State of FORCECOM April 2021

Since I’m a fan of starting columns off with a quote.” I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples”.

I like to think I am making those ripples effecting brigades, which is inspiring to the units and individual STARFLEET Marines. Now I am still “acting” COForceCom, but hopefully I am setting the groundwork for another amazing marine who can take the ball and run with it and
help make positive change for the organization as a whole. Here is an update for what is in and coming down the pipeline:

HONOR AWARDS – The deadline for Honor Awards is 01MAY2021 and this should be coming from the Brigade Valor winners. I recommend BDE OICs submit as an attachment or separate emails with the nomination write up. If you just send a name, I can guarantee they will not even be considered for an Honor Award (or possibly any “runner up awards”) .

LARGE VOLUME AWARDS – Award season should be in full swing. If you have multiple awards, a spreadsheet or word document of approved awards. Please list not only the date to be issued but also all the rank, name and SCC number (unit/chapter is bonus). Submissions without this information will be returned. Reminder, awards like the Legion of Valor or MUC must list all marines of the unit. If you have an award that is issued by ForceCom or the Dant – do not list it because it needs to be review by the appropriate party.

GOOD CONDUCT AWARD – a couple people were looking to get the records updated so we are going to tackle this head on. The BDE OICs have been issued action orders on how to get the information. This is just another reason why marines should be reviewing their records. Some people have been in 20+ years and never got one. So work with your BDE OIC if you are missing any. I do not want to see five thousand emails looking for updates. Remember this award is for 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 20 years of uninterrupted time in the SFMC. This “amnesty” program will be over by JUN2021.

BDEOIC MEETING – I think it was a very positive session where several BDE OICs(and DOICs) got to meet and interact with big SFMC. I am appreciative to all who attended and the ones who reached out because they could not attend. Stay tune for some positive changes coming not from on high but from the local level.

VIRTUALMUSTER – All I can say is yes, it is in the planning stages so be on the lookout for more information. The General Staff will update you all as we have concrete information to share. If you have, any special awards and or announcements you’d like to see spotlighted, bubble it up the chain

READINGCHALLENGE – The Reading Challenge is on hold pending a revision. Several ideas were discussed and the General Staff hopes to announce Reading Challenge2.0 .At the Virtual International Muster.  In the meantime, marines, remember the most important six inches is between your ears. So stay safe out there.

Respectfully,
E.C.Tunis III
Lieutenant General, SFMC