MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- New topics were brought up and arguments made as non-commissioned officers throughout the 2nd Marine Division gathered for their NCO Symposium held at the Gunnery Sgt. Terry W. Ball Jr. Center here, May 18.
Many issues were brought to the table for discussion such as uniform regulations, training and mentoring junior Marines, physical fitness tests, promotions and many others.
“You are the future of our Corps and we need some solutions. We need some answers from you,” explained Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, who will take over as the 2nd Marine Division sergeant major soon. “Don’t think because you are not a general, colonel, sergeant major, or master gunnery sergeant that it means you don’t have an answer or solution. I know you will have the answers for many questions.”
Marines from 2nd Marine Division spent the morning and early afternoon hours discussing 29 different topics. The Marines shared their views on each topic, discussing what they thought were the most important problems.
Many of the topics discussed were tied to combat operations and how they would better prepare Marines for what they will see.
“You are all here for a reason,” explained Sgt. Maj. Anthony Hope, who led the day’s events. “You need to get out there and make things happen while making sure changes occur.”
Sgt. Gary L. Morris, who originally joined the Corps back in 1988, returned to the Marines about a year ago after going back to school and getting a degree in physical fitness.
Morris, the platoon sergeant for Headquarters Company, 8th Marine Regiment, was passionate about making sure not only his Marines, but those in other units and all around the Corps were getting the proper physical and health education while staying physically fit.
“The Marine Corps changes regularly, just like the war in Iraq is changing every day,” he said. “This was a good experience and I feel we should have this at least semi-annually.”
The Marines broke down into small groups to decide what topics they felt needed to be sent up to a higher authority for more consideration.
Afterwards, a day’s deliberation, job proficiency, physical fitness and other various policy changes were submitted and sent up to higher headquarters. These items were sent up in hopes of seeing changes in their up and coming NCO Corps.