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MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. -- The civilian workforce plays a vital role in the U.S. Marine Corps remaining a “force in readiness.” Civilians who work in and for a military installation contribute unique talents and expertise, which support the mission of the base. Working closely with their Marine counterparts, civilians have the opportunity to earn, or rather “learn”, the title of “Civilian Marine.”
In 1999, Gen. Charles Krulak, the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps, coined the term “Civilian Marine,” as he emphasized the vital roles civilians play in achieving the nation’s mission.
“A Civilian Marine is any civilian that works on a Marine Corps base or installation, has completed the onboarding process, and finished the MCAP course,” said Matthew Manieri, civilian workforce manager, Civilian Manpower Branch Quantico.
Manieri, who served 30 years of active duty in the Marine Corps, continues to serve as a Civilian Marine and the lead instructor for the Marine Corps Acculturation Program. Manieri teaches with positivity and passion as he introduces new civilians to Marine Corps culture.
In December 2007, led by retired U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Ronald S. Coleman, former deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Headquarters, the U.S. Marine Corps created the Acculturation Program to bridge the communication gap between Marines and civilian employees. It has since been encouraged that all new and onboarding civilians take the course which emphasizes Marine Corps history, terminology, culture, and branch organization.
“Communication gaps happen for a number of reasons,” said Malaika Western, training and curriculum specialist, Behavioral Programs Division, Headquarters Marine Corps, “this course helps to bridge some of those gaps by helping civilians understand the language, experiences, and mission of the U.S. Marine Corps,” she continued.
Western was one of 17 civilians from across the base who attended the MCAP course held at the Clubs at Quantico, Sept. 8, 2022.
Civilians who attend the course have a better understanding of how to integrate with the military workforce. Information provided is aimed to break down communication barriers, foster an environment of teamwork, and instill a sense of pride and belonging.
“Marines benefit when the civilians understand the shared mission,” said Manieri. “It really sends a good signal of one team, one fight.”
Course attendees can expect the curriculum to include a review of U.S. Marine Corps history, mission and base organization, culture and community, and resources and tools that civilians may need as they begin their new careers on base. Following a course evaluation, the attendees receive their completion certificates and honorary Civilian Marine pin to display with pride.
“It is an honor to have earned the title ‘Civilian Marine’,” said Western, “and to be working with a dedicated group of other Civilian Marines.”
MCB Quantico hosts the quarterly MCAP course in person and encourages all new civilian hires to attend within the first year of onboarding. The two-day course is broken into five learning modules, and also includes a tour of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
The program has provided all new civilian employees with the ability to integrate into a military workforce and contribute to the Marine Corps mission.
“To be a Civilian Marine is a term not to be taken lightly,” said Western. “It is an honor to be a part of a branch of the military who values their civilian workers.”
For more information about the program and eligibility, visit http://www.hqmc.marines.mil/hrom/SponsoredTraining
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.04.2022 14:58 |
| Story ID: | 429457 |
| Location: | QUANTICO, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 304 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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