2nd MLG (Fwd) preps troops, families for deployment
US Marine Corps News
12/3/2010
By Pfc. Franklin E. Mercado, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Pre-deployment training is filled with marksmanship training, field exercises and classroom presentations and it was no different for Marines preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) in 2011.
Although there is a lot of training yet to be done, the MLG took the time to get its Marines in a class environment and show them all the resources available to them and their families on deployment. This was the second of a two part class, the first being for married Marines.
During a brief, conducted at the Russell Family Recreation Center aboard Camp Lejeune, Dec. 3, Marines began the morning with informational classes on items such as the Traffic Management Office and the services they provide-like storing service members personal items while overseas on deployment. Another program discussed was the Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation, for example the Family Resiliency Weekend, available to any family members interested.
“You all have to be prepared for deployments,” said Col. Mark Hollahan, the chief of staff for 2nd MLG (Fwd.). “These sources are so useful, I don’t know why a Marine wouldn’t use them.”
He continued by comparing the programs to similar civilian enterprises.
“To store your things out in town at some run down storage facility in a ten by ten room for 50 bucks a month,” said Hollahan. “And on top of that, it has no insurance. TMO will come pick it up, store it for free, and everything they store is insured as soon as they touch it.”
As the brief went on, it was apparent that a handful of Marines weren’t aware of these luxuries. Many could be heard making remarks such as, “I didn’t know it was insured,” and “Do we have to sign up for this or is it automatically available?”
All that is needed to take advantage of such luxuries is a set of official orders. These can be taken to any base traffic management office and personnel there will arrange a time and pickup locations for applicable items, all at the convenience of the deploying Marine or sailor.
Although they may be the least exciting of all the pre-deployment training, there is no doubt it is just as informative as the rest of the training Marines and sailors go through during pre-deployment training.
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