Compass Points – Celebrate!

The Marine Corps serves.

Compass Points – Celebrate!

The Marine Corps serves.

November 9, 2024

.

On this Saturday before November 10th, the offices of Compass Points are quiet. Nearly the entire management and staff have gone home to enjoy the day and prepare for the festivities ahead. Tonight, the team of Compass Points will join with so many across the broad Marine community and celebrate one day early the birthday of the Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps is not a corporation or a defense contractor. The Marine Corps does not trade stock on the New York Stock Exchange. Not one 401K contains Marine Corps stock. To the extent that the Marine Corps is owned, it is owned by Marines and by Marine friends and family. Marines take ownership of the Marine Corps by earning the EGA. The EGA cannot be bought and it cannot be stolen. It must be earned. Once earned, the EGA means the Marine is an owner of the Marine Corps for life.

It does not matter how old or young a Marine is today. It does not matter what their MOS is. It does not matter whether their active service is measured in months or decades. A Marine is a Marine. All Marines serve.

The Marine Corps exists to serve. The Marine Corps exists to protect and defend the United States of America. Why is the US worth defending even unto death?

Like the Marine Corps, the US is filled with flawed human beings. That means both the Marine Corps and the US make mistakes -- sometimes terrible mistakes. But no matter what has happened in the past, Marines and Americans strive toward higher principles, they strive to build a better future. The constant striving to make one's self better, to make one's community better, and to make the world better is at the heart of life for Marines and for all Americans. Today is not good enough, we have to make tomorrow better.

Marines, thank you for your service. There are great days ahead for Corps and Country. Compass Points wishes 'Happy Birthday' to everyone celebrating the birthday of the Marine Corps this evening. Celebrate boldly, proudly, and safely. Be careful driving, and for those conducting carrier quals, watch out. The end of the table can sneak up on you!

.

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

.

The

Marine

Toolbox

.

Marines stand on guard, aboard ships at sea,

Ready to launch their combined-arms machine.

Rescue, and safeguard, give aid, and much more.

Locate, close with, and crush every foe.

.

Marines are a toolbox

Kept near Uncle Sam.

For fast resolution

When troubles expand.

.

Today, there's concern ‘bout the tools in that set.

Will Sam find Marines prepared for what's next?

It’s due to a theory, a Force Design mess,

That sadly has made a Marine Corps that's less.

The Marine Corps is less when its tools are removed.

When assets are taken, that battles have proved.

.

Remove battalions?

You've taken a tool.

Remove artillery?

You've taken a tool.

And remove the tanks?

You've taken a tool.

.

Reduce the number of flying frames?

Reduce the number of fighting Marines?

It all destroys the combined-arms machine!

.

Why let a theory, a Force Design mess,

Deliver to Sam a Marine Corps that’s less?

The next U.S. crisis, is just out of sight.

We'll need all the help, Marines must provide.

.

Tubes, tanks, and support, plus Marines in the air,

Give Marines on the ground the power to dare.

Let’s add the new drones and latest high tech,

But make sure the Marines, stay in the attack!

It's not just the red stripe, or swords that still gleam,

But the skill and might of combined-arms Marines!

.

Marines are a toolbox,

Kept near Uncle Sam,

For fast resolution

When troubles expand.

.

And, sure as tomorrow, we'll face a new war,

Let’s fill Marine toolbox, as full as before.

                   -- (c) JDK 2024