FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear MCA Member,
The Marine Corps Association's professional events program continues to grow in stature as it provides opportunities for professional development for Marines. A key case in point was the C4 Awards Dinner held in Arlington on 15 May. Co-hosted by MCA and HQMC C4 Division, the event featured General Al Gray, 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps and widely recognized expert on C4 systems as the featured speaker. The event also provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the Corps best C4 Marines during 2006. I invite you to visit the MCA website to check out the event, read about General Gray's comments and see highlights of the recognition ceremony. Click here to check it out.
Everyone in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area should mark their calendars for the first ever MCA Annual Dinner being held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington on 18 July. We are very fortunate to be able to feature the honorable Dr. Robert M. Gates, Secretary of Defense as our guest speaker. We anticipate this event generating keen interest and filling to capacity quickly so we urge those interested to register for the event early. To register for the MCA Annual Dinner, click here.
Marine Corps Gazette continues to explore the professional issues facing our Corps with insider perspective and expertise while Leatherneck continues to tell the Marine Corps story with warmth, insight and accuracy. I urge you to check out the online editions of both of our flagship magazines. The online editions of both showcase features not available in the print editions. Review the operational and professional debate unfolding at Gazette's online Discussion Boards and try out Leatherneck's Podcast library featuring interviews with prominent Marines and special coverage of Marine Corps historical events.
The new USMC Professional Reading list was announced by ALMAR in early June and MCA was poised to provide immediate support to Marines and to the program by making the entire reading list available at each of our MCA Book Stores and at our Online Store. In addition to the USMC Professional Reading list, MCA maintains and frequently updates a comprehensive selection of professional books on a wide range of military, historical, political and cultural topics of interest and relevance to Marines. Come to THE professional association for all Marines for all your professional reading needs. Click here to browse the selection at our online store.
As always, thanks for your support of the professional association for all Marines.Semper Fidelis,
Les Palm
Major General, USMC (Ret)
President and Chief Executive Officer
Your membership includes a subscription to either the print and/or online edition of the magazine of your
choice: either the Marine Corps Gazette or Leatherneck.
Stay up-to-date with your Corps
through the association devoted to providing professional development
and select services to Marines.
CONNECT Today & GO GREEN when you do!
If you lawn is turning yellow in the summer heat, at least you can go green with MCA's new online magazines. Save a tree... hug a tree and support Arbor Day... just switch to online delivery of your Leatherneck or Marine Corps Gazette when you renew and ALWAYS get your magazine early - and still keep all of your MCA Benefits while saving 15% on your membership! The online editions provide exactly the same content as the paper magazines, but have additional features such as searchable archives and hot linked key words throughout the content allowing further reading on a variety of topics. Choosing the paper editions of MCA's flagship magazines allows access to the online versions as well.
PLUS your membership qualifies you for discounts on our books and Marine-related
gifts, and if you sign up for Easy
Pay renewals,
we'll add a free month to your subscription.
Join
or Renew online. New members mention code NEMTN607. Renewals mention code REMTN607.
The Marine Corps Gazette is the professional journal for ALL Marines and is now accessible in its entirety ONLINE so our members and subscribers can read it any time and anywhere that they can access the Internet. We encourage all of our members to switch to the Online-Only option when renewing. It is a great value as you save 15% and still get the same high quality magazine but you ALWAYS get it. You get it earlier and you get it with expanded features only available online. This is a great deal! Give an Online-Only subscription to Gazette as a gift to someone special.
Our July edition of Gazette is thought provoking and sure to stoke the fires of professional debate around the Corps and we anticipate Gazette's Discussion Boards to get really busy. Two interesting articles on the subject of counterinsurgency lead the July lineup. One questions whether we are really preparing officers and SNCO’s properly for the most likely operating environment they will face. The second article criticizes intelligence support in counterinsurgency operations and proposes some practical improvements. July's edition includes two superb articles on training foreign military forces. One is specific to Iraq and the other focuses on the experience in Afghanistan. The feature article argues that the Marine Corps should reorganize the rifle company to meet current and anticipated operational requirements across the spectrum of warfare.
As always, we urge all of our members to visit Gazette online frequently to check out the professional discourse unfolding on the Discussion Boards we have there. Professional discussion on an expanding range of important topics is constantly updated there. Get involved and contribute. It is the professional thing to do!
The June Leatherneck is an example of the magazine's expanded use of the Internet to present options for hearing and seeing the Marine Corps story. Often Leatherneck finds itself as the sole source for particular successes in Iraq. So getting that positive story out to wider audiences requires more than just a printed magazine page.
As an example, June's lead Leatherneck feature, "Small Unit Action in the City of At Turbah" is laid out in six print magazine pages, but it can also be viewed in the "Current Issue" section on the magazine's Web site (www.mca-marines.org/Leatherneck/currentissue.asp). Gun camera footage from Marine aircraft engaged in this battle of At Turbah is also available in a play on demand (podcast) audio/video presentation on Leatherneck's Web (www.mca-marines.org/Leatherneck/).
Additionally, if you are a subscriber or member of the MCA, you may go to Leatherneck's digital edition on our Web site, open the digital magazine and e-mail this article, or any other article, to a friend or acquaintance. So, you can be a partner in telling the positive story of our Marine Corps. Check it out.
We encourage you to grab a copy of the upcoming July issue too. Leatherneck sat down with the Commandant in late May and our exclusive interview is in the July magazine. It will be available on our Web site, too. We asked General James T. Conway some tough questions and he provided candid feedback. That article, plus a piece on summertime at Officer Candidates School, an update on Marines in Iraq and much more will be in the July issue and on the Web. Join us, if you have not already.
And if you are not a subscriber to either or both of the Marine Corps Association's flagship magazines yet, GOOD NEWS... it's not too late to get on board. Call toll-free 866-622-1775, or go online at: www.mca-marines.org/JoinMCA/Step1.aspx.
Through the month of July, members who renew their membership by the 10th of the month following receipt of their FIRST renewal notice, will automatically get their names included in a random drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. Our lucky June winners are:
In the Invoice Category, our winner is: Cpl Ronald L. Pelkey – USMC Veteran
In the Renewal Category, our winner is: SSgt Arthur Corbett – USMC Veteran
Congratulations to our winners! Enjoy the cologne.
Visit one of our four locations:
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715 Broadway Street
703-640-0136
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Vandegrift Avenue, Building T-1100
Main Exchange Complex
760-385-0383
PARRIS ISLAND, SC
Bldg 283, Boulevard De France
843-522-9440
The 4th of July is Just Around The Corner...
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To order, Call (Mon-Fri 0800-1630 EST) Toll Free: 866-622-1775
OR
Check Out Our ONLINE STORE
SMALL WARS MANUAL
Originating from the Marine Corps experience in the "Banana Wars" the Small Wars Manual remains timeless. While most treatises on the art of war endlessly rehash grand tactics, the Small Wars Manual refreshingly takes a different tack and deals more with the everyday, practical requirements of living, operating and winning in expeditionary locales. Very strong on expeditionary logistics and making do with local expedients, the book addresses a range of unique topics such as caring for and operating with pack animals, territorial pacification, population disarmament and supervising elections. The book is a must have for every professional who has any chance of being operationally deployed and, it is a great read!!!
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USMC EMBLEM PEN
Don't think of this as a mere pen - Pens don't look this good. No - Think of this as calligraphic jewelry to grace your desk, accent your hand and jazz up the papers you write and sign. Elegant, slim line design is a comfort to use and the gold accented black material complete with USMC emblem on the clip screams style and taste. It looks so good merely holding this pen confers credibility and a sense of authority and it writes so effortlessly even your penmanship will improve. This will be your instant favorite and you won't want to put it down. Fear of pilferage is a strong motivator. Get one and write great things!
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PEDOVA USMC JOURNAL
Practical usefulness combines with stark elegance in this black, pedova bound journal embossed with USMC emblem. Think great thoughts and write them down. Also great for collecting scurrilous doggerel, memorable quotes, ribald poetry, zen haiku or your distaff imposed honey-do list. OR, you can keep work related items organized here... The point is YOU get to choose - how is that for flexibility?? If you are a writer who gets intimidated by a blank page then the 125 lined pages in this journal is going to knock your socks off and keep you busy for a long time. Now, here is one to get you started... "The ox is slow - but the earth is patient" Great thought! WRITE IT DOWN - In your New USMC Journal.
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*All Prices Subject To Change.
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If you experience problems with our Online Store, with telephone orders or with your membership, the following phone numbers can get you the assistance you need:
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The Marine Shop is the Corps’ most prestigious provider of professional Marine uniforms and accessories and has been helping Marines look their professional best since 1962.
In addition to the highest quality Marine uniforms, the Marine Shop also features the best in civilian formal wear.
Our classic blazer on the right, designed exclusively for the Marine Shop, is timeless, and a beautiful addition to your wardrobe. Comfortable, stylish and professional looking, you will find it indispensable when attending military functions, social and sporting events and for traveling. Made from 100% worsted wool. Check out our web site for details and order one today!
Visit Us In Person Or Online:
The Marine Shop
300 Potomac Ave
Quantico, Virginia
(703) 640-7195
www.marineshop.com
Click here to visit MCA's dynamic website where changes and updates are made daily! While visiting the homepage, check out our Schedule of Events section to view the latest in MCA sponsored events. We have something for EVERY Marine on our website. Access our Gazette and Leatherneck homepages and check out a sample ONLINE only version of these flagship magazines. Check out the MCA Awards program and learn how this program offers meaningful recognition to thousands of deserving Marines each year. And MUCH, MUCH MORE!
The MCA Career Center is a great place to go to look for jobs. Please take advantage of posting your resume on the site if you’re in the job market or if you’re an employer, please post your jobs there, so you can peruse the resumes of Marines and their spouses who are looking for work.
There’s a lot of terrific talent available through our site. The Boy Scouts, among others, keep coming back for more and have made some hires through the site!
Check it out today. And MCA members who are looking to hire Marines, can use this special PROMO CODE: 07half to get 50% off your job posting packages! Take advantage of this special today at: http://careers.mca-marines.org. Thank you!
MCA’s has an ongoing mission to provide opportunities for professional development for Marines. We pursue this mission is by sponsoring a range of professional events of interest to Marines. Here is a list of some of the key events coming up. Visit here for the current schedule.
MCA Annual Dinner – Washington D.C. Area
On Wednesday, 18 July 2007, the Marine Corps Association, will co-host the first ever MCA Annual Dinner at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. MCA is pleased to report that our guest speaker is the Honorable, Dr. Robert M. Gates, the Secretary of Defense. MCA urges all everyone interested in attending to make reservations early for this event. Click here to register.
MCCDC Dinner – Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA.
On Wednesday, 22 August 2007, MCA will co-host the first ever MCCDC Dinner at the Clubs at Quantico. This event is still in planning and the featured speaker is to be determined.
In addition to a subscription to one or both of our flagship magazines and member discounts on books and gifts at MCA bookstores, MCA membership includes access to great deals with a range of supporting companies and organizations providing our members with travel and computer purchase discounts and special deals on credit cards and insurance policies. You might not want or need these benefits. We would like to hear what you do need and want. Tell us what type of member benefits you would like us to add. Email us at promotions@mca-marines.org with your suggestions.
Click here for a complete list of insureance programs offered.
The
MCA World Points Platinum Plus MasterCard is available to MCA Members.
Click here for more information and to apply.
MBNA's recent merger with Bank of America means additional member
benefits to you. Greater financial options for your consideration will
be forthcoming. We will soon be offering American Express cards to our
members. Look for more information in upcoming issues.
Semper Fi Travel is the premiere travel service for the Marine Corps Association (MCA); a unique partnership between MCA and nuTravel, Inc. (nuTravel), designed to provide MCA members and their families with exclusive online and offline (live travel agents) leisure travel benefits.
Apple
Member Purchase Program
Marine Corps Association members and their families can now take advantage
of the Apple Member Purchase Program (MPP).
Apple Member Purchase Program for MCA members includes:
Up to 17% off select Apple products
Free laser engraving on any iPod
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more
Online custom product configuration
Members click here to log-in to visit the MCA/Apple Government MPP online
store and receive your discount.
Or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (and mention that you're an MCA Member).
Dell also gives quality discounts to MCA Members. Spring cleaning rapidly approaches!!!! Throw out your clunky old junk and make way for a kicking new Dell.
Visit dell.com/ghc/flyer or
call 1-866-257-4711. Member ID: DS62593492
It is never too early to start getting ready for the Marine Corps birthday ball. Check out My Marine Corps Birthday Ball Dot Com to get organized for your ball and if you need appropriate party supplies contact MCA for our just released 2007 Birthday Ball & Gift Catalog. Call 1-888-237-7683 or email customercare@mca-marines.org to order your catalog today.
THANKS TO OUR 2007 PLATINUM SPONSORS:
PLATINUM GOLD:
PLATINUM SILVER:
PLATINUM
BRONZE:
Individual Event Sponsors:
Silver: Taser, EMA, MITRE, Oracle, Raytheon, Impact Resources Technologies
Bronze: Alion Science & Technology; Armor Holdings, Inc.; AT&T Government Solutions; BAE Systems; BearingPoint; Bell Helicopter/Textron; Boeing; Boeing C4; CACI, Int'l; Cisco; Deloitte Services; EDO Professional Services; EDS; EFW, Inc.; Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc.; Exeter; General Dynamics Corp.; General Dynamics C4S; IBM; Keane Federal Systems, Inc; L-3 Communications; Titan Group; Lockheed Martin - IT; M2 Technologies; The Meltzer Group; Mitre; Network Appliance; Northrop Grumman Corp.; Oshkosh Truck Corp.; Professional Solutions; Raytheon; Rolls Royce; Savi Technology; Sprint Government Solutions; Stanley Associates; Sun Microsystems; Talley Defense Systems; VSE Corporation; EFW, Inc.; Columbia Research
Corporate Sponsors: AIG Insurance Company; Bank of America; DHS Systems; General Dynamics - ATP; General Electric; Hartford Insurance Company; Honeywell; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Marine Federal Credit Union; Northrop Grumman - MS; Pacific Marine Credit Union; Peduzzi Associates, Ltd.; Robbins Gioia, LLC; Tandberg; Telos; Wackenhut Services, Inc.
The Marine Corps depends on MCA support for programs for which appropriated funds cannot be used. In turn, MCA's professional development support of Marines depends on corporate sponsorships. We hope you will encourage your company to get involved in 2007 Marine Corps Association events. For more information on how to become an MCA corporate sponsor, please contact LeeAnn Mitchell at l.mitchell@mca-marines.org.
Q: This Marine aviator had “Mig Mad Marine” inscribed on the fuselage of his jet before becoming prominent in the Mercury project. Who is he?
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to comments@mca-marines.org will receive an exclusive Mission Essential Coin. Please include your name and address in your e-mail. Good luck!
Here is the May trivia question reprinted for ready reference:
Q: This short looking M made such a distinctive sound when in action that the sound was incorporated into it’s slang name. Which M, am I and what do I do?
A: The M-79 was often called the “Bloop” gun because of the distinctive sound when fired.Q: Used by Marines over 30 years ago, this M was lavishly praised by General Patton as the best battlefield implement ever designed. Which M am I and what do I do?
A: The M-1 Garand rifle used in WW-II through the Korean War.Q: The original was popularly nicknamed after an imaginary creature, which was a pet on a popular cartoon about a sailor and his skinny girlfriend. The nickname survived the obsolescence of the simple original and is now applied to complicated marvels bearing little resemblance to the basic first model.
Which M am I and what do I do?
A: The M151 was nicknamed the “Jeep” after Eugene the Jeep who was a strangely designed cartoon pet on the Popeye cartoon.
Congratulations to Mr. J.P. Finn from Queens, NY for being first with the correct answer. Congrats to all the MCA triviaphiles!
COMMENTS? Please address your feedback to comments@mca-marines.org
MCA MAILING LIST. Would you like to be on the MCA Email mailing list? Send your name, address and email address to customercare@mca-marines.org. Nominate your friends while you are at it...
Semper Fidelis!
LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org
