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By Andrew Lubin

 For good or bad, the Marine Corps is downsizing, along with the rest of the Armed Forces. The Marines will be cut from 202K down to 185K and current rumors are swirling of additional cuts down to 175K. 

By Michael Grice

First Published October 21, 2011

One of the best parts of transition is taking terminal leave.  It is that unique time in your career when you get paid for leaving your job, which is a pretty nice perk.  Being paid your salary and receiving your benefits as you use up your remaining balance of leave (the vacation days that you have earned while serving on active duty) while having absolutely nothing required of you in return is pretty sweet.  The only expectation, I suppose, is to stay out of jail.  So far, so good…

By Beth Crumley

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is the opportunity to interact with Marine Corps veterans. Several years ago, while working as a research historian on the National Museum of the Marine Corps project, I was tasked with learning everything I could about the siege of Hill 881S, one of the hill outposts near Khe Sanh Combat Base. In the course of that work, I was fortunate to meet many of the veterans and to develop close friendships with several. One of these was former Corporal Robert J. Arrotta, who passed away in 2009.

By Bianca Strzalkowski

"One day, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching,” that is the signature quote of Gunnery Sergeant Dave Smith who almost lost his life in July. This Marine, this real American hero has seen four combat tours, even surviving an IED blast and being awarded a Bronze Star with Combat V; however, it was when he was safe at home that he almost lost his life. As people celebrated the start of a new year, GySgt Smith reflected on what he hopes for his future now that he has a second chance at life.

By Michael Grice

First Published October 18th, 2011

Tax Season is Approaching!

January 4, 2012
By Bianca Strzalkowski

As the New Years’ celebrations come to a close, it is time to get our personal affairs in order. DFAS just posted the “Annual Tax Statement availability.” If you are a military spouse, be sure to know your Sponsor’s correct login information ahead of time: https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx.

Retiree 1099-R: AVAILABLE

Civilian W2: Jan 5, 2012

By Michael Grice

First Published October 11, 2011

Hello again, my constant readers.  I wasn’t able to post last Friday because I was busy camping with a few dozen Cub Scouts.  One thing that transition has given me is the gift of time, and I get to spend more of it with my boys, which is absolutely great!  I am a Den Leader for my youngest son’s merry band of eight year olds, and we had some serious Cub Scouting to do all weekend. Enough about that (although the s’mores and hot chocolate were most excellent) and back to talking about transition.

By Steven Pressfield

ByCallie Oettinger | Published: December 19, 2011

They tried to sift out the best from the mass of existing manuscripts, and to guide the reading of the people; they made lists of “best books,” the “four heroic poets,” the “nine historians,” the “ten lyric poets” the “ten orators,” etc.

Every time I open Will Durant’s The Life of Greece, a smile yanks at the corners of my lips.

I know he doesn’t bore me to sleep.

I know I’m in love with the way he shares history.

And yet. . .

By Andrew Lubin

The best-managed companies take advantage of all options open to them, and that includes hiring the most talented people available. One wonders, therefore, why more companies aren’t hiring veterans – there are certainly enough of them looking for work.

Shout out to the USMC

December 20, 2011
By admin

Greetings everyone, from all of us here at MCA&F!

 

Most bloggers are taking a short break through the holidays, but join us again in 2012 as we continue to grow this area! We'll have several new blogs/bloggers next year.

 

Until then, we'd like to give a "shout out" to all the brave men and women in the Corps. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families, no matter where you are, and we hope that your holidays are safe and happy.