Good Morning all. Sorry, have been off the net for a while. Just returned from an RV trip to one of our—one time favorite places—Key West. Used to go there every winter when we were snowbirds; however, last time was 2010. Wow! Has it changed? Still expensive as all get out, but the base where we always stayed—Sigsbee Island—has significantly changed. More rules and regulations, most of which were senseless, superfluous, silly, unnecessary stuff, that for 36 years I put up with because I had to. Had to laugh at all the demands placed on us visitors, but no guards at the gate. I asked and someone informed me they are short of personnel so the moved them to other bases. Oh, OK, guess that makes sense to. . . . . . someone? But if you want to take advantage of the lower site costs, $27 for full hookups, one must grin and bear it.
Can’t believe what is happening within our once proud Marine Corps. I am planning on posting several posts in the next few days, so hang in there and follow along with me. I can assure you they will get better each time. So, hear is the first one announcing the Commandant’s new recruiting plan. The following was sent out to all retired Marine generals by the Recruiting Command CG.
Generals,
Greetings from Quantico. I hope you and your families are well. Thank you all for the tremendous contributions you have made, and will continue to make, to our Corps and Country. I would once more like to ask for your assistance and service.
This month, Marine Corps Recruiting Command initiated a new campaign titled, “Operation Semper Fi.” I am sure it comes as no surprise to you that Marine veterans are the most loyal to their service. However, recent history has demonstrated that they can also be our Corps’ most vocal critics. I am asking for your help in addressing this.
Support of our Marine veterans as influencers and ambassadors within our local communities is more important now than ever. Public opinion of the military as an institution continues to drop, propensity to serve is at historic lows, and the Marine Corps seeks significant support to operationalize Force Design 2030 and other initiatives.
I believe that rebuilding trust and maintaining America’s “want” of a Marine Corps must begin with our Marine veterans. Operation Semper Fi seeks to rekindle the pride that all Marine veterans experienced having earned the title Marine. It is designed to remind Marines of the special bond that exists between those who live by the motto of Semper Fidelis. It acknowledges the fact that we have all been through tough times and may not always agree; however, despite these shared hardships and challenges, we still remain family.
Operation Semper Fi is a call to action to re-connect Marine veterans and to build on the pride they have for the Corps. This in turn will foster increased and positive advocacy for the Marine Corps institutional priorities and the challenges Marines face at home and abroad. Additionally, this revitalization will assist recruiting operations by developing and sustaining relationships with influencers in communities across the Nation and set conditions to increase prospect referrals. The enclosed document provides greater detail on the campaign.
As part of the campaign, this Veterans Day, we launched a public service announcement entitled “Full Circle.” This PSA showcases one Marine’s journey of service over the course of their life; from inspiration, to training, to active duty, and community service following. A Marine’s drive to serve their country endures and inspires the next generation. When they earn the title, Marines make a solemn promise to remain faithful to the cause of our Nation, to the Corps, and to each other.
You can view the PSA at YouTube Link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IfVnhxZpv98 or with access to DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/video/821534/full-circle
I am confident that your positive examples and community connections can help strengthen advocacy, gain access, and help inspire Marine veterans and those they influence to support our Corps. I respectfully ask each of you to reach out to your local Recruiting Station Commanders to see how you might assist.
Additionally, please contact our community engagement team at community@marines.usmc.mil or (703) 784-9454, or feel free to contract me directly at jason.bohm@marines.usmc.mil or (703)784-9400 if you are willing to support our national outreach efforts in support of recruiting.
Your willingness to assist in this effort is greatly appreciated. You are living proof of the adage, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” Thank you for remaining “Always Faithful.”
Very Respectfully,
J.Q. Bohm
MajGen Jason Q. Bohm
Commanding General
Marine Corps Recruiting Command
Yes sir, I "ain't" a general, but I am retired. Okay Marines, did you get all that? Understand now what CMC wants you to do? Okay, stand by!
Jim
