Marines Reenlist on the Spot in Okinawa

Photo By Sgt. Isaac Ibarra | Twenty one Marines reenlisted on the spot Oct. 27, 2016 at Camp Foster Okinawa, Japan. Many families came in support of the Marines, and before the ceremony Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson expressed the importance of family among the service members. Monitors and career planners from Manpower Management Division Enlisted Assignments, Headquarters United States Marine Corps, visited Okinawa to help Marines progress in their Marine Corps path. The monitors are able to sit down individually with the Marines to enhance the permanent change in station process. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Isaac Ibarra)  

CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.27.2016

Story by Nelson Duenas 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

A mass reenlistment of 21 Marines led by Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson took place at Camp Foster Okinawa, Japan Oct. 27, 2016.

Marines were given the unique opportunity to reenlist on the spot and meet with their monitor face to face. Along with circumventing a lengthier process of routing up packages to headquarters, many Marines were also able to received incentives like bonuses and choice of their next duty station - some even choosing extra time to serve on Okinawa.

According to Master Gunnery Sgt. Carlos Zuniga, III Marine Expeditionary Force career planner staff officer in charge, it was a good experience as they raise their hand and commit another four years. It is a rare opportunity for Marines to be able to do this and have 21 Marines reenlist all at once is "fantastic."

“Our Marines were that quality we were looking for,” said Zuniga. “This event helped us retain those Marines on the spot.”

"We really only retain 23 to 25 percent of first term Marines," said Col. Rudy M. Janiczek, head of MMEA. "It's important to identify the good ones and that's where leaders come in."

Reenlistment submissions are up from the last couple of years as leaders actively engage their Marines, according to Janiczek.

Before the ceremony began, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, III MEF Commanding General expressed how important it was having family support here in Okinawa. He continued to say that the families aid the Marines mental fortitude while doing the hard jobs Marines are require to do.

“Something greater than ourselves - that is why we are here. It’s bigger than anyone of us,” said Nicholson.

• Date Taken: 10.27.2016
• Date Posted: 10.27.2016 09:51
• Story ID: 213071
• Location: CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP