MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va --
MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. – A base-wide weigh in
for all Marines on Marine Corps Base Quantico by Sept. 15 was mandated by Lt.
Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr., Marine Corps Combat Development Command commanding
general.
“The Marine Corps has set standards for those of us in
uniform,” said Glueck. “Being here at Quantico, ‘The Crossroads of our Corps,’
it is important for us to set the example.”
Glueck, Maj. Gen. Andrew W. O’Donnell, MCCDC deputy
commanding general, Col. Timothy S. Mundy, MCCDC chief of staff, and Sgt. Maj.
Gary W. Weiser, MCCDC sergeant major, all completed their semi-annual weigh-ins
Aug. 26.
All Marines are required to weigh in semi-annually and
comply with established body composition standards regardless of age, grade, gender
or duty assignment, according to Marine Corps Order 6110.3 with change 1.
“Being in compliance is especially necessary for our
leaders – NCOs, SNCOs and officers,” said Glueck. “Being out of shape or
looking overweight detracts from our ability to lead our Marines. They deserve better.”
The Marine Corps mandated semi-annual weigh ins to
enhance Marine wellness, body composition and military appearance while
diminishing other risk factors in order to improve Marine combat readiness and
personal appearance, according to the order.
“Failure to do so may jeopardize operational readiness
and erode American confidence in the United States Marine Corps,” according to
MCO 6110.3 w/Ch. 1. “Marines who exceed weight and body fat standards are a
detriment and detract from the combat readiness of their unit.”
In order to help facilitate the base-wide weigh in
Headquarters and Service Battalion S-3 has assigned each company within the
battalion a specific day of the week for their Marines to weigh in. For
instance, Headquarters Company’s day is Tuesday.
“Simply put, Marines who do not present a suitable
military appearance fail to possess the qualities necessary to effectively lead
Marines,” according to the order. “This is especially true for Marines in a
leadership or supervisory roles that are required to ensure their subordinates
comply with established policies and standards.”