Marine administrative message 302/20 lays out several options for the personnel whose MOSs are closing or cutting billets, including lateral moves, early retirement options or interservice transfers to other military branches. 'It's just that for the future fight, are of less value than the things that we need most, such as long-range precision fire,' Smith said. They paid their dues in blood, right? These are Marine warriors from the Korean War to now.'īut the Marine Corps must reorganize to remain relevant, he added. I used them in and around Ramadi and in and around Fallujah.

'We're not saying that a tank or bridging company isn't of value,' Smith told. Eric Smith, the head of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, said the decision to cut or reduce some missions doesn't mean leathernecks who serve in those fields aren't important. The cost savings will be used to pay for high-tech equipment leaders say Marines will need to counter China, Russia, Iran and others. David Berger first announced in March that the Marine Corps will eventually stop operating tanks, cut three infantry battalions, and shed about 7% of its overall force over the next decade. There are currently 421 armor Marines 341 MBT repairer/technicians and 308 military police officers.Ĭommandant Gen. Of the seven MOSs facing cuts, the most highly populated include armor Marines, main battle tank repairer/technicians and military police officers. 'The Marine Corps will remain faithful to our Marines and their families by maximizing opportunities for continued service for those in a military occupation slated for divestment,' Thomas said. That includes relying on some Marines choosing to leave the service, as well as voluntary force-shaping authorities, he said. Craig Thomas, a spokesman for Manpower and Reserve Affairs in Quantico, Virginia. The Marine Corps is pledging to manage the reductions in a 'measured and responsible way,' said Maj. More guidance will be released if future phases of the Force Design require similar action, it adds. That comes as tank battalions, infantry units, bridging companies, law enforcement missions and some aircraft squadrons see their missions cut or reduced.įor now, the seven MOSs are the only ones that require 'active force-shaping measures,' an administrative message states. Three others - 5803, military police officer 2110, ordnance vehicle maintenance officer and 5805, criminal investigation officer - will see their billets reduced as part of the changes.

Four MOSs will be cut as part of the plan: 1812, armor Marine 1869, senior armor staff noncommissioned officer 2146, main battle tank repairer/technician and 1802, tank officer.

Mp mos marines