Photo By Lance Cpl. Dominic Smarra | Maj. Gen. James A. Kessler, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations Command...... read more read more
BARSTOW, Calif. - The commanding general of Marine Corps Installations Command, Maj. Gen. James A. Kessler, visited service members and civilian employees on Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Feb. 2.
As the single authority of all Marine Corps installations matters, MCICOM exercises command and control of MCI via regional commanders in order to provide oversight, direction and coordination of installation services and to optimize support to the Operating Forces, tenants and activities. MCICOM consists of three subordinate regional commands; MCI-West, MCI-East and MCI-Pacific.
“Our goal is to help facilitate issues,” explained Kessler. “We want to help make the changes that are coming to the Marine Corps easier on everyone.”
Kessler addressed the Marines, sailors and employees during a breakfast at the Major General James L. Day Conference Center where he discussed the mission and purpose of MCICOM. He also explained how it would affect MCLB Barstow and in general the Marine Corps. He also held a question and answer session for the attendees.
Cpl. Brian Chandronnet, training clerk with Headquarters Battalion, MCLB Barstow, asked an important question that was on every Marines mind. What could the Marines do to make themselves more competitive for retention in the Corps?
"With the drawdown of forces, it’s becoming much more difficult," explained Kessler. "Making sure that you are proficient in your job, keeping your record clean and keeping your training up-to-date are some of the most important things that they are looking for."
Kessler also explained that although Marines think they have to deploy in order to stay competitive in their reenlistment, which is not the situation.
Kessler also talked briefly about the drawdown and reset of forces. He explained what it meant to Barstow and the role that it would take.
"Barstow's role is very significant," explained Kessler. "All of the gear that is coming out of Afghanistan and Iraq is going to need to go somewhere. It needs to be rebuilt, and then stored. Barstow is one of the largest assets that the Marine Corps has for this level of maintenance.
After the breakfast, Kessler toured the base with the commanding officer of MCLB Barstow, Col. Daniel P. Ermer. The tour consisted of visits to the wind turbine, base housing, and a tour of the base to get an overview of future project plans scheduled to take place in the near future.
“When the rest of the Marine Corps reaches the level of energy conservation (at MCLB Barstow) then we will worry about what Barstow is missing,” Kessler explained. “(With) the plans that are in place and the steps that are being taken, I see no worry of that any time soon.”
| Date Taken: | 02.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 02.08.2012 18:44 |
| Story ID: | 83556 |
| Location: | BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 435 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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