The Corps' new Commandant, General James T. Conway, is moving out smartly to ensure the Corps remains fully engaged in the long war on terrorism. If you have not read his Commandant's Planning Guidance, it's in our January issue and also on our Web site at www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck. This important document outlines the direction ahead.

One of his objectives is to increase the time between individual deployments through growing the size of the Corps and providing all Marines the opportunity to get into the war by moving from a staff or CONUS supporting establishment assignment to an operational unit. He has gained the necessary approval to increase the size of the force and issued direct guidance to commanders to get all Marines into the fight.

In increasing the size of the Corps, the recruiting force takes on even more importance. With that in mind, "Marine Corps Recruiters School: Where Legends are Born," in Leatherneck's February issue brings you up to speed on the commitment of quality Marines to recruiting duty and the demanding training. Part of the Commandant's plan is to increase the size of the recruiting force by 200 recruiters this calendar year. Ultimately 600 recruiters will be added as the total active-duty force grows to 202,000 by 2011.

The Commandant also emphasizes the importance of the Navy-Marine team as central to future successes. As Marines, we know it's important to stay engaged with the Navy, particularly on amphibious shipping, surface fire support and the maritime prepositioning ship needs. Our upcoming March cover story describes a recent naval gunfire exercise where digital and voice calls for fire from Marines of 10th Marine Regiment brought the fires of USS Forrest Sherman (DDG-98) into the impact areas at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. This very successful exercise resulted in over 50 Marines adjusting naval gunfire. You can read about this small, but important, demonstration of the value of the Navy-Marine team in our digital version of Leatherneck beginning 1 March at www.mca-marines.org/leatherneck or see it in your magazine.

Don't forget, Leatherneck is digital and can now be read fully online and, if you are a subscriber to Leatherneck, you don't have to wait for the postal service to deliver. We'll continue to tell you what's going on in the Corps, so, if you are not a reader, why not begin now. Visit the Leatherneck homepage to subscribe or call us toll-free at (866) 622-1775.

The March issue of the Gazette has something for every reader, from the tactical level of war for those Marines about to go in harm's way, to features on the future of warfare. Don't miss it. And after you read it ... Join the Professional Debate on the new, online Discussion Board featured at Gazette. Your opinion counts ONLY if your opinion is heard!!! Gazette's Discussion Board let's you be heard. Join the debate!

GO GREEN and drop the paper edition of the Gazette! Save the environment as well as $$$$ on your renewal when you select the online ONLY Gazette subscription option. The online edition provides exactly the same content as the paper magazine, but with additional features such as searchable archives and hot linked key words spread throughout the content allowing further reading on a wide variety of interesting topics. If you subscribe to the paper Gazette, you will always have access to the online version.

Special Membership Renewal Promotion
Through the month of July, members who renew their membership by the 10th of the month following receipt of their FIRST renewal bill, invoice or notice, will automatically get their names included in a random drawing to win a bottle of USMC Semper Fi Cologne. We are starting with cologne but are looking to expand the prize base as additional incentive for members who respond quickly and to thank our members for supporting MCA. MCA will hold the first drawing on 13 February and the winner will be mentioned in the next edition of MCA Today.

www.usmccologne.com

Visit the new MCA homepage, (www.mca-marines.org) and check out what MCA is all about. In particular, MCA invites our members and viewers attention to our UPCOMING EVENTS section, located on the right side of our homepage. We update this section frequently to keep our members current with MCA's dynamic schedule and other events of interest to MCA members.

Just a reminder that we'd like all Marines and their spouses who are looking for work to post their resumes on our job site and please pass along information about this free service to other Marines who are in the job market. Employers are perusing the resumes we have posted and have been talking to potential hires. A lot of businesses do want to hire Marines, so this is a great place to market your job skills!

Introductory rates are still available for businesses who seek to hire Marines - so jump in now if you have any job openings. We have recently added unlimited job postings and resume searches for 3, 6, and 12 month increments and significant discounts are available for members and MCA sponsors!

With over 400 posted resumes in our growing database and more postings every day, the newly activated Career Center is really picking up steam.

Featured Jobs of the Month:

Military Analyst Operations - NEK Advanced Securities Group, Inc.
Location: Northern Virginia
Salary: Starting at $100,000
Category: Contractor / DOD
Description: Serve as broadly gauged expert in tactical and operational level organizations and operations in U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility. Analyze intelligence, operational TTPs, and training to articulate overarching strategy to counter combat asymmetric threats... Coordinate training strategy recommendations... Ability and willingness to travel independently worldwide... MORE...
Requirements: Relevant experience in U.S. Military and / or U.S. Government. Over 20 years experience in land warfare component combat arms including Special Operations. Demonstrated expertise in counterinsurgency operations. Requires SECRET clearance with TOP SECRET preferred...MORE...
Read entire Job Posting at MCA Career Center!

Instructor - DINFOS
Location: Fort Meade, Maryland
Salary: Open
Category: Full Time
Description: Instructors at Defense Information School, Ft. Meade, Maryland provide senior-level public affairs courses that prepare students for Joint Task Force level and, expeditionary public affairs duty.
Requirements: Demonstrated expertise in Expeditionary public affairs. Public Affairs experience at
O-4 / O-5 operational level. Graduate of Command and General Staff College. Experience in Advanced Media Theory and Analysis; Communication Theory; Marketing Research and Analysis; Public Communication Campaigning; Other instructors needed with experience working on JTF at O-4 / O-5 level in J-2, J-3, or J-4 Staff sections; or experience working with Combatant Commanders in public affairs.
Read entire Job Posting at MCA Career Center!

Click here to check out the Career Center site, post your resume, look over the jobs, or to post a job if your company wants to hire Marines. Employers use this PROMO CODE to get your first ad package at half price - "07half"

MCA sponsors a range of interesting events that support Marines and, of course, our members. Here is a list of some of the key events coming up. Visit Here for the current schedule and Here to learn about the kinds of events MCA sponsors.

Book Signing at Camp Lejeune
On 15 February 2007, MCA will host Bob Shirley, author of Parris Island Daze: My Drill Instructor was Tougher Than Yours, for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune from 1100-1230. For more information, call the bookstore staff at 910-451-7500.

Book Signing at Parris Island
On 22 February 2007, MCA will host Bob Shirley, author of Parris Island Daze: My Drill Instructor was Tougher Than Yours, for a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Parris Island from 1430-1700. For more information call the bookstore staff at 843-522-9440.

Luncheon PME Presentation and Book Signing - Traditions "O" Club, Beaufort, SC
On 8 March 2007, from 1130 - 1300, MCA will host Max Boot, author of War Made New: Technology, Warfare and the Course of History: 1500 to Today and The Savage Wars of Peace: Small Wars and the Rise of American Power at a luncheon presentation followed by a book signing. Attendance at the luncheon costs $9.50. For more information, or to schedule a reservation, call the Parris Island Bookstore staff at 843-522-9440.

PME Presentation and Book Signing at Camp Lejeune
On 9 March 2007, (Time - To be determined) MCA will host Max Boot, author of War Made New: Technology, Warfare and the Course of History: 1500 to Today and The Savage Wars of Peace: Small Wars and the Rise of American Power at a PME presentation followed by a book signing at the MCA Bookstore at Camp Lejeune. For more information, call the Bookstore staff at 910-451-7500.

MCA Ground Dinner - Washington DC Area
On 29 March 2007, MCA will co-host the first of 2 annual Ground Dinners with HQMC's PP&O Department. The Dinners provide a forum for presentation of issues important to the Headquarters, Ground and Combat Service Support Elements of the Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF). This first Ground Dinner features LtGen John F. Sattler, Director of Strategic Plans & Policy, J-5, the Joint Staff as the guest speaker. For more information and to schedule your reservation, please visit our website at www.mca-marines.org.

Farewell to Maurice Bernier
MCA bids a fond farewell to Maurice Bernier and thanks him for his fine and faithful service to the Association. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Maurice served for 10 years as a senior West Coast administrator for the American Red Cross. MCA was fortunate to pick him up after that and in 2001 hired him as our first West Coast employee. Maurice did a fine job standing up our bookstore at Camp Pendleton and after that was up and running, he served in a larger role as our first West Coast regional representative. Recently, he resumed his role as the MCA Camp Pendleton Bookstore manager prior to retiring on 31 January 2007. Maurice was succeeded in his Area Representative role by SgtMaj Eusebio Gonzalez and in his bookstore manager role by Brandy Moskol. Maurice did a GREAT job for MCA and we miss him. Many thanks to Maurice for his service and welcome aboard to Brandy and SgtMaj Gonzalez from all of us at MCA.

MCA's 2006 Annual Report
The Association's Annual Report to our members has just been released. Both MCA magazines, the Marine Corps Gazette and Leatherneck magazine, will feature the report in the March 2007 print editions. You don't have to wait until March to read it. Click HERE to read it ONLINE at the MCA website.

Visit one of our four locations:
QUANTICO, VA - 715 Broadway Street - 703-640-0136
CAMP LEJEUNE, NC - Building 84, Hadnot Point Exchange Annex - 910-451-7500
CAMP PENDLETON, CA - Vandegrift Avenue, Building T-1100
Main Exchange Complex - 760-385-0383
PARRIS ISLAND, SC - Bldg 283, Boulevard De France - 843-522-9440

To order, call (24 / 7 / 365) toll-free: 1-888-237-7683

Announcing MCA's Spring 2007 Gift & Books Catalog
Check out our brand new Spring catalog for a wide selection of nifty gift ideas. If you don't have our new catalog, it means we don't have you on our mailing list! We would love to fix that problem...

Call 1-888-237-7683 (24 hours a day) or email bookservice@mca-marines.org to get yourself, your friends, your family or ANYONE else you like, on our catalog mailing list.

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:

30-SECOND SAFETY NET QUIZ

Here's a quick quiz to see if you're ready to meet today's real-life challenges:

1. Ever leave your seat belt unbuckled -- especially for short trips near home?
If you answered "yes," you're not alone We've probably all given in to the "it's-just-around-the-corner" mentality. Unfortunately, because deadly accidents often happen just a few miles from home, that error in judgment can be a costly one for you and your loved ones. Buckling in the extra benefits of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage can be a smart move for young families.

2. Is it important to you that your kids have a good education?
Then make sure your family's safety net includes special provisions to help pay college tuition if you can't be there to take care of the bills yourself.

3. Do you have a mortgage on your house?
Make sure your spouse has a solid cash benefit plan earmarked to pay it off if you die in an accident. It could make all the difference in staying in the neighborhood and home they love.

If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, it might be a good idea to check out MCA's Accidental Death and Dismemberment Plan today.

Your acceptance is guaranteed. There's no medical exam. No health questions required.

Take a look now to see why MCA's Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance Program is such a great bargain for Marine Corps families or call 1-800-368-5682 today.

All Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the Policy. Policies underwritten by Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Simsbury CT.

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.

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

THANKS TO OUR 2007 CORPORATE SPONSORS

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.

Have you registered for the Parris Island Luncheon?
8 March 2007 is the date - Traditions Club is the place and the Guest Speaker will be Max Boot. RESERVE your seat TODAY by emailing Jennifer Blundell at j.blundell@mca-marines.org or by calling us at 800-336-0291 X374.

Navy Federal Credit Union(r) is proud to serve Marines and their families.
As the largest credit union in the world, we offer a wide selection of choice financial services. Each of our four checking accounts pays dividends and comes with a free Visa(r) Check Card. For your convenience, there's Web Bill Pay, 24/7 online access and an extensive network of branches and ATMs worldwide.

Choose from auto loans that feature 100% financing, and take your pick of three rewards credit cards that are the best in the industry. If you're buying a home, you'll find many mortgage options, including two with 100% financing with no money down, and our own settlement services. Finally, select from our extensive savings and investment products, and round out your financial plan with insurance and estate planning.

When you join, you become a lifetime member and can readily take advantage of many privileges. Plus as a member, your entire family can join.

Visit us online at www.navyfcu.org or call us 1-888-842-NFCU (6328). At Navy Federal, membership counts!

TASER International proudly supports the men and woman of the United States Marine Corps by providing advanced electronic control devices for use in the military as well as law enforcement, private security and personal defense markets. These devices deliver proven Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) to engage and control dangerous, combative or high-risk subjects. As a result of numerous medical studies and operational trials, TASER devices are recognized as a more effective and safer scalable force option than traditional non-lethal devices. This conclusion is supported in civilian law enforcement where TASER devices save lives every day in over 10,000 agencies worldwide and operational results consistently identify dramatically reduced injury rates for both officers and suspects. TASER International offers our Marines a much needed early intervention capability that enables our men and women to engage emerging threats with confidence and without hesitation, particularly when hostile intent is uncertain and lethal reaction is undesired. For more information on our life-saving TASER technology as a scalable force option, please call TASER International at (800) 978-2737 or visit our website at www.taser.com.

COMMENTS? MCA would really appreciate your comments and suggestions about our content here. Please address your feedback to comments@mca-marines.org

Semper Fidelis!

LeeAnn Mitchell
Director of Marketing and Communications
comments@mca-marines.org