment. Plus the ANG are not going woke like the Armed Forces. Another of my super stars in the Young Marine unit, a female, could not get into the PLC program at her college, so she went ROTC and is having the time of her life, getting rapid promotions employing the leadership principles she learned in the Young Marines. Remember them general, there are eleven of them in case you never learned them or forgot them.

Moreover, you complain about the other services recruiting our prior service Marines. Again, why not? But you say some of them are disappointed and are asking to come back into the fold. Did any of your recruiting gurus dig into what it was they were dissatisfied with the branch they chose? Probably not. My bet is they missed what the Corps had to offer such as pride, honor, being part of something great, and of course wearing the hard earned EGA. I will watch this action closely for I believe if you allow them a “streamlined” method of coming back, they will find themselves again disappointed by all the changes you have made to the Corps they remembered and loved.

Are we soon to become obsolete and folded into the Army? I mean they have artillery, so we didn’t need them. Is that your plan—we think so. Look above you general—what is the service of your bosses? I am sure they applaud your actions as it falls right in with their desires.

Finally, recruiting older Marines, not 18–20 year old’s as they haven’t achieved full maturity yet —so you say. Tell that to those of us who served in WW I or II, Korea, Vietnam, or the Sandbox. I know and I would “think” your generals would know what type of young man seeks out the Corps. The one we have always—to use the new PC term—vetted and made him a Marine for life. Now you don’t want him. You want the misanthropes, the gender confused, the lost souls, the weak minded, and those we know are poorly suited to the battlefield.

In closing, it appears your changes are destroying everything the United States Marine Corps has stood for in 246 years—the very fabric of the Corps. What happened to “We don’t promise you a rose garden,” or “The Few, The Proud, The Marines?” Now it appears it’s, “Come Join Our diverse organization, all are welcome.”

As I said at the beginning, I mean no disrespect to you general. I know I speak for the vast majority of the retired community when I disagree with all you are doing to “our” Corps. It seems you just don’t know how to say “No” to anything unless it is to diminish our traditional values. How dare you call our heritage racist and sexist. Tell that to four of the last six Sergeants Major of the Marine Corps who were black. My mantra was always, “Mission, Men, Myself.” Having read your Bio and watched intensely what you have done and are doing to our Marine Corps, I must place you in the category of a term I learned long ago as a PFC—Cocker Spaniel Marine! If you are unfamiliar with that term perhaps you need to read my book, We’ll All Die as Marines.”

Semper Fi General (if you can be),
Jim Bathurst
Col, USMC (Ret)
1958–1993

Postscript. You will probably never see this letter, but maybe, just maybe, someone will read it and find a way to get it on your desk. I hope so!

Originally posted 2021-12-05 16:31:52.

221 thoughts on “My Open Letter to Commandant Berger”

  2. The Dems are not just destroying the Corps, they are are destroying the Country

  4. The Corps is still there because of the men like the writer of this letter to a Commandant who is more of a politician than being a Marine’s Marine. This letter is spot on and Thank all of you who still stand and can say Semper Fi.

  5. Hello Colonel,

    I have read your letter to the Commandant with its many poignant thoughts. It parallels many of my own opinions of what is happening to our Corps today. But I am afraid the Commandant will never see that letter – if he does, I doubt you will get as thoughtful as response.

    I believe the Commandant, those in high positions in the Corps, the Department of Defense, and the executive office (especially Joe Biden) have forgotten the basic concept of the Corp’s existence and successes. The Corps is a society upon itself; dedicated to the preservation of the Constitution, bringing in the best of the population to make them even better – for the sole purpose of winning battles and defending our country.

    We have breed the last two generation in an education system that teaches them they are special, that they deserve everything without earning, and political power is always right. Unfortunately, the Commandant is part of those generations. He shows no willingness to stand up and say “No, this is wrong and not in the best interest of our Corp and Country”.

    Archibald Henderson is turning in his grave!

    While we still can, I say Semper Fi

    William W. Graves
    Capt. USMC (Ret)

    1. I disagree that he won’t see it. I fact, with the number of hits thus far (over 12,000), I feel certain someone of his ilk saw it and brought it to his attention. You are correct; however, that it will not faze him at all. He probably laughed when he saw it and wondered who this smartass retired colonel was. But I feel better and I stand by everything in the letter.

      1. Totally agree, Semper Fi The new Commandant is trying to downgrade my Beloved Corp to a a group of “panty wasted liberals.I spotted and labeled him upon his first actions. A disgrace to every combatant in the Corp.

  6. Outstanding!!! Much needed…

    Since 2004, I have give $40,800, $100 a month each, Marine Corps Scholarship Fund and Marine Corps Heritage Society….

    I am not a wealthy man, by any means…

    My reason for no longer giving support to Marine Corps are this facts that you have so eloquently written.

    Thank you….I hope we can resuscitate Our, lost and dying Beloved “Old Corps”!

    China, Russia, Iran and other belligerents world wide… no longer need fear USA… they will simply wait, until they can walk in and get the keys and open the doors!

    Semper Fidelis still means everything to me…too bad the Woke commandunch… does not remember or believe in the motto..

  7. Colonel, I’m in complete agreement. Semper Fi. Don (1051-1954

  9. Colonel, I read your letter to CMC and feel compelled to reply the following: I enlisted for two years in 1967, graduated from the University of Parris Island on February 29th, 1968 (while my Marine brother was stationed on Hill 55, commonly referred to as Dog Patch). Brother James returned in the summer of ’68 and stopped by 29 Palms to ‘check on me’. I was shocked to see his gaunt look and the 1,000 yard stare. While he returned physically, he was never the same. He’s currently 100% disabled from the affects of Agent Orange and PTSD, My orders for Nam came 7 months before my enlistment ended and were rescinded by Base SgtMaj James Reid (my former 1st Sgt) at HQ Battery, 5th FAG. While a Marine, I rec’d two meritorious promotions, a meritorious citation as an 0141 and was promoted to Sergeant E5 prior to being Released From Active Duty in December of ’69. I joined the Georgia State Patrol in 1971 and made up for some of what I missed in Vietnam. After 32 years I retired, started my own business, sold it in 2020 for a substantial amount of money and am fully retired. I told you that to say this; I owe what I am today to the Corps…and yes, one day I’ll die a Marine and that’s all that matters. Commandant Berger’s lost his way, but we Marines remain dedicated to God, Honor, Duty and Country regardless of where these panty-waisted politicians take us. AND IF we have to start a new country because of their misplaced priorities; so be it. We (the Corps) were here before the country was the first time and we’ll be first again the second time around. God Bless the Marine Corps! Semper Fi, AJ Pavliscsak

  10. As a Marine who served in Vietnam, I am disgusted by the what is happening to the Corps. It makes me sad to think we will be the last to uphold the traditions and honor that made it respected and feared around the world.

  11. I whole heartedly agree with your assessment Col. Having read most of your book, met you personally and listened to your speech at our Birthday Ball, you have spoken your mind as it should be said. I know change is inevitable and that’s OK, but dismantling and basically denigrating our Corps and it’s values is not. I have watched closely what is being done and do not agree with CMC Berger on 99% of what is happening. Some changes need to happen, but when it comes to uniforms, ie; turbans and unshaven beards/long hair that goes totally against the very fiber of our being. Then allowing “experienced” civilians to come into our Corps and not have to attend our Boot Camp to actually become Marines, I really don’t understand what your line of thinking is. I may have only spent two years active duty, but that time has made a profound impact on my being who I am and what my life has been. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, except I would have made it a career. Not everyone can be a Marine and that’s OK, we’re different because of that and if they want to be in the Military then go to the Army, Navy or Air Force/Space force. We’re different and that’s why we have the storied history that none of the others have. I have a lot more to say, but there is limited space here, but CMC Berger I think I say for most of the rest of us retired and prior service Marines that you need to rethink the changes you are enacting to “Our” Corps! Thank you for your time.

  12. Thank you for standing up for everything our Corps represents, it’s unfortunate that our beloved Marine Corps has been placed in the hands of someone willing to sell us all out after 246 years. We must remain Semper Fidelis, do not allow this ridiculous “woke” society enter our beloved Corps!

  13. Col
    Well said. Concur with your assessment. I was Ops O / XO RSLA 1983-86. I shared your recruiting service experience. 20 years as USNA Blue and Gold Officer. Over 28 years of recruiting. You should share your thoughts on responsibility and accountability with respect on Afghanistan Evacuation Disaster. This is drilled into Marines as NCO SNCO Officer Candidates. No one was relieved. Marines in danger of becoming Naval Infantry Component of the US ARMY. After Desert Storm, downsize USMC to 172,000. 1/9 2/9 3/9 gone! It’s 1992 all over again.

    1. A recruiting OpSp, wow, you have my respect sir. Have you read the book? You’d love the recruiting chapters! LOL Thank you for your comments sir!

      1. Sir, Ops Officer – XO for 2nd Largest RS in the nation. 9% of the USMC comes from SOCAL. Survived the 36 months of new accession and shipping quotas. Sat in your shadow for three years. Still waiting for End of Tour award.

          1. Sir – I was the Recruiting Station Los Angeles Operations Officer for two years and Executive Officer for one year – 1983-1986. 78 canvassing recruiters, 44 RSS, 4 OSO. 9% of national quota and 23% of 12th MCD quota. Survived this tour
            and was awarded with a regular commission. 65% of new accessions were minorities.

          2. LOL, small potatoes Albert. LOL Don’t know the percentages as well as you do. But when I arrived station was under duress, XO was an asshole, both of us Majors. I was senior and expected to get selected in fall of 82, but zone contracted and I was not eligible. So I spent my first year as Major with this asshole as my XO. Fought me at every step. That is until I called him out to the Director who got me the job, we had history from 8thy & I. When I arrived Chicago was enlisting around 60% minorities (from the Southside) I changed all that; closed RSS’s down, moved them out to the bedroom communities. Didn’t work too well at first, had difficulty making mission. BUT in the end it all came together; top station for 19 straight months and enlisting 17% minorities. Chicago overshipped for one of the other rs’S IN 9TH District, and I do mean EVERY month. MR took note of what we were doing, as did Major General Lukeman in San diego. Attrition went to just about zero the last year. You need to read the book, it will rekindle many fond (and not so fond) memories of your active duty, especially recruiting.

          3. Col ,
            I read your response below. I worked for two LTCOL as CO RSLA. Both, Viet Nam vets. The first Co recommended me for regular commission, the second needs to write up my End of Tour award. We saved 12TH MCD on many occasions for shipping mission. When you have a battalion size DEP you have many options. We started the Quality Enlistment Program (6 year active duty enlistment) and was a huge success. I was 9 years enlisted. 26 years Officer. I am the only Marine that I know that was “kicked” out of the Corps twice – 1: 1992 post Desert Storm downsizing (0302 over MOS) forced into USMCR involuntarily 2: forced retirement in 2006 due to “Sanctuary” Marine
            orders even though Code PLU asked me to do two more years as Latin America FAO in Bogota, Colombia as Advisor to COLMAR (Colombian Marines. I turned down that request because I wasn’t getting promoted.

  15. Thank You Colonel, well said on all points! I doubt it was received.
    Dan T.
    Sgt. 82-85.

  17. Thank you Col Bathurst. You are spot on. God help us if the S#*t hits the fan in the near future. Our enemies are watching us and laughing.
    God bless America and our Corps.
    Terry Strassburg
    USMC 1967-1977

  18. My Colonel, BLT 2/8, 1987-1988. What a great man!!! Thanks for your courage sir!

  19. CMC, you better take heed, the Colonel is center mass on the subjects he has informed you of. As an Enlisted Marine, WO, CWO and ultimately and LDO Maj. in both the Infantry & Explosive Ordnance Disposal Fields, it has been CRUSHING to see what men & women like you have done to destroy the finest and most selfless fighting force the world has ever witnessed. Marines have given their all to protect what was once a great brotherhood. You seem to continue to destroy our Corps in the name of political pressure and some Bull Shit word (WOKENESS) It is a travesty that Marines have given their ALL and and to see what has become of my Corps. I can only pray to GOD that you put my Marine Corps back in order before your tenure is up. If you continue on your path of the Corps destruction, I pray the same fate befalls you as that of the 4th Commandant of The Marine Corps, LtCol Anthony Gale, and that your are erased from its proud history as much as possible.

    1. Right on this time of where the Corps is today. It’s unsat and disrespectful. We are going down rapidly.

  20. Thank god someone still cares, god bless you for writing this sir ! I feel we have all been too silent as a society on the happenings of late .

    1. Sir, it is painfully obvious that the Corps, misled criminally by our current CMC, is on the fast track to the ruin. His direction is down the exact road that the Democratic party is ushering our country. Exceptionalism is a concept that is unrecognizable to the liberal left. Your letter certainly hits home and resonates with 99% of retirees.
      My question is where are our retired general officers? I would think that “club” would be falling over each other to collectively present their dismay over the destruction of the Corps. Their stature, especially as a united front, would surely allow them access to Congressional members and committees, not to mention Fox News or even the general news agencies. I have argued with friends, with and without military backgrounds, and opined that the USMC would be the last bastion of order and discipline left in the country. That thought seems a bit suspect as we speak. Regardless of the situation I will remain cautiously optimistic and,

      Semper Fidelis

      1. The “Club” as you aptly refer to it is quiet on all fronts. However, I did get a personal response from one of my favorite CMC’s concurring in my letter.

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