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CAMP LEJEUNE, NC - The United States Marine Corps has announced a new retention initiative with the release of Marine Administrative Message (MARADMIN) 225/23. The new program, known as the Small-Unit Leader Initiative (SULI), aims to retain and promote the best corporals to the rank of sergeant. This change is the Corps’ latest strategy in keeping its best people, thus increasing the overall effectiveness of the Marine Corps.
“The SULI is a unique opportunity for young NCOs,” stated Sgt. Maj. Justin Bradley, the sergeant major of 3d Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division. "Their commitment to service and superior performance presents them with the opportunity to realize an accelerated promotion and enhanced responsibility while making our small units more lethal and combat effective.”
The development of the program is a direct response to the need of
retaining and promoting highly skilled and committed non-commissioned officers within the ranks. These Marines fulfill the vital roles as primary troop handlers and the first echelon of leadership in the Corps.
Sgt. Silas Raby, a Franklin, N.C. native and Antitank Missile Gunner with 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, was promoted on June 1, as part of the new program, recognizing his performance and contribution to his unit and the Corps.
“If a Marine is willing to reenlist while meeting all the requirements stated in MARADMIN 225/23 then they deserve promotion and the opportunity to step into greater leadership roles,” said Raby. “This inherently benefits the Marine Corps as a whole because it retains those who strive to be ahead of their peers with a willingness to learn and become a small unit leader.”
The program aims to highlight first-term corporals, who demonstrate exceptional performance in duties and commitment to the Corps, who should be considered for promotion.
Marines wishing to apply must be recommended by the first O-5 commander, or lieutenant colonel equivalent, in their chain of command. They must also meet the following requirements: have at least 36 months on active duty, been approved for reenlistment, have all required Professional Military Education completed, and meet the Junior Enlisted Performance Evaluation System (JEPES) promotion cutoff score for the current month.
Marine commands will manually screen and validate all Marines, who meet or exceed the program requirements each month. The authority for SULI promotions will remain at the O-5 command level, with no additional restrictions or criteria imposed on Marines. The promotions should not impact any previously-established meritorious promotion allocations.
MARADMIN 225/23 specifies that the SULI program is not applicable to the Marine Corps Reserves. However, a complementary program for the reserve component will be announced separately via the Service Extension and Proponent Coordination Office (SEPCOR).
The implementation of the SULI program reflects the Marine Corps' commitment to identifying, retaining, and promoting high-quality NCOs. By providing opportunities for career advancement to exceptional Corporals, the USMC aims to strengthen leadership within its formations and enhance the overall operational readiness of the Marine Corps.
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2023 07:57 |
| Story ID: | 447412 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE , NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 802 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Small-Unit Leader Initiative Introduced to Retain, Promote High-Quality Marines, by Sgt Timothy Fowler, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
