Humm. Should ask this at the top level...

Last night I was watching the PBS Newshour and Jim Lehrer had an interview with...

Semper Fi
Marine Corps Commandant Gen.Charles Krulak discusses his 35-year service in the Marine Corps and his pending retirement.

(Transcript not available yet).

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/newshour_index.html

At any rate, this four star general mentioned than upon retirement hes goin to join an unnamed group in Wilmington, Delaware.

For all you dot mil types... Whats in Wilmington?

Thanks,

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999

Answers

BTW, as I recall he mentioned five key areas to being a superpower...

1) Diplomatic
2) Military
3) Industrial Infrastructure
4) ??
5) Information

(Sorry... cant remember number 4)

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Another Resignation coming up on news today ...

[ For Educational Purposes Only ]

U.S. Weapons Program Chief Resigns

SHINGTON, June 25  The head of the Energy Departments atomic weapons program resigned Friday amid the furor over allegations of Chinese spying at the departments national laboratories, The Washington Post reported in its Saturday editions.

The Post quoted sources as saying that Reis supported a bill drafted by Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., that would turn the weapons labs over to a new semiautonomous agency.

VICTOR REIS, the departments assistant secretary for defense programs since 1993, sent a formal resignation letter to President Clinton, according to the report.

Reis had differed with Energy Secretary Bill Richardson over the future direction of the weapons program in the wake of security breeches at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico.

The Post quoted sources as saying that Reis supported a bill drafted by Sen. Pete Domenici, R-N.M., that would turn the weapons labs over to a new semiautonomous agency.

Richardson has opposed the idea, saying he instead favors reorganizing the department and creating a new undersecretary for nuclear stewardship to oversee the weapons complex.

UPROAR OVER LIE DETECTOR TESTS

Meanwhile, Richardson is increasingly facing lab workers ire over the news that many of them will soon be subject to lie detector tests.

When Richardson visited the Los Alamos nuclear weapons laboratory, where a half century ago the atomic bomb was born, he was confronted with the question: Shouldnt he be tested too?

Will you lead by example and take a polygraph yourself? one of the scientists asked as Richardson invited questions Thursday in an auditorium packed with more than 600 people.

I might, replied the energy secretary, former U.N. ambassador and seven-term congressman.

There was laughter, but no satisfaction.

It was not until the last question, when a woman stood and made clear the matter wasnt going to be dropped.

She wanted to know if an employee of 25 years were asked to subject herself to a lie detector test under threat of being removed from her job and replied I might, would that be greeted with laughter?

She repeated the question.

Im prepared to take it, Richardson finally answered, somewhat taken aback by the exchange.

FOCUSED TESTS

Richardson tried to assure the laboratory workers that the tests would be focused to specific questions to root out potential espionage and avoid questions into peoples lifestyle.

When we do it were going to do it properly, he insisted. Only two other agencies use polygraphs on workers  the CIA and the National Security Agency.

Later, on a short flight from Los Alamos to the Sandia National Laboratory outside Albuquerque, Richardson said he had no problem with taking a polygraph test, but thought saying so would take attention away from the issue he had come to talk about: concern that the Asian Americans are being subjected to unfair guilt-by-association and facing possible discrimination because of all the Chinese espionage talk.

Asian Americans feel their patriotism is being questioned ... and that their careers will suffer as a result, he said. In remarks to workers at both Los Alamos and Sandia, Richardson vowed to aggressively combat any discrimination against the Asian American scientists.

'Culture of arrogance' cited at nuclear labs

While the issue confronting Asian American scientists  about 3 percent of the Los Alamos work force  prompted a number of questions, clearly the issue uppermost on many of the scientists minds was the call for polygraph tests.

Are you willing to lose your job if you fail your polygraph? a Los Alamos worker asked. Another wanted to know why political appointees are exempt, but as many as 5,000 scientists and other Energy Department employees with top secret clearance will have to take the test.

SECURITY LAPSES

Will your boss take a polygraph? came a voice from the audience, prompting an outburst of laughter. I knew there was one Republican in here, Richardson replied.

In response to criticism of lax security at weapons labs, the Energy Department has said it will begin widespread polygraph testing as early as August with as many as 2,500 people possibly tested over the first year, although critics suggest that is overly optimistic.

Edward Curran, the DOEs top counterintelligence officer, said the tests would be earmarked for people with top secret Q clearance, including most of the weapons scientists.

Much like the Los Alamos workers, those at Sandia were also distressed about the tests.

No one is concerned about security more than I am, Alan Zelicoff, a scientist at Sandia, told Richardson. But he said widespread polygraph testing was a divisive tool (that) will undoubtedly harm individuals.

There will be errors in the testing and it means dozens or perhaps hundreds of people will suffer, he feared.
-----------------------------------------------------------

Think they ought to throw some Y2K remediation questions into those tests?

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-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), June 26, 1999.

THis retirement is routine. Gen. Krulak has spent 4 years as commandant of the Marines, which is a normal tour for that position. He is a real deal hard charger, genuine Marine Corps combat wounded, steely eyed killer. I think he is a stud. Klinton could re-appoint him, but I thin the good general does not want anything to do with the twits in DC. THere is nothing in Wilmington, no think tanks that I know of at any rate. Most Marine commandants upon retirement engage their time with charitable works or causes. Not like some Air Force pukes who cash in with the military-industrial complex.

The new Commandant is a perfumed prince; a very political animal who will take care of the Corps, but is not a warrior. Damn Shame.

Semper Fidelis, Richard, USMC

-- Richard, USMC (rkb65@hotmail.com), June 26, 1999.

Deleware has long been the home of obscure government/military 'groups' of un-published activities. My own military service is somewhat dated (1959-1967) but there is a very important base in Dover, Deleware (Dover AFB). Those of you that were 'in-country' will recall the body bags laid out on the tarmac at Dover AFB. Also, I believe this base is the major staging area for all troop and supply deployments to Europe and the Middle East. Oh, did I mention that Deleware is the numero uno tax haven State for corporate America. I doubt if the good General will be laying around on the beach.

-- Barry (bchbear@earthlink.net), June 26, 1999.

Just in:

"WHITE HOUSE TOLD OF CHINA NUKE THEFT ONE YEAR EARLIER

White House officials were informed that China might have stolen American nuclear secrets nearly a year earlier than the Clinton administration originally disclosed, Jeff Gerth of the NY TIMES is planning to report on Sunday.

According to publishing sources, Gerth is building his story from conversations and documents supplied by current and former U.S. officials.

=============================================

I can well understand why the folks at the various labs want Richardson to take a Lie Detector test. Probably are chomping at the bit to get the Liar-in-Chief in on the action to.

Ray

-- Ray (ray@totacc.com), June 26, 1999.

Italics off

-- Ray (ray@totacc.com), June 26, 1999.

Now Ray, you know they can't do that -- the machine would explode and we'd have an EMP event.

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), June 26, 1999.

Richard, USMC,

I know the retirement is routine. But something about this particular person IS NOT.

Don't know "why" I know, I just do.

See also...

Check out the Navy's Virtual Community Conversation on 6/15, and a look at who created the .gov Community Conversation series.

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 00106v

I dont know WHY yet about this group... but somehow, theres a link.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Barry, that tax exemption thing in Delaware may explain why Clinton's Attack dog;(or is it the other way around?) Senator joe biden D-Del was on C-span giving a shout out to his "peeps" in Bethany Beach, Del., the day the bombing began. To paraphrase "And my constituents back in Bethany Beach will support the president also!" joe biden is now head of investigating "war crimes"in Kosovo; To see the illustrious senator in action, get Waco: the rules of engagement" I wondered who biden was referring to in well-to-do ocean-side Beth. Beach.

-- KoFE (your@town.USA), June 26, 1999.

I didn't remember this Comandant's name, but I remember reading he was against the NWO; that comforted me. Sorry I can't give a reference......Tim

-- Tim Johnson (timca@webtv.net), June 26, 1999.

I have tremendous admiration for Gen. Krulak, who has held the line on military readiness and mission focus in the face of a barrage of criticism from many sides. I have a clipping from a Parade Magazine interview with the Commandant, in which he emphasized that he was training citizens, not just soldiers. Here's just a small sample:

LESSONS FROM PARRIS ISLAND

Tell the truth

Do your best, not matter how trivial the task

Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong

Look out for the group before you look out for yourself

Don't whine or make excuses

Judge others by their actions, not their race

We need many more people like General Charles Krulak.

-- Mac (sneak@lurk.hid), June 26, 1999.

Bold off...

-- Mac (sneak@lurk.hid), June 26, 1999.

Wilmington, Delaware is DuPont,

-- Mara Wayne (MaraWAyne@aol.com), June 26, 1999.

Perhaps the good general has an eye towards saving the south from Y2K induced mass migration of northern hordes. Wilmington, DE is the east coast choke point, controlling the flow of traffic down I-95 from Philly and I-295 across the Delaware River from New Jersey. I'm sure as a good tactician he realizes that "He who controls the tollbooths, controls the east coast..."

Kidding aside, I've seen a large number of senoir military retire to Delaware just to be near a relatively uncrowded military base (Dover AFB) and its facilities (exchange, commisary, hospital). Also because it's "far enough away" from Washington, DC, it doesn't have Mareyland's taxes, it restrictive rules like southeastern Pennsylvania, it isn't too close to NYC like al of New Jersey and it's got a pretty good year-round climate. In fact, my last commanding general retired to Delaware to spend lots of time on his sailboat.

And I think he's possibly working with the same charity Gen Krulak mentioned.

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), June 26, 1999.

I think Im starting to see *part* of whats bothering me. And, in a convoluted way, its Y2K related. Hummm. Go figure.

Diane

Wired article mentioning... Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Charles Krulak...

Doom Goes To War

By Rob Riddell

The Marines are looking for a few good games.

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/5.04/ff_doom_pr.html

[big snips]

Along with their project, Snyder and Barnett have become a hot property. Not only has their work won the approval and support of Marine Corps Commandant General Charles Krulak, but it has also attracted the attention of the Secret Service, FBI, US Army, and various law-enforcement agencies interested in fielding a similar tactical trainer for their people. Snyder and Barnett are deluged daily with emails and phone calls.

Early indications are that Marine Doom is an effective training tool, although it can never, I'm told repeatedly, replace field training.

[snip]

The men in the McMismo office aren't the only ones at Quantico using computer models. In another corner of the base, the Commandant's Warfighting Lab is working on a computer mock-up using nonlethal weapon systems. The model takes several platoons of marines and pits them against enemy soldiers, militia, and rock-hurling civilians. Once perfected, it will be used as a training tool at each of the corps' five combat simulation centers and at the Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California.

[snip--to end]

Now, remember the Marine Urban Warrior exercises in Monterey and the S.F. Bay Area?

United States Marine Corps Warfighting Lab

http:// www.mcwl.quantico.usmc.mil/mcwl-hot/

The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab (MCWL) was created in 1995 by General Charles C. Krulak, the Commandant of the Marine Corps. The MCWL is responsible for developing new operational concepts, tactics techniques, technologies, and procedures to prepare Marines for combat in the 21st Century.

Urban Warrior Advanced Warfighting Experiment (AWE)

http://www.mcwl.quantico.usmc.mil/mcwl-hot/uw/index.html

They have links to all the media stories at...

http://www.mcwl.quantico.usmc.mil/mcwl-hot/uw/media/ index.html

Now...

Did I even mention that I met one of the reporters covering the Monterey Marine Urban Warrior exercises?

In fact, for those who remember the incident, there was one helicopter taking off that caught on fire, carrying a bunch of press people. This reporter was on that chopper. Several of us were gathered around his laptop computer (at the San Jose Preparedness Expo awhile back) while he was showing us pictures of the fire and the events afterwards.

Aside note: He mentioned the copter pilots and Marines were up front and the chopper was just starting to lift off, unaware, of the fire, which was caught on film, because of all the noise, he actually had to throw his briefcase at the legs of one guy to get his attention... shouting didnt work. Once they saw the fire in the rear, the pilot plopped the bird down... real fast... and they evacuated the press rapidly. He even had pictures of the infirmary where they took them all because of inhaling the toxic fumes.

At any rate, he also told us, what wasnt commonly talked about, was the scenario for the exercise was Y2K.

He said there were three main areas, and showed us a map, on his laptop. The Asian camp of people was there causing distractions for the Urban Warriors, and the Arab camp... ditto, but the target for takeover was a bunker being held by a militia group... during Y2K problems.

Found that an interesting tidbit.

So... we have a Marine General with all this background, who mentions on PBS that when he retires hes joining up with a group in Wilmington, Delaware. (He wasnt talking about fishing either).

Why? Whats there?

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Another tidbit...

Chain of Command (lists Krulak)

http://www.cmu.edu/enrollment/rotc/nrotc/knowledge.html

Oh, someone e-d me #4... the five key areas to being a superpower...

1) Diplomatic
2) Military
3) Industrial Infrastructure
4) Academic/University
5) Information

Thanks.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Delaware, has many advantageous qualities that a retired general would like: temparate weather, no sales tax, small centrally located midAtlantic ,near DC. Serious industrial and finacial centers are in DE. Banking, credit card processing, chemicals , pharmaceuticals, some manufacuring and a port. During the early 60s Delaware had the National Guard out for a long period. The University of Delaware is a University of regard and has various relations with governmental entities. Large companies are headquartered in Delaware and major international giants operate from Delaware. Delaware has been involved in remediation and has various pages and links. But it has a massive risk as can be by the hightech and IT exposure.

-- Ruth the Moab (aapm@aapainmanage.org), June 26, 1999.

Diane, You are really good at this investigating. I am impressed, keep it flowing.

-- Linda A. (adahi@muhlon.com), June 26, 1999.

Diane, good grief, you just remembered to tell the Asylum the helicopter fire story? That's classic :-) No wonder when the two planes crashed during the recent Y2K communications test the military said it went great and there were no surprises! Routine MO.

Keep following your intuition, memory, & nose, Sherlock. You be sniffin out particles of "the rest of the story."

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-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), June 26, 1999.

Ruth the Moab,

It was the "way" he said what he did on PBS, that just rang "bells" for me. He's NOT retiring... per se... except from the Marine's... and he's definately focused on going to Wilmington to DO something.

That's what's bugging me!

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Hmmmm. Verrry IN-teresting Diane, yes, yes. Listen, If Janet and the boys aren't shakin' in their shoes about militia groups...I'll eat Flint's hat!! -shudder- The FBI was making *such* a fuss about this 'terrible National threat', and haven't heard much since. Terrorist activity is all they seem to discuss much. (or does the government actually differentiate? Me thinks not) I wonder just how many active duty military are possibly 'moonlighting'? The National Guard? We already know of two police officers who will 'walk' WTSHTF in favor of bigger fish to fry! Keep digging, this is about to be a key role in the Y2K game of life. The gov is looking pretty frail and pale in the battle against the bug. Who will be with them, and who will not? This could be 'Hoiii-ly Venamous' (as the crocodile hunter loves to say)

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 26, 1999.

Well, one thing's a cinch -- the cinc isn't universally adored in the .mil world.

Somebody is probably combing the Forum for outre factoids and writing a best-seller Y2K book -- out this October!

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-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), June 26, 1999.

When their search engine is operational again (Major Groan) this will be an interconnected group to watch...

Millennia Monitor, Y2K & Cycle 23... Sunspots (FAS: Federation of American Scientists)

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id= 0010QL

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Lest anyone's curiousity about General Krulak run to suspicion that whatever he may be up to next might be less than desirable, you might be interested in a few personal facts about the man.

His father, (LtGen Victor H. "Brute" Krulak, USMC, Ret'd.) was his hero and mentor. "Brute" should have been a Commandant himself, but his penchant for telling the truth regardless of the political expediency of silence or a lie prevented that. That's where the current CMC (Commandant of the Marine Corps) got his core moral values.

He has a brother, also a Marine, who came home from the 'Nam in a box. He alone knows what effect that loss has had but the rest of us must realize that his family has a history of service and sacrifice to America and it seems likely that whatever he does next will continue in that tradition.

Marines are big on tradition.

-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), June 26, 1999.

Marines ARE big on tradition. I can't imagine anyone suspecting this gentelman of anything but honerable intentions. I suspect the current administration is feeling a bit weak in the knees....as they should. Marines are also big on contingency planning and taking action as opposed to spewing fluff. They tend to be realists and believe in looking a bad situation straight in the eye, displaying an efficient and purposeful game plan. Gee, doesn't sound very familiar as our current leaders go, does it? I pray daily for some form of reality check where Y2K is concerned. No doubt a Marine could get the job done. Don't get me wrong, there are *many* just as admirable in our other branches...It just so happens I spent alot of my years with Marines, I'm a little prejudice...and very, very proud.

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 26, 1999.

Okay, Hardliner. Thanks.

It's just that there was an indefinable "look" on his face.

At any rate, I asked this question on the FAS Federation of American Scientists, which for me has been the "unthinkable" except now... I wonder....

Question: For Y2K are we looking a puzzle pieces for a military coup d'etat in the United States?

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 26, 1999.

Diane,

One could only hope! I seriously doubt it, but only because the image of "Slick" in front of a General Court Martial for Treason is such an attractive picture.

Actually, when he tried to invoke the Soldier's and Sailor's Civil Relief Act to prevent Paula Jones from taking him to court until he was out of office, the courts ruled that he was not an active duty member of the military so a court martial is probably out. Damn!

As I have expressed in this forum previously, I believe that if such a military coup did occur, it would be swiftly followed by free elections. I simply don't know of any generals or admirals who want to be a dictator (martinets maybe, but not dictators). Those two with the best chances to enter political life ("Stormin' Norman and General Powell) have refused.

-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), June 27, 1999.

Thanks again, Hardliner.

All I can say right now... is... I've got a headache!

Complexity, within simplicity.

Go figure.

Night.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 27, 1999.

In some respects, a military coup might offer the best hope at a solution to Y2K-caused problems. Since they would then certainly be tackled with a "No BS" mindset. As opposed to whatever kind of politcally angled solutions the current Administration is sure to cook up.

That said, a military coup in the US would be the absolute worst thing for this nation as a Constitutional Republic. Once there has been a military coup, there seem to follow more in an inevitable progression of more occurring and more frequently. Just look at the South American "coup of the month club" countries.

I think that any rational military officer would recognize this and seek to steer away from such a perilous slope.

However, what if some senior military leader foresaw that what may occur would be not a military takeover as in a coup. But what of a military "picking up of the reins" to regain control of a nation abandoned by its leadership or who's leaders were "permanently removed from the scene" by an enraged (surviving) citizenry or Y2K- timed terrorist attack?

How many enemies would like to attend Bill and Hillary's New Year's Shidig on the Mall wearing a vial of Eau de Anthrax or buzz into the place on a one-way trip in the world's only nuclear-armed Cessna?

Would the prescribed line of succession be possible and would the processes to support it be adhered to? Which Cabinet Secreatary is going to be stuck in Des Moines while the Prez and rest of the gang parties 'cause it's 1999? I look for that rule to be waived for that one evening, at the nation's peril.

Either way, I somehow see it as being very concievable that the line of succession could be run through in a short period (one boom or a few days of disease) and former leaders might be those who are tapped to come back and lead while the nation is re-constituted.

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), June 27, 1999.

Hopefully re-constitutioned.

-- Ashton & Leska in Cascadia (allaha@earthlink.net), June 27, 1999.

Ugh!

Even the "thought" of that being a potential makes me ill.

I pray for a smooth Y2K transition!

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 27, 1999.

Here is General Krulak's official biography, for those who wish to review his Marine Corps career.

-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), June 27, 1999.

And here is General Krulak's Farewell message to the Corps (the red emphasis is mine).

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

A Farewell to the Corps
Leatherneck Magazine, June 1999
by Gen. Charles C. Krulak

From my earliest days, I was always awed by the character of the Marine Corps, by the passion and love that inspired the sacrifices of Marines like my father and his friends. As a young boy, I admired the warriors and thinkers who joined our family for a meal or a visit ... Marines like "Howlin' Mad" Smith, Lemuel C. Shepherd, Gerald C. Thomas, and Keith B. McCutcheon. I wondered about the source of their pride, their selflessness, and their sense of purpose. Now, at the twilight of my career, I understand those Marines. I know that they were driven by love for the institution to which they had dedicated their lives and by the awesome responsibility they felt to the Marines who shared their devotion and sacrifice. Today, that same motivation burns deep within the heart of each of us. The ethos of our Corps, purchased so dearly by these heroes of old, reaches into our souls and challenges us to strive tirelessly for excellence in all that we do. It profoundly influences the actions of every Marine that has ever stood on the yellow footprints at our Recruit Depots or taken the oath as an Officer of Marines.

The ethos of our Corps is that of the warrior. It is defined by two simple qualities ... our two Touchstones. The first is our Touchstone of Valor. When we are summoned to battle, we don our helmets and flak jackets; we march to the sound of the guns; we fight and we win - Guaranteed. The second is our Touchstone of Values. We hold ourselves and our institution to the highest standards ... to our core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These two Touchstones are inextricably and forever linked. They form the bedrock of our success and, indeed, of our very existence.

Our Touchstone of Valor is the honor roll of our Corps' history. Bladensburg, Bull Run, Cuzco Well, Belleau Wood, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Inchon, the Chosin Reservoir, Hue City, Kuwait ... the blood and sacrifice of Marines in these battles, and countless others, have been commemorated in gilded script and etched forever on the black granite base of the Marine Corps War Memorial. The names of these places now serve as constant reminders of our sacred responsibility to our Nation and to those whose sacrifices have earned the Marine Corps a place among the most honored of military organizations. The memory of the Marines who fought in these battles lives in us and in the core values of our precious Corps.

To Marines, Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not simply words or a bumper sticker slogan. They reflect our deepest convictions and dramatically shape everything that we do. They are central to our efforts to "Make Marines," men and women of character who can be entrusted to safeguard our Nation and its ideals in the most demanding of environments. We imbue Marines with our core values from their first moments in our Corps because we know that Marines, not weapons, win battles. We also know that success on the battlefield and the support of the citizens whose interests we represent depend on our ability to make moral and ethical decisions under the extreme stress of combat ... or in the conduct of our daily lives.

As an institution, we have had to fight hard to maintain our standards. To some, they may seem old-fashioned, out-of-step with society, or perhaps even "extremist," but we know that our high standards are the lifeblood of the Corps, so we have held the line! In this regard, what individual Marines are doing everyday counts far more than anything that is done in Washington. The standards of our Corps are not simply maintained by generals, colonels, and sergeants major, but, far more importantly, by leaders throughout the Corps, at every level. The Marine conviction that Semper Fidelis is a way of life, not just a motto, speaks powerfully to the citizens that we serve. It also unites us with our fellow Marines, past and present - inspiring us to push harder, to reach further, and to reject the very notion of failure or compromise.

Sustained and strengthened by the ethos of our Corps, you have accomplished a great deal during the past four years. I have been humbled to be part of your achievements and witness to your selfless devotion. Time and again, Marines distinguished themselves in contingencies around the world, across the spectrum of conflict. Marines from across the Total Force were the first to fight, the first to help, and the first to show America's flag -- consistently demonstrating our resolve and readiness to win when called to action. With the involvement of the Fleet Marine Force and input from the entire Corps, the Warfighting Laboratory has looked hard at the 21st Century strategic environment. Marines "stole a march" on change by testing new concepts and emerging technologies, exploring new tools for developing leaders and decision makers, and experimenting in the "Three Block War." Our recruiters, drill instructors, and small-unit leaders have implemented the Transformation Process and are recruiting, training, and developing the "Strategic Corporals" for tomorrow's conflicts. Led by Marines at the Combat Development Command, we have deepened our understanding of Operational Maneuver From The Sea (OMFTS), its enabling concepts and technologies, as well as its many challenges. The men and women serving in the many thankless billets at Headquarters Marine Corps and in the joint arena have developed and articulated our requirements for the future and have secured the resources to translate OMFTS into a reality. Our supporting establishment, at every post and station, has epitomized selflessness and dedication while providing for our readiness requirements. All these things are important - and they are the accomplishments of every Marine. None of them, however, are as significant as maintaining our hands on the twin Touchstones of our Corps.

The words of my father ring as true today as when he first wrote them over fifty years ago. "We exist today -- we flourish today -- not because of what we know we are, or what we know we can do, but because of what the grassroots of our country believes we are and believes we can do ... The American people believe that Marines, are downright good for the country; that the Marines are masters of a form of unfailing alchemy which converts unoriented youths into proud, self-reliant stable citizens - citizens into whose hands the nation's affairs may safely be entrusted ... And, likewise, should the people ever lose that conviction - as a result of our failure to meet their high - almost spiritual - standards, the Marine Corps will quickly disappear."

May God bless each and every one of you and may God bless our Corps!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I cannot tell you all how proud I am of this man and of our Corps, but I can tell you that he is worthy of your absolute trust.

-- Hardliner (searcher@internet.com), June 27, 1999.

Great. That's worth knowing, Hardliner. Thank you.

In any of the Marine Corps publications does he discuss what he's going to DO once he leaves?

Also, I know the group has discussed this before, but, for the newcomers...

Do the Marines has any stated policies on what their actions will/ should be in the event a National State of Emergency is ever declared by President Clinton and/or if Martial Law is instituted in certain areas of the country? (During times of national crisis).

Kind'a curious since... in the SF Bay Area we have three major cities that are on the dot mil's 120 cities list... San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland... 18 cities total in all of California.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 27, 1999.

Diane - this should get you started:

http://www.usmc.mil/y2k

under "guidance"

CMC White Letter - Y2K From: Commandant of the Marine Corps To: All General Officers All Commanding Officers All Officers in Charge Subj: YEAR 2000 (Y2K)

1. One of the greatest information technology challenges facing the Marine Corps and the industrial world is the Y2K problem. This problem touches virtually every area of the Marine Corps, from the fighting hole to the fighting line, to the amphibious ship deck plate, to the garrison infrastructure and facilities supporting our forces. Preservation of our warfighting capability in the year 2000 is contingent on the actions that we take now.

2. The Y2K problem is not an S-6, G-6, nor Chief Information Officer (CIO) problem--it is a Marine Corps problem. I expect full involvement of our Marine leadership at every level of command. Recent Inspector General's reviews indicate that awareness, concern, and involvement of commanders, at every level, have been inadequate to meet the requirements posed by the Y2K challenge. This must change! Review my message 050731Z Mar 98 which details the roles and responsibilities for commanders at all levels.

3. If you have not taken the following actions, you will immediately:

(a) Assign, in writing, a Y2K point of contact whose first priority is to ensure that all Y2K problems are fixed. However, do not delegate your Y2K responsibility and forget about it. Y2K is a command problem; your involvement must be immediate and continuous. Get involved and stay involved!

(b) Develop a plan of action to remedy Class I and Class II systems. The priority of effort is to Class I systems, followed closely by Class II systems. To date, most of our attention has been focused on Class I systems which provide the Marine Corps-wide support and are managed by HQMC. However, Class II systems-- locally written systems that support the needs of HQMC staff agencies, FMF units, and supporting establishments--are used to input or extract data from Class II systems will be conducted using the DOD Year 2000 Management Plan.

(c) Ensure regular progress checks are made on Y2K remediation of: (1) Locally developed software systems (Class II systems) (2) Commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and government-off-the-shelf (GOTS) software (3) Telecommunications equipment (4) Personal computers (5) Facilities devices with embedded chips (armory alarm systems, heating/cooling/ventilation regulating devices, water treatment systems, etc.)

(d) Monitor your progress as it relates to Y2K. After assessing and fixing, the next critical phase will involve component and operational level testing. Additional guidance will be provided by the Marine Corps' CIO.

4. Force Commanders are to report monthly to me (Attn: CIO) on the status of their Class II systems. The first of these reports was delivered at the Executive Off-Site Conference 12-14 July. These reports will identify the number of Class II systems and their status in the remediation process. Amplifying information will be published by separate message.

5. Information on the Marine Corps' approach to this millennium problem and detailed guidance can be found at "http://year2000.cio.usmc.mil". Additionally, the DOD Y2K Management Plan is found on this web site.

6. Y2K is a pervasive problem requiring continuous action. Incorporate the essence of the problem at every opportunity by including it in regular meetings, mentioning it in talks with your Marines and Sailors, and publicizing the problem and corrective actions taken. We must include the repair effort into our everyday activities. A business as usual approach is not acceptable. Our combat readiness at the turn of the century depends on the actions we take now. Our Nation expects it and we will deliver!

-- justme (finally@home.com), June 27, 1999.

Thanks,

It's good to know that take it seriously internally. (Actually, we KNEW that). I go back, one more time, to what happens IF a "National Emergency" is declared... specifically in terms of the Marine Corps.

BTW, Hardliner... I do think it sounds like General Krulak will live up to the Marine Corps code. What about the "other" armed services?

That IS *one* of the Y2K questions.

Diane

(We REALLY need a search engine... *Sigh*)

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), June 27, 1999.

I truely can understand concerns about what our troops may be asked to do, especially considering who the CIC is. I trust the honor of those who have chosen to serve this country. Nobody chooses to serve for financial gain (bwaaaahaha). They do not choose to serve for recignition (bwaaaahahaha). I only fear the reckless stupidity of their Commander in Chief (not the least bit funny at all). Clinton's big brained decissions had better be feared. I personally anticipate that WTSHTF, the only true leaders we can count on will be gentelmen like this one....and I for one, will 'follow' in a heart beat. I certainly DO hope someone, somewhere has some form of plan, 'cause the current leaders are in need of a cranial removal performed by a proctologist.

-- Will continue (farming@home.com), June 28, 1999.

How does a proctologist examine Clinton?

"Now open your mouth nice and wide..."

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), June 28, 1999.