The Marine Corps has long been committed to retaining its talented individuals. The E-8 Redesignation Pilot Program serves to continue that commitment to retaining and growing talent. By allowing master sergeants to shift into the first sergeant role, the program allows the Marine Corps to leverage the leadership capabilities of seasoned Marines, aligning talent more efficiently with the Corps’ operational needs. First Sergeant Christopher J. McCullar exemplifies talent that the Marine Corps seeks to keep. His outstanding performance over nearly two decades has afforded him the chance to chase after something he’s wanted since his early days in the Marine Corps.
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On the hallowed grounds of Quantico, where Marine Corps history is forged, an abundance of Marines and some of the Corps’ most senior leaders gathered, to include the sergeant major of the Marine Corps, sergeant major of Manpower & Reserve Affairs, sergeant major of Training and Education Command, the director of Marines and Family Programs, and a Medal of Honor recipient, setting aside two days of their invaluable time, Sept. 9–10, to attend enhanced Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) training.
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Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments (MMEA) launched its second annual onboarding course, Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments University (MMEA-U), on July 21, 2025, welcoming its largest class to date. The weeklong course brought together monitors, career counselors, and support staff from across the branch for in-depth training and collaboration at Marine Corps Base Quantico.
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The sun rose slowly over the nation’s capital, casting a golden hue across the city, where history, service, and sacrifice echo through every monument. In the city’s heart, thousands of Marines excitedly gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the Marine Corps’ premier military exposition, Modern Day Marine (MDM), looking not to the past, but the future.From April 29 to May 1, MDM 2025 was characterized by extravagant displays of emerging weapons, equipment, and technologies, demonstrating the Marine Corps’ ever-growing capabilities and lethality. Against the backdrop of this hardware however, Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) showcased its forward-looking vision for the Corps, focusing on the Corps’ most lethal asset –
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Two Marine officers stood at attention side by side as the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. James Wellons, promoted them to the rank of major on Jan. 6, 2025. Majors Connor and Leah Deignan held back smiles as they ceremoniously pinned golden oak leaves onto each other’s collars.
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On a brisk morning at Marine Corps Base Quantico, the 78th Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Betty Del Toro, arrived at Manpower and Reserve Affairs (M&RA) and were greeted by a formation of Marine leaders, civilian employees, and support personnel eager to mark a day of recognition and strategic discussions. The day’s itinerary highlighted the SECNAV’s dedication to honoring the hard work of Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) and M&RA staff, alongside key talks on the Department of the Navy’s (DON) priorities pertaining to recruitment and retention.
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The Marine Corps is transforming its manpower model by shifting from a "recruit and replace" strategy to one focused on "invest and retain." This approach emphasizes career development, family support, and operational readiness. The Marine Corps achieved record-breaking retention rates in FY24 but remains focused on continuous innovation to sustain momentum and meet future challenges.
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As the sun crested over the treetops of Quantico, illuminating the National Museum of the Marine Corps, joyous cheers erupted as two Marines reenlisted and embarked on another four-year journey together. For these Marines, this was more than a recommitment to the Marine Corps. It was a commitment to each other – as they represent a small and unique population of dual-military service members.
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