Deputy Commandant for manpower and reserve affairs speaks aboard Camp Lejeune

Photo By Lance Cpl. Brian Jones | Lt. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, receives a gift at the second Marine Corps Association Luncheon of 2009 aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., where he was the guest speaker Aug. 6. Coleman took the opportunity to speak about Marine Corps affairs and answer questions from over 200 active duty and retired Marines, sailors and business professionals of the Marine Corps Community at the private luncheon. Many of those who attended requested to have Coleman return as a guest speaker after hearing him speak at past luncheons.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

08.14.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Brian Jones 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. — Lt. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, the deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs, was the guest speaker at the second Marine Corps Association Luncheon in 2009 held aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Aug. 6.

Coleman took the opportunity to speak about Marine Corps affairs and answer questions from over 200 active duty and retired Marines, sailors and business professionals of the Marine Corps Community at the private luncheon. Many of those who attended requested to have Coleman return as a guest speaker after hearing him speak at past luncheons.

Coleman addressed such issues as training, saying the Marine Corps is looking forward to getting back to the amphibious roots it has pulled away from in recent years during current combat operations.

He spoke about the Corps' success of meeting its recruiting goal of 202,000 Marines two years ahead of schedule, while maintaining recruiting standards.

"Recruits are joining because they want to do it," said Coleman, proudly announcing the 99 percent high school graduate rate of the volunteer force.

One member of the audience questioned how the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and its numerous benefits would affect retention throughout the Corps.

Coleman responded saying, while the Marine Corps is extremely concerned about the new bill enticing Marines to leave the Corps for college, he firmly believes that Marines who proudly serve their country deserve the opportunity to do so.

In addition, he reminded the audience of the Marine Corps Enlistment Commissioning Program and other programs the Corps offers that help retention and advance Marines' futures. With the Corps meeting its recruiting and reenlistment quotas, Coleman acknowledged that Marines may have to face the possibility of making lateral moves to other military occupational specialties.

Other topics brought up covered the status of Operation Iraqi Freedom, administration policies on homosexuality, tattoos and personal appearance, amphibious shipping and continuation boards for officers and Navy medical assets.

"It was interesting to hear about topics you really don't get to hear much about," said Sgt. Sean R. Blue, an electrician with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, from Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Coleman took ample time to address each question and promised everyone there the Marine Corps is on the path to making improvements in many aspects of military life for service members and their families. He thanked the MCA for his invitation and said he has always enjoyed Camp Lejeune.

For more information on the II Marine Expeditionary Force, visit the unit's web site at www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil.

• Date Taken: 08.14.2009
• Date Posted: 08.14.2009 12:45
• Story ID: 37500
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US