MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII --
More than 850 Marines and sailors gathered in the base theater to hear from the new top dogs of the Corps, March 18, 2015. Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., 36th commandant of the Marine Corps, and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, 18th sergeant major of the Marine Corps, who have just been appointed this fiscal year, are making their rounds through the Pacific to hear firsthand what are on the minds of Marines and sailors.
The visit marked the first time Dunford has visited Marine Corps Base Hawaii since his appointment to commandant in October, and also for Green since his appointment to sergeant major of the Marine Corps in February.
During their two-hour discussion many topics were addressed to include enlisted housing on Hawaii, new technology for the Marine Corps’ future, and change in promotion criteria. Dunford emphasized that the Corps isn’t currently where they want it to be, but that it’s doing a good job with what it has, and he is doing everything he can to make the service stronger, better and more prepared for the fight. He wants to improve the Corps as a whole and to ensure his Marines are well cared for on base or while deployed.
“The very first and most important aspect of quality of life is when we send you in harm’s way, we bring you back alive,” Dunford said. “That, to me, is quality of life. We need to focus on training, equipment and make sure we have the leadership necessary to make (Marines) successful in combat.”
Dunford and Green both said they are proud of the Marines and sailors for what they’re doing here on MCB Hawaii. They emphasized how important U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific is to the Corps and said everyone needs to be ready for the unexpected.
“The whole purpose of MCB Hawaii is to serve as a platform to send Marines who are ready to accomplish the mission in both day- to-day (tasks) and in combat,” Dunford said.
The SMMC reinforced the CMC’s message, reminding the Marines why they wear the eagle, globe and anchor. He told the Marines and sailors about a poster he saw when he first got to boot camp that has stuck with him through his career.
“If you were accused of being a Marine, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Green asked, reciting the words from the poster.
He said that should be the only time Marines should all want to feel guilty. Green motivated the crowd with his words and received cheers and “ooh-rahs” after his remarks.
After the question and answer session the Marines and sailors were dismissed and some were able to meet and take photos with Dunford and Green.
The two will be continuing their trip to visit Marines in Guam and various stops in Japan including, Iwo Jima, Tokyo, Iwakuni and Okinawa.