State of FORCECOM June 2016

At Ease, Marines,
We’re coming up on that time of year where everyone starts dusting off their pretties, drags out the iron and puts an extra shine on their shoes, Yes, it’s Marine Muster time in just under 2 months. And that means the announcement of the Honor Awards, among other things. The nomination phase has already closed and the General Staff will be starting their deliberations soon. So please abide by the ‘In
Discussion: Do Not Disturb’ sign that will be flashing on the wall just outside the Commandant’s door.
Unless you’re the Mess Steward delivering pizza and such. If so, then come on in!
I want to touch on a few things to make sure we’re all on the same page.
* * Personal Records:
It’s never a good thing to wait until the last moment to review your database records to make sure everything is there that should be on there; to make sure you have the needed documentation to wear the ribbons, badges and devices you’ve worked hard to earn.
There are policies in place to enter awards that you have been issued, but for some reason were not entered at that time. I need to be clear that the responsibility of proof rests on the individual themselves. If you request an award to be entered, you will need to produce a copy of the award certificate, an email statement from the original issuing individual, a notation pointing to where it was announced in a newsletter, something that shows it was issued.
I am always willing to discuss things and will do everything I can to assist the individual, but one of my personal guidelines has always been ‘Trust, but Verify’.
* * Communication:
Beside individual Brigade email lists, the SFMC has an electronic presence as well. The most recent Status of Command reports can be found on the front page of the SFMC website[ https://www.sfi-sfmc.org/front ].
You can also follow the Corp on Facebook [ https://www.facebook.com/groups/3275293079/ ] and on the SFMC email list [ https://lists.sfi-sfmc.org/listinfo.cgi/corps-l-sfi-sfmc.org ]. Each of these will provide a more immediate contact with what’s happening within the Corps and with your fellow Marines. They are good resources and easy to use.
* * Disasters:
Suffice it to say that disasters seem to be occurring just about everywhere. If you find yourself in a place where you can lend a hand, please do so. And keep your Command informed as to what you and those around you are doing. ‘Pay it Forward’ because no one knows when it may be their neighborhood next.
To close, I want to remind you that the Tri-Annual election cycle to chose the next Commander STARFLEET is upon us. There are two main information locations. The Elections 2016 Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/sfielection2016/ and the Elections 2016 email list: Election2016@lists.sfi.org <mailto:Election2016@lists.sfi.org> / https://mail.lists.sfi.org/mailman/listinfo/election2016_lists.sfi.org
You can ask the candidates questions on both locations and find links to their campaign websites. The nomination phase closes 15 July 2016 and is open only for ship’s COs and RCS. But every member should be informed and let their Chain of Command know their thoughts.
Remember. You’ re not in a position to complain if you don’t make your needs and wishes known.
‘Nuff said.
Keep it safe out there and be nice to each other.
Stand Easy, Marines

BGN Jari “Gato” James
COFORCECOM