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Corps' 'top dogs' visit Okinawa

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 2003423195019
Story by Consolidated Public Affairs Office

OKINAWA, Japan(April 24, 2003) -- With America's newest war against terrorism and the battlefields that Marines will face, the Corps' two top leaders are ensuring the future success of the Marine Corps.

With the focus of excellence in warfighting, the 33rd Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Alford L. McMichael, arrived here April 16, for a three-day tour, to visit and speak to Marines of III Marine Expeditionary Force.

The Corps' newest Commandant stressed to every Marine, his vision of strengthening and preserving the Marine Corps far passed 2025.

"As we transform our Corps for this century, we must carefully preserve the strengths of our past while not losing the flexibility to contribute to tomorrow's unique national security needs," Hagee explained.

He continued by emphasizing his focus on warfighting excellence.

"All our actions will focus on enhancing our warfighting excellence at each level of war, at home and abroad," he said.

During the visit, Hagee and McMichael also expressed the importance of Marines serving on Okinawa.

"Ensuring our alliance with Japan, and our ability and security in this region is important," Hagee explained.

McMichael emphasized the importance of educating Marines. He said that building a good foundation for Marines, young and old, is important.

After Hagee and McMichael addressed the Marines, the floor was opened for the Marines to ask questions or make comments.

At every meeting, a few of the same questions were asked.

The question that most Marines wanted an answer to was about when stop loss/ stop move would be lifted. Hagee explained that three principle things would determine when and how the policy would change.

First, the decision of where Marines need to respond would have to be decided. Then, the risk in other areas would be determined. And finally, the number of Marines left in Iraq would also be a key factor.

Another question Marines asked was concerning the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. The commandant responded every time with a smile and showed the Marines his belt, and assured them that while he was commandant, the program would continue. He also expressed that the belts earned would not count towards promotion points yet, because he feels that there are not enough instructors to benefit every Marine.

Although on a tight schedule, Hagee and McMichael made an effort to speak with as many Marines as possible. Throughout the visit, both men received valuable comments and feedback that will enable them to shape the Marine Corps for the future.