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LEADERSHIP AND
ADMINISTRATION
MARINE BARRACKS
WASHINGTON, DC
LEADERSHIP ANDADMINISTRATION (8101)
Course Introduction
Scope The responsibilities of SNCOs increase with every rank reached. As an NCO,
you will need continuing education on a variety of subjects to master these
additional responsibilities.
References The following references were used in the writing of this course:
References, • MCO 6100.12, Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and Body Composition
continued Program Manual.
• MCO P1900.16F, Separation and Retirement Manual.
• MCO 1080.35F, Personnel Reporting Instructions Manual.
• MCO 5000.12D, Pregnancy and Parenthood.
• MCO P10110.17C W/CH 1 & 2, Marine Corps Nutrition and Menu
Planning Manual.
• NSCA, Quick Series Guide to Basic Weight Training Guide.
• NSCA, Quick Series Guide to Performance Nutrition.
• NSCA, Quick Series Guide to Aerobic Training.
• MCO P1610.7E w/erratum and ch 1-8, Performance Evaluation System
(PES).
• SECNAVINST 5210.11D, Department of the Navy File Maintenance.
Procedures and Standard Subject Identification Codes (SSIC).
• SECNAVINST 5215.1C, Directives Issuance System.
• SECNAVINST 5216.5D, Department of the Navy Correspondence Manual.
• MCO 5210.11D, Records Management Program for the Marine Corps.
• MCO 5215.1H, Marine Corps Directives.
• MCO 5600.20M w/ch1, Marine Corps Warfighting Publications System.
• MCO 5600.49, Marine Corps Doctrinal Proponency.
• MCBUL 5600, i, canc: Nov 03.
• UM-MCPDS 5605, Marine Corps Publications Distribution System
(MCPDS) Users Manual.
• TBS Student Handout, B0142, The Marine Corps Directives System.
• PERSONNEL ADMIN SCHOOL
• Lesson Plan A0301 Prepare File Folder
• Lesson Plan A0302 Files Outline
• Student Outline Directives
• Covey, Stephen R., The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Simon
and Schuster, 1989.
• AR 25-50, Preparing and Managing Correspondence.
• DA Pamphlet 600-67, i.
• Effective Army Writing Subcourse Number IS1460 Edition A, Center for
Army Leadership, Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth,
Edition Date: June 1999.
Estimated You will spend about 21 hours, 40 minutes completing this course. This
Study Time includes the time you will need to study the text, complete the exercises, and
take the final examination.
Reserve You earn 7 retirement credits for completing this course. You earn reserve
Retirement retirement credits at the rate of one credit for each 3 hours of estimated study
Credits time.
Note: Reserve retirement credits are not awarded for the MCI study you do
during drill periods if awarded credits for drill attendance.
Unit Scope This study unit discusses the philosophy, foundation, and ethics of leadership.
It also outlines the differences in leadership styles. This unit then reviews the
role of the staff noncommissioned officer (SNCO) relative to seniors and
subordinates.
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the characteristics and foundations of leadership.
Leadership has two objectives: mission accomplishment and troop welfare.
As a leader, you must have some tools to evaluate the climate of leadership in
your unit.
• Morale
• Esprit de corps
• Discipline
• Proficiency
Morale Morale is the individual’s state of mind. It depends on the Marine’s attitude
toward everything.
Esprit de Corps Factors that constitute morale are loyalty to, pride in, and enthusiasm for the
unit shown by its members. Whereas, morale refers to the Marine’s attitude,
esprit de corps is the unit spirit.
Discipline Discipline is the individual or group attitude that ensures prompt obedience to
orders and the initiation of appropriate action in the absence of orders.
Proficiency Proficiency is the technical, tactical, and physical ability of the Marine and
the unit to perform the assigned mission.
• Bearing
• Courage
• Decisiveness
• Dependability
• Endurance
• Enthusiasm
• Initiative
• Integrity
• Judgment
• Justice
• Knowledge
• Loyalty
• Tact
• Unselfishness
Courage Courage is recognizing fear, danger, or criticism and despite them, proceeding
with calmness and firmness.
Justice Justice is rewarding and punishing according to the merits of the case in
question.
Loyalty Loyalty is faithfulness to yourself, your peers, subordinates, and seniors and
to your unit, the Corps, and your country.
Tact Tact is the ability to deal with others without creating offense.
Principles Leadership principles are the guidelines a leader uses when selecting
appropriate actions and orders. As a leader, you must use and reinforce these
principles at all times.
• Proficiency
• Self-improvement
• Caring for others
• Communication
• Example
• Confirmation
• Teamwork
• Decisiveness
• Developing subordinates
• Knowing capabilities
• Initiative and responsibility
Proficiency Be technically and tactically proficient. Leaders must know their job
thoroughly and have a wide range of knowledge.
Self- Know yourself and seek self-improvement. Leaders must know their
Improvement weaknesses and strengths and must continually strive to increase their
technical and tactical knowledge.
Caring for Know your Marines and look out for their welfare. Leaders must know their
Others Marines both personally and professionally. Daily interaction gives some
indication of how their subordinates will function in a combat environment.
Communication Keep your personnel informed. The Marine who is well informed about the
mission, situation, and purpose of a particular task is more effective than one
who is not informed.
Example Leaders must convey good examples to their Marines and actively display
integrity, courage, physical fitness, discipline, professional competence, good
personal appearance, and exemplary personal conduct.
Confirmation Leaders must give clear and concise orders. Make sure the task is
understood, supervised, and accomplished. By proper supervision, leaders
make sure their orders are properly carried out.
Decisiveness Make sound and timely decisions. The ability to make a rapid estimate of the
situation and to arrive at a sound decision is essential for all leaders.
Knowing Employ your command in line with its capabilities. Leaders must know the
Capabilities limitations and capabilities of their unit and employ it in accordance with
those capabilities.
Initiative and Seek and take responsibility for your actions and the actions of your unit. As
Responsibility a leader, you must be willing to take the initiative and take on added
responsibilities without receiving instructions from your superiors. Once you
take this initiative, you are responsible for the failure or success of your unit.
Definition Leadership style is the leader’s behavioral pattern as perceived by the Marines
who the leader is attempting to influence, guide, or direct.
Continuum of Leadership styles fall along a continuum; this continuum depicts two extreme
Styles leadership approaches:
• Autocratic - the leader makes all decisions for subordinates and tells them
what to do, how, when, where, etc.
Variation Between these two extremes are variations. These leadership style variations
depend on how much authority and direction is either kept by the leader or is
delegated to the subordinate. We can divide the continuum into four basic
styles.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 11 performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Items 3 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the definition from
Through 7 column 2 that best describes the leadership trait in column 1. The answers in
column 2 may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 9 Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare is which leadership
principle?
a. Teamwork
b. Caring for others
c. Knowing capabilities
d. Self-improvement
Item 10 Leadership style can be defined as the leader’s _____ pattern as _____ by the
Marine who the leader is attempting to influence, guide, or direct.
a. physical, determined
b. behavioral, perceived
c. perception, acknowledged
d. behavioral, determined
Item 11 The leader defines limits and permits subordinates to make decisions can be
described as which leadership style?
a. Democratic
b. Telling
c. Autocratic
d. Delegating
Answers The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you
have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope The SNCOs are frequently referred to as the backbone of the Marine Corps.
In many respects, this is true, for the SNCO handles most of the day-to-day,
close supervision of the Marines in their platoons. This lesson describes the
professionalism and ethics SNCOs demonstrate in the conduct of day-to-day
operations with subordinates and seniors.
• Identify the documents in which the military code of ethics may appear.
Definition of a Military professionals are people who have undergone special preparation and
Professional training. They have the knowledge on which professional actions are based
and the ability to apply that knowledge in a practical way. Their profession is
a means of earning a living, but wages do not become the primary purpose of
their work. The professional Marine must be competent, responsible, and
dedicated.
Why Is A Marine is a public servant who is responsible for the defense of the nation.
Professionalism A leader is responsible for the lives of their Marines. In combat, they may
Important? have to take risks, which endanger their lives to accomplish a mission. If
leaders are careless and have not conditioned themselves and trained their
followers to act professionally, a unit may suffer needless casualties.
A Marine, like other members of the armed services, must follow a unique
value system that sets them apart from the rest of society. This value system
is based upon obedience, courage, discipline, selflessness, and honor.
Careerists Careerists are Marines who seek advancement for their own sake and who see
it exclusively as a goal rather than an opportunity to do something of greater
value for their nation and the Marine Corps.
Occupation Marines for whom being a Marine is an occupation rather than a profession
Versus are motivated by money instead of the nature of the profession and its
Profession associated responsibilities.
Problems Careerists and Marines who view their position as an occupation are hurting
the professional image Marines have developed in more than 220 years of
service to this country. These two types of Marines are harmful to unit
readiness and the individual’s ability to perform in combat. Leaders must
aggressively attack both problems by
• Setting the example for subordinates and living a life according to the
military ethic
• Setting and enforcing standards that will not tolerate or support the actions
of careerists or those for whom being a Marine is just an occupation
Definition Ethics, generally interchangeable with morality, has been described as the
science that deals with conduct insofar as what is considered right or wrong,
good or bad. Webster defines ethics as the principles of conduct governing
an individual, profession, or group.
The Military The Marine Corps does not have a specific code written as one document.
Code of Ethics The Corps’ code or military ethic exists in many forms and documents. It is
primarily the ethical practices that society accepts and the legal system
supports. The following documents contain Marine Corps ethical practices:
• Oath of Office
• Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
• Code of Conduct
• Code of Ethics for Government Service
Set the The SNCO is responsible for creating an environment that eliminates poor
Example performance of duty. The SNCO should continuously set the standard and
maintain an even temper.
The phrase do as I say, not as I do simply does not work. SNCOs following
such a philosophy only come across as hypocrites or phony to their
subordinates. The best subordinates will ignore them; the worst subordinates
will take license for their wrongdoings and multiply the problem.
Boundaries In addition to setting the standard and the example, SNCOs must know the
boundaries of their positions. SNCOs should be sure they always work with
seniors in a professional manner and clearly understand their own limits of
position relative to their seniors. SNCOs will not issue orders for which they
do not have the authority to enforce.
By issuing an order without the authority to enforce it, the SNCO can lose a
great deal of respect from subordinates and seniors when forced to withdraw
the order.
SNCOs must know what degree of authority has been granted to them and
what they are allowed to use as rewards and incentives. If you do not have
the authority to say when liberty is granted, when a person is going to be
promoted, or when a Marine is going to be selected to perform a highly
sought after task, be careful not to imply that you have this power.
You should make it clear to your subordinates that you do not have this
authority, but that your recommendations are generally accepted in these
areas. When a subordinate has accomplished an especially creditable piece of
work, make sure they get the proper reward in a timely fashion.
Supervision The SNCO should observe all subordinates performing assigned duties and
evaluate subordinates daily to be sure they all are productive in their
assignment. The SNCO can then make changes when necessary.
Motivation and challenge are positive incentives to build and keep high
morale in the ranks of subordinates. Therefore, do not place Marines in jobs
for which they lack knowledge and skill or they will lose motivation. Nor
should you place Marines in jobs for which their ability, knowledge, and skill
far exceed the requirement to perform the job. Doing so removes the
challenge and deteriorates motivation.
The point is to match the Marine’s knowledge and skill with the required
tasks to provide challenging, but attainable jobs to each Marine.
Initiative For subordinates to reach their maximum potential, they must have the
opportunity to exercise their skills. The NCOs, especially, must be given the
opportunity to use their own initiative even though mistakes due to lack of
knowledge and experience as well as errors in judgment may occur.
• Down – information flows openly all the way from the top of the chain to
the bottom.
Integrity SNCOs should be as good as their word at all times and in any circumstances.
On many occasions, subordinates will try to get you to compromise your
integrity. If you do so, they will be quick to take advantage of the situation
and tempt you repeatedly. Eventually their true feelings of disrespect and
contempt will appear. Once this occurs, it will be almost impossible for you
to regain your self-respect and your authority over them.
Your subordinates want you to do what is right, and they must know without
a doubt that they can depend on you to be consistent with your words in all
that you do.
Fairness Fairness is another element necessary to build and maintain good leadership.
To relate to subordinates fairly, you must
• Treat people justly. This does not mean that you treat all Marines alike.
Instead, you must study your subordinates carefully. When you are
certain you have discovered all the factors that apply to the case, you
apply an appropriate corrective action. That action must neither be too
harsh nor too easy. It must be tailored to the situation and the individuals
involved and still be fair to all parties involved.
• Exercise the privileges of rank with respect and dignity. When you desire
respect from Marines, be sure you treat them with equal respect. Build up
their self-respect. Overbearing and insulting treatment of subordinates are
signs of cowardly leadership. Consideration, courtesy, and respect from
leaders toward juniors are integral parts of discipline and good leadership.
Senior- As with the information, responsibilities flow up and down the chain of
Subordinate command. SNCOs, senior SNCOs, and officers must establish a mutually
Relationship supporting relationship. They must exhibit a large degree of trust,
confidence, and professional camaraderie between themselves. When this
exists, the strong points of each can be exploited for the good of the
organization, and shortcomings can be minimized.
Advisory Role SNCOs at all levels must provide seniors with essential feedback and advice
concerning problems within the unit and help seniors by supervising and
counseling enlisted personnel.
If the SNCO withholds advice for any reason or the senior perceives that his
position is being undermined, the command is prone to be negatively
impacted.
Professional If the SNCO and senior demonstrate any indication that they are not working
Bearing closely together, the other members of the unit will quickly sense it and may
try to play one person against the other to the detriment of all.
Support Leaders make decisions every day involving not only the service, but the
morale and welfare of their subordinates. To demonstrate support for leaders
and successful mission accomplishment, SNCOs should express their
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 6 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 4 SNCOs have the responsibility for molding subordinates into Marines.
Which of the following is a method that SNCOs use to mold their subordinate
Marines?
a. Promise of promotion
b. Displaying anger
c. Clear instructions
d. Showing favoritism
Item 6 Which of the following describes the relationship between SNCO and senior?
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 50 minutes
Study Time
Unit Scope This study unit introduces the Marine Corps counseling program. It also
discusses the procedures for advising Marines on recommending proficiency
and conduct marks.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses proficiency and conduct marks that play a prominent
role in determining the type of discharge an enlisted Marine will receive. As
an evaluation of our qualities and value to the Corps, comments and
recommendations have significant impact in promotion, assignment, and
career development. Therefore, it is imperative for any Marine in a
leadership role to be able to recommend or write appropriate evaluations, and
counsel other Marines concerning their performance. This lesson discusses
the reference and occasions for assignment of proficiency and conduct marks
for your Marines.
When Counseling should begin when Marines first join a unit, continue at frequent
intervals during their tour of duty, and terminate only upon detachment.
Initial Session During the initial counseling sessions, the reporting senior should ensure that
the Marine understands the nature and extent of their duties, standards of
performance they are expected to achieve, and how the reporting senior will
judge their performance.
Subsequent In next sessions point out the degree to which the Marine has/has not met
Sessions established performance standards and any noteworthy achievements or
shortcomings to be corrected. All Marines have a vested interest in their
standing among their peers and any suggestions or opportunities open to them
for further career development.
Reference Guidelines for the assignment of proficiency and conduct marks are contained
in the MCO P1070.12_Individual Records Administration Manual (IRAM).
Procedure The table below lists the steps for recommending proficiency and conduct
marks.
Step Action
1 Determine the Marine’s last proficiency and conduct marks. This
gives the evaluator a base to build on.
2 Look at the charts in the IRAM. Refer to counseling sheets on the
Marine within the marking period.
3 Recommend proper marks.
4 Counsel the Marine on the recommended marks.
5 Forward the recommended marks up the chain of command.
Note: The commanding officer has the final say on the proficiency and
conduct marks the Marine actually receives.
Occasions The following table lists the occasions for submitting proficiency and conduct
marks on regular and reserve Marines. The table also contains the codes for
each occasion.
Regular Reserve
Occasion
Code Code
Transfer TR TR
Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL) DL DL
Discharge DC DC
Promotion to Corporal or Sergeant PR PR
Reduction RD RD
Declared Deserter (first day of UA period) DD ---
Last Day Prior to Declaring Deserter PD ---
To TAD TD ---
TAD Complete TC ---
Change of Primary Duty CD CD
Service School Completion SC SC
Semiannual (reported 31 January and 31 July) SA ---
Annual (reported on 31 December) --- AN
Completion of Annual Training --- AT
Recommended (see MCO P1400.32) RE RE
Active Duty Special Work (ADSW) --- RT
Filing The table below lists different situations where an occasion will take
Occasions precedence over another.
If… Then…
The effective date for transfer coincides with Transfer marks take
the requirement to report semiannual marks precedence
The Marine attends annual training within 90 Report annual marks
days of the effective date for reporting annual
marks
The Marine receives a mark for any other Report annual marks of
occasion within 90 days of the effective date Not Applicable
for reporting annual marks
The effective date for annual marks coincides Annual marks take
with any reporting occasion other than precedence
promotion or transfer
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 8 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Which reference contains guidelines and standards for assignment of conduct
and proficiency marks?
Item 2 Which of the following are occasions for submitting proficiency and conduct
marks?
Item 3 What are the effective dates when assigning semiannual proficiency and
conduct marks for regular Marines?
a. TRAN
b. TR
c. TF
d. TD
Items 5 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the filing instruction from
Through 8 column 2 that best matches the occasion in column 1. The answers in column
2 may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
___5. If the effective date for transfer coin- a. Report annual marks
cides with the requirement to report b. Annual marks take
semi-annual marks precedence
___6. If the Marine attends annual training c. Transfer marks take
within 90 days of the effective date for precedence
reporting annual marks d. Report annual marks of
___7. If the Marine receives a mark for any Not Applicable
other occasion within 90 days of the
effective date for reporting annual marks
___8. If the effective date for annual marks
coincides with any reporting occasion
other than promotion or transfer
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson will provide guidelines that are necessary to properly evaluate
Marines on proficiency and conduct. The IRAM sets the qualities and
standards for recommending these marks. However, the commanding officer
has the discretion to assign marks outside of these standards.
• Identify the standards for proficiency and conduct and its corresponding
adjective rating.
In This Lesson The table below lists the topics covered in this lesson.
Qualities When recommending proficiency marks, all attributes of the Marine should
be considered.
• Mission accomplishment
• Leadership
• Intellect and wisdom
• Individual character
• Physical fitness
• Personal appearance
Evaluation For an honorable discharge, the Marine must display proficiency marks
Marks averaging at least 3.0. Any mark below 3.0 not supported by documentation
of a court-martial or non-judicial punishment requires an entry in the
Administrative Remarks of the Service Record Book, page 11.
Standards The table below, guidelines from MCO P1070.12_ Individual Records
Administration Manual (IRAM), lists the recommended proficiency marks
and their corresponding adjective ratings.
Corresponding
Mark Adjective Standard of Proficiency
Rating
• Does unacceptable work in most duties
• Generally undependable
0 to 1.9 Unacceptable • Needs considerable assistance and close
supervision on even the simplest
assignment
• Does acceptable work in some duties but
not dependable
2 to 2.9 Unsatisfactory
• Needs assistance and close supervision on
all but the simplest assignments
• Handles routine matters acceptably
3 to 3.9 Below Average • Needs close supervision when performing
duties not of a routine nature
• Dependable in doing regular duties
thoroughly and competently
4 to 4.4 Average
• Usually needs assistance in dealing with
problems not of a routine nature
• Does excellent work in all regular duties
4.5 to 4.8 Excellent but needs assistance in dealing with
extremely difficult or unusual assignments
• Does superior work in all duties
• Extremely difficult or unusual
4.9 to 5.0 Outstanding assignments given with full confidence
the job will be thoroughly and
competently completed
Qualities When recommending conduct marks, the evaluator must consider these
qualities:
• Bearing
• Attitude
• Interest
• Reliability
• Courtesy
• Cooperation
• Obedience
• Adaptability
• Participation
• Physical fitness
• Moral fitness
• Influence on others
Evaluation For an honorable discharge, the Marine must display conduct marks
Marks averaging at least 4.0. Any mark below 4.0 not supported by documentation
of a court-martial or non-judicial punishment requires an entry in the
Administrative Remarks of the Service Record Book, page 11.
Standards The table below, guidelines from MCO P1070.12_ Individual Records
Administration Manual (IRAM), lists the recommended conduct marks and
their corresponding adjective ratings.
Corresponding
Mark Adjective Standard of Conduct
Rating
• Habitual offender
• Convicted by general, special, or more
than one summary court-martial
• Given a mark of “0” upon declaration of
0 to 1.9 Unacceptable
desertion
• Ordered to confinement pursuant to
sentence of court-martial
• Two or more punitive reductions in grade
• No special court-martial
• Not more than one summary court-
martial
2.0 to 2.9 Unsatisfactory
• Not more than one nonjudicial
punishment
• One punitive reduction in grade
• No court-martial
• Not more than one nonjudicial
punishment
• No favorable impressions of the qualities
listed on 2-14
• Failure to make satisfactory progress
3 to 3.9 Below average while assigned to weight control or
military appearance
• Conduct such as not to impair
appreciably one’s usefulness or the
efficiency of the command, but conduct
not sufficient to merit an honorable
discharge
Standards,
continued
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 4 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 2 Which of the following qualities are considered when recommending conduct
marks?
Item 3 Scenario: Lance Corporal White handles routine matters acceptably, but in
your opinion, he has not performed to the best of his abilities. He gets the job
done; however, both you and the squad leader have often found it necessary
to supervise him closely when he is assigned a task, which is not routine.
You have encouraged him to take correspondence courses, but to date he has
not enrolled himself. Several times during the past 5 months, you have been
obliged to counsel him for leaving on liberty when his squad was not squared
away. He has received one valid letter of indebtedness from a local merchant
during this marking period. He keeps himself in good physical condition. Of
your three squad leaders, he is the least effective.
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope This study unit is designed to give you an understanding of how to evaluate
personal and family readiness.
• Identify the actions a Marine and their spouse can take to maintain
readiness during a deployment.
Estimated 45 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the measures a Marine and their spouse should take to
prepare them before the Marine leaves for a deployment.
Definition Family readiness is defined as families who are prepared and equipped with
the skills and tools to successfully meet the challenges of the military
lifestyle. A successful deployment for the Marine and family requires
readiness through planning and advanced preparation.
Importance Similar to the unit making preparations for their deployment, many steps must
be taken by the Marine to ensure his/her family can continue efficiently
during his/her absence. Gathering information is but the first step. A
successful deployment requires good communication and an understanding of
the roles each family member will play during this time.
Support Many organizations are a part of the support structure available to the Marine
and family preparing for a deployment. The installation Marine Corps
Community Services (MCCS) can provide information, guidance, and support
during the preparation stage and for the family during the deployment. The
MCCS web site, (http://www.usmc-mccs.org) also displays information on
applicable support programs and links to other military support sites. The
unit Key Volunteer Network (KVN), Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
(NMCRS), and the American Red Cross are great resources for Marine
families as are the chaplain and his/her staff.
Working out a The Marine and spouse should review family financial procedures and ensure
Plan all financial matters are resolved prior to departure. There should be a good
understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each spouse concerning
allocation of pay, payment of bills, and a household budget. The Financial
Specialist with your installation Marine Corps Community Services Personal
Services Financial Management Program, the Navy Marine Corps Relief
Society, and many credit unions and banks can provide assistance with budget
planning. Each unit has a command financial specialist. The Marine should
ensure the family has enough money each pay period for basic living
expenses such as rent, food, and utilities.
Direct Deposit Direct Deposit to a joint account can lead to confusion and problems if both
Distribution spouses are writing checks and making withdrawals on the same account.
Bounced checks and letters of indebtedness can result. Most banks will set up
separate accounts and distribute the direct deposit funds between the accounts
as requested. Transfer of funds between accounts can easily be made if one
person falls short of cash. Contact your bank or credit union for more
information regarding direct deposit.
Type “D” The Marine can initiate an allotment to family members to cover basic living
Allotment expenses. All or part of a Marine’s basic pay or BAH can be allotted.
Type “S” Savings allotment to a joint account can allow the spouse to draw out the
Allotment needed amount of money.
How to Only the Marine, not the spouse, can start, stop, or change an allotment.
Start/Stop an Should an allotment need to be changed, the Marine can change it through the
Allotment unit G-1 (S-1 or Admin Office) or via the E/MSS (Employee/Member Self
Service, website: http://emss.dfas.mil, phone: 1-877-363-3677 in CONUS).
The LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) can also be viewed on the E/MSS
website with a user p.i.n (personal identification number). It can take up to
45 days (three pay periods) for implementation of an allotment. Once the
Marine is deployed there can be a 60-day lag.
Quantity of A Marine may allot part or all of his/her pay, with the exception of
Allotment COMRATS (commuted rations) and clothing allowance. When individuals
start an allotment, it is wise to have money set aside, particularly if allotting a
large amount of total pay. The money for an allotment is taken out of both
checks, the 1st and 15th of the month. The first allotment check is issued on
the first of the following month. If there is a pressing need for the funds
when an allotment is started or delayed, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
(NMCRS) can often assist with an interest-free loan until the money arrives.
A Marine can sign a pre-authorization form at NMCRS to enable his/her
family members to receive assistance. If the family member is not pre-
authorized, permission via Red Cross message can be a long process. A
General Power of Attorney can also be used as authorization for assistance
from NMCRS.
Split Pay This option allows Marines enrolled in the direct deposit program to receive a
portion of their pay at their duty locality each payday. This requested split
pay amount must be a whole dollar amount less than or equal to the Marine’s
normal pay. The remainder of pay will be transmitted to the Marine’s
financial institution.
Family All deployed Marines with family members are eligible for Family Separation
Separation Allowance (FSA) $100.00 per month. This allowance will be reported on day
Allowance 31 of the deployment. It can take several paychecks before the money is
(FSA) received, but it will be dated back to include payment from the first day of
deployment to the end of deployment. There are reasons that can cause
termination of the allowance such as extended social or permanent visits of
family members.
Temporary All personnel will receive temporary additional duty pay while deployed for
Additional over 30 days or more than 50 miles away. The amount varies with rank and
Duty (TAD) deployment site.
Basic Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) payment or stay in base housing will
Allowance for continue through the deployment.
Housing (BAH)
Additional Pay Other possible additions to pay are imminent danger pay, COLA (Cost of
Entitlements Living Allowance), flight deck duty pay, and sea pay. Specific pay issues
will be dependent upon the type, length, and location of the deployment.
Safeguarding Keep all important documents safeguarded from potential destruction of fire
or theft.
Family Budget The following is a good form to use when finding your family budget.
Plan
MONTHLY EXPENSES
********(List here monthly expenses which are not paid by allotment)*********
INSURANCE:
LIFE ________________________ $___________ $____________
HOMEOWNER’S _______________ $___________ $____________
VEHICLE _____________________ $___________ $____________
(=) $___________________
MONTHLY INCOME
Emergency Family members can contact their Marines to inform them of family
emergencies (i.e., death, illness, or injury) through
• American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services toll free in the
United States at 1-877-272-7337
Casualty A Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) notifies the next of kin in the
event of serious injury, illness, or death of a Marine. A uniformed Marine
representative will make notification in person. In most cases a Chaplain will
accompany the CACO. This may not be possible in some cases such as in a
Marine Corps Reserve unit or when next of kin do not reside near an
installation.
Routine The Key Volunteer Network provides official communication within the unit.
Any official message will be passed via the Key Volunteer phone tree,
verbatim from the Commander, or his/her designee to each family. Official
messages may include schedules for return dates and port calls, changes in
those schedules, mishap reports, etc. All Marine Expeditionary Units
(MEUs) have official web sites accessible through http://www.usmc.mil;
some will have telephone numbers with automated update messages. Unit
family readiness personnel will provide details and information about these
services at the unit predeployment briefs.
Spouses The following is a form for the spouse to complete that will indicate her/his
Emergency preferences in the event of an emergency. This form should be kept with the
Data Sheet spouse.
CHILDREN
Spouses
Emergency
Data Sheet,
continued
Do they have power of attorney if your child needs medical treatment? Yes: No:
Sitter’s Name: Phone:
Doctor’s Name: Phone:
Spouses Name / Rank:
Specific office / workplace: SSN:
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY INVOLVING YOUR SPOUSE
In order of preference, who should care for your children? (If name, address and phone number were
not listed earlier in the form, please include this information. Also, please indicate if these people
have power of attorney for medical treatment.)
Are these people aware you have given their names to care for your children? Yes: No:
Spouses
Emergency
Data Sheet,
continued
Do you have any pets that need to be cared for if Yes: No: Pet’s Name:
something were to happen to you or your spouse?
Please indicate who you would like to care for your pet.
Name: Phone:
Address: Any special instructions for feeding, walking, etc.
Is the pet on any medications? No: Yes: If yes, give details:
I give my permission allowing the Key Volunteer Coordinator or the Key Volunteer Advisor to
utilize this information should an emergency occur involving my spouse or involving myself when
my spouse is away.
Signature: Date:
YOUR PARENTS OR CLOSEST RELATIVE
Spouses
Emergency
Data Sheet,
continued
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Special needs, health problems involving you, your spouse or your children, allergies, pregnant, etc.
In the space provided below, give clear directions to your house so that we can find you in case of an
emergency.
Responsibility A Family Care Plan is the responsibility of Marines who are single parents;
dual military couples; Marines who otherwise bear sole responsibility for the
care of minor children; or Marines with family members who are unable to
care for themselves in the Marine’s absence.
Guidance A Family Care Plan provides guidance and procedures to the person(s) who
provide care for the Marine’s children, disabled, elderly, and/or other family
member(s) in the absence of the Marine due to military duty (training
exercises, temporary duty, deployments, etc.). The plan outlines the legal,
health care (medical and dental), logistical, educational, monetary, and
religious arrangements for the care of the Marine’s family member(s) or ward
to include Wills, Power(s) of Attorney, Certificates of Guardianship or
Escort, family contacts, Special Letters of Instruction, and any other
documentation reasonably necessary for the caregiver’s use.
In Absence of The plan must be sufficiently detailed and systematic to provide for a smooth,
Marine rapid transfer of responsibilities to the caregiver upon the absence of the
Marine. Marine Corps Order 1740.13B provides guidance for Family Care
Plans. The Plan must be reviewed for accuracy and validity each year and is
a part of the Marine’s service record. Family Care Plans for those Marines
who are required to have them are also included as a part of the unit family
readiness program.
Available Services available at the Legal Assistance Office are free. They include, but
Services are not limited to, general estate planning, wills, insurance review and general
property matters. Advice is available on such matters as credit purchasing,
state and federal taxation, state motor vehicle laws, landlord-tenant
relationships, laws involving domestic issues (divorce, adoption, etc.), state
residency matters, immigration laws and commercial contract laws. Check
with your installation Legal Assistance Office for information specific to your
area.
Limitations The Marine lawyers cannot represent clients in civilian court, but they can
advise and assist active duty and retired service members that have personal
legal problems. The Legal Assistance Officer is required to treat all such
problems confidentially and may not lawfully be ordered to disclose such
information by any superior authority. When a legal problem is not within
the scope of the Legal Assistance Program, referral can be made to local
civilian counsel.
Action Act immediately when a legal issue is discovered. Immediate action will
often resolve small problems before they become more serious. For example,
the best time to ask questions is before signing a contract rather than when the
terms of the contract come into dispute. Never sign a blank contract!!
Utilization of Legal Assistance services is both advised and encouraged when
a legal problem is first identified.
Powers of One of the most important matters to consider during predeployment planning
Attorney is a Power of Attorney. A Legal Assistance officer should be contacted to
help you prepare one.
General Power A General Power of Attorney allows the holder of that legal document the
of Attorney right to sell personal property and to use the grantor’s credit. A General
Power of Attorney grants virtually unlimited ability to act for another person.
General Powers of Attorney often create more difficulties than they cure and
are generally not advised. It is an extremely powerful legal instrument and
can be a dangerous instrument in the hands of someone inexperienced in
business matters, a person of unstable temperament, or a spouse when the
marriage relationship is in a state of discord. A General Power of Attorney
should not be executed unless the individual making it is fully aware of the
risks associated with such a document. Always consider whether a Special
Power of Attorney would serve the immediate purpose.
Special Power A Special Power of Attorney allows the holder of that legal document to act
of Attorney for the grantor only when conducting business that is delineated in the
document. This power of attorney will list in writing the actions you want
conducted on your behalf. A Special Power of Attorney can be very useful
for such matters as moving of household goods, settling insurance claims, and
managing financial accounts or funds not jointly held. Care should be taken
in determining who will hold the power of attorney and what actions will be
authorized in the document. Remember without the power of attorney, the
spouse at home could be significantly hampered in dealing with matters that
may arise during deployment
Wills This document is very important for every Marine, particularly those with
family members. The primary purpose of a will is to ensure that minor
children are cared for and property distributed as the writer desires. Without
a will, state laws decide how personal property is distributed and, if there are
children involved, they can become wards of the state. The state’s wishes
generally do not follow those of the deceased. It is important that an
individual’s will reflect his/her current state of affairs so keeping it up to date
is critical. Overlooking the execution of this important document could
directly affect the security of your family. Your banking institution or a
responsible adult should be named executor of your will. A will does not
cover life insurance distribution. Insurance is a separate contract between the
insured and the insurance company. Verify that your beneficiary designations
on insurance policies are accurate and current.
In Loco This phrase means standing in place of parents. If children are in the care of
Parentis someone other than a parent or legal guardian, that person is considered in
“loco parentis.” Some states will appoint children as wards of the state when
the parents are injured and/or unconscious unless there is an original
notarized document authorizing a specific person to act as guardian. It is
possible that children in the care of someone other than the legal guardians or
parents will not be seen for medical emergencies without the original
notarized form. A separate form must be filled out and notarized for every
person caring for the child or children. For more information, DEERS
dependency information is available from the MCCS web site at
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/.
Notarization Notary public service is available at the Legal Assistance Office, most banks
and credit unions, and usually through Marine Corps Community Services.
There may be a small fee for the service depending upon where it is obtained.
Taxes Federal and state tax returns (when required) must be filed even though the
service member is deployed, unless an extension is granted. Problems in
preparing and submitting tax forms or improper tax assessment may be
directed to the Legal Assistance Office. Marine Corps installations will
normally have a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) office to assist
with preparing a return. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) refund check
will generally require the signatures of both parties in a joint filed form.
Electronic filing will require payment via direct deposit to joint account. A
special power of attorney is recommended to facilitate filing and access to
refunds. The required filing time period for Federal income tax is between
January 1 and April 15 of the year following the taxable year.
Filing Taxes If you are outside the continental United States (CONUS) on April 15th you
Outside the have until June 15th to file provided you are on official orders, not on leave.
United States You can extend the June 15th filing date up two more months after your return
to CONUS if you file an IRS Form 4868 prior to June 15th. Detailed
information may be obtained from the IRS toll free at 1-800-829-1040.
Record of The following sample will provide a gathering of all personal information that
Personal will be helpful during the deployment.
Affairs
RECORD OF PERSONAL AFFAIRS
PERSONAL DATA
1. BIRTH:
(MONTH, DAY, YEAR, TOWN, COUNTY, AND STATE)
2. NATURALIZATION:
4. MARRIAGE: WIFE:
HUSBAND:
WHERE & WHEN:
2. NATURALIZATION PAPERS:
WIFE:
HUSBAND:
CHILD:
CHILD:
CHILD:
3. CERTIFICATES:
MARRIAGE:
DIVORCE PAPERS:
DEATH CERTIFICATES:
ADOPTION PAPERS:
2. POWER OF ATTORNEY:
AGENT:
INCOME TAX:
FEDERAL RETURNS:
STATE RETURNS:
CITY:
PERSONAL PROPERTY:
INSURANCE
1. LIFE:
INSURANCE CO: POLICY NO: PAYMENT AMT:
INSURANCE CO: POLICY NO: PAYMENT AMT:
INSURANCE CO: POLICY NO: PAYMENT AMT:
2. HOMEOWNERS/RENTERS/PROPERTY:
DEDUCTIBLES, EFFECTIVE DATES:
3. AUTO:
CITY/COUNTY/STATE REGISTRATION:
INSPECTION CERTIFICATES:
AUTO CLUB/TOWING SERVICE:
SOCIAL SECURITY
1. SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER:
HUSBAND: CARD/STUB LOCATED AT:
WIFE: CARD/STUB LOCATED AT:
CHILD: CARD/STUB LOCATED AT:
CHILD: CARD/STUB LOCATED AT:
CHILD: CARD/STUB LOCATED AT:
2. LOCATED AT:
2. BENEFICIARY:
DESIGNATED BENEFICIARY
2. TROUBLE CALLS
a. PLUMBER: NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
b. ELECTRICIAN: NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
c. HEATING/AC: NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
d. MECHANIC NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE:
Communication Often, family members don’t talk about deployments because the possibility
is the Key of separation makes them feel uncomfortable. Honest discussion is usually
the best way to deal with anxiety and minimize potential problems. Agree
how often you will write and what type of information will be shared.
Discuss alternate ways to communicate such as email, video and cassette
tapes, letters and phone calls. It is a good idea to plan in advance for length
and frequency of phone calls. Establishing a few ground rules and making a
list of the “need to know” items before a call will help to keep phone bills
under control. Plan ways to keep the connection with relatives and decide
who will write/send gifts to parents and other family members for special
occasions.
Varied Feelings Couples preparing for deployment and separation go through many emotions.
At first, they may feel excited. Later, they may start to withdraw from each
other in an attempt to deal with powerful feelings. After separation and
reunion, they may be disappointed that things did not go as they hoped.
Intense feelings are normal. Recognize your feelings and expectations and
talk to your partner about them.
Coping with Have special photos taken of you and your family together and of your spouse
Feelings or loved one alone. Give your special someone a keepsake for the
deployment that will act as an emotional tie to keep you connected when you
feel a since of loneliness. Be romantic before the deployment and create
special moments to cherish. Recognize that many couples argue right before
a deployment. Talking about your feelings ahead of time can help minimize
this.
Plan Ahead Try to anticipate what will happen after deployment and separation. Plan
how to handle practical problems. For example, decide what to do if the
furnace or car breaks down. Discuss how you want to share bad news. Try to
write about solutions and plans, not focusing on the problems. For the spouse
at home, once you find a comfortable routine, stay with it. Many people find
that routine and ritual can be comforting. Identify your support systems:
Plan Special Discuss and plan how you will spend the day of departure as well as starting
Days homecoming plans that can be discussed and refined throughout the
separation. Indicate special events, birthdays, and school activities on a
calendar and duplicate so that each spouse has a copy. For special occasions,
cards can be purchased and flowers and gifts can be ordered in advance for
family members at home. Discuss special items the deploying spouse wants
and needs and develop a list of suggestions for care packages.
The Shock Be prepared for a shock. No matter how well you prepare for separation, no
matter how much you talk it through, when the day finally arrives, you will
still feel surprised that it is really happening.
Deployment Many people assume that one “gets used to” separation, and therefore, each
deployment and separation is less difficult and hurtful. The first deployment
requires the greatest adaption because everything is new. The next several
deployments are somewhat easier because of lessons learned. However, if the
deployment cycle is frequent and continuous, families find that the effect is
cumulative and the strain is great. Knowing that there are others with the
same feelings and experiences during this time may make you feel less alone.
Return and After the service member returns home, you cannot pick up right where you
Reunion left off before the deployment. Each partner has been changed by the
experience and the physical, mental, financial, and emotional challenges they
have faced. A wife and husband are different after separation and must learn
to be flexible as they adapt to each other’s and the children’s growth.
Illnesses Some of your friends and even your doctor may think all of your illnesses
suffered during deployment are a figment of your imagination or due to your
spouse’s absence. Many spouses feel there is a tendency by doctors to
attribute very real pain or illness to the absence of the deployed partner. Their
suffering may be inaccurately diagnosed as childish attention-getting
behavior. Stress can bring on medical problems and it is important to have
those addressed.
Dealing with A deployment can be emotionally challenging for those left behind, especially
Deployment children. Although children’s reactions will vary with their personalities,
ages and coping skills, changes of the magnitude of a deployment will almost
always be puzzling to children.
Before Make sure children know they are loved unconditionally. Often young
Deployment children see themselves as the cause of separation. Make sure children know
this isn’t the case. Spend time with each child individually before leaving.
Suggestions for dealing with young children include:
• Be truthful, children can sense when they are being lied to.
• Let children know it’s Okay to talk about feelings, even negative ones.
• Tell children when you are leaving and how long you will be gone.
• If possible, give the children a tour of the place you’re going.
• Ensure that each child is left with a picture of the deploying parent.
• Visit your child’s school before deployment and talk with the teacher(s).
During Suggestions for dealing with your children while on deployment may include:
Deployment
• Maintain routines; regular mealtimes and bedtimes can help children
cope.
• Don’t let the separation mean a free rein, discipline consistently.
• Let children know they are making a valuable contribution by doing their
chores.
• Families find it helpful to mark days off a calendar till the return of a
Marine.
• Encourage each child to send their own letters and pictures to parent.
• Constantly talk about the deployed parent in daily conversations.
• Post a large world map and help the children track where the parent is.
Return and Suggestions for dealing with your children for the return of the deployed
Reunion Marine may include:
• Returning parents need to remember it’s hard for children to get use to
having them back around.
• Be patient; let your children know how much you love them.
• Be prepared for the adjustment period, for both parents towards the child.
• Returning parent should remember not to disturb a family set up.
• If there is a new baby that has arrived since the beginning of the
deployment, returning parents should introduce themselves slowly.
Infants (Birth- The following are some examples of what you may see for infants:
12 Months)
• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
• May want to be held more
• May seem fussier than usual
Toddlers (Ages The following are some examples of what you may see for toddlers:
1 to 3 Years)
• Show regression in walking or potty training
• Cry for no apparent reason
• Whine and cling to you
Pre- The following are some examples of what you may see for pre-school
School/Kinder- children:
garden Age
• Clinging to people or favorite toy/blanket
• Unexplained crying or tearfulness
• Increased acts of anger or frustration
• Sleep difficulties, nightmares, frequent waking
• Worry about the safety of everyone
• Loss of appetite
• Fear of new people or situations
School Age The following are some examples of what you may see for school age
children:
Adolescents The following are some examples of what you may see for adolescents:
Relationship Children who have a good relationship with parents usually cope well with
separation. They have an understanding of the parent’s job and why
deployment is an important part of it.
The Key Frequent and dependable communication between the deployed parent and
the family plays a key role in a child’s security and ability to cope with
separation. All children adjust differently to deployment.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 7 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 A family who is prepared and equipped with the skills and tools to
successfully meet the challenges of the military lifestyle is defined as
a. family preparedness.
b. family readiness.
c. Marine Corps values.
d. key family planning.
a. Email
b. Letter mail
c. MARS
d. Local Red Cross Chapter
a. Individual Marine
b. Platoon sergeant
c. Platoon commander
d. Company commander
a. Legal planning
b. Sensible planning
c. Corrective planning
d. Mandatory planning
Item 6 What is the key emotional factor when planning for a deployment?
a. Money problems
b. Communication
c. Shock
d. Loneliness
Item 7 What are some of the examples of how a pre-school child may be affected by
a parent being absent due to a deployment?
a. Misdirected anger
b. Worry about family and finances
c. Eating difficulties
d. Low self-esteem
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 45 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the principles involved in evaluating personal and
family readiness while a Marine is on deployment.
• Identify the dental benefits you and your spouse have available.
• State the documents required when traveling and taking leave overseas.
Communication Communication during deployment takes many different forms. The greatest
morale builder during deployment is communication from home. Some ways
of communication are
• Sending letters
• Sending cassette tapes
• Making cards
• Sending “care” packages
• Sending email messages
• Making phone calls
Security As you communicate with home, it is crucial that you remember the
importance of operational security. Operational security consists of measures
taken to ensure that sensitive information is not compromised. Ensuring the
security of the unit and unit families depends on many factors such as:
• Deployment areas
• Deployment times
• Port call dates
• Special shore deployments
Note: Location of spouses and families during deployment, any special pre-
deployment training and the planned return date are also information
items that are sensitive. Avoid discussing operational information in
public places, over the telephone, or with members of the media.
• Do not brag to the other spouses about the number of letters you write or
receive.
• Avoid gossip!
• Be clear. Do not assume that one spouse knows what the other is talking
about. An earlier letter explaining details may not have been received.
• For couples with young children: Let the kids record cassettes for their
deployed parent.
Email Using email can be an efficient way to communicate with your Marine
overseas. Again, number the email because dates aren’t always effective due
to time differences and how often your Marine is able to check his/her email.
If you don’t have a computer with Internet at home, you can access one at the
installation or community library, cyber cafés, and shopping malls. If you
have a USO (United Services Organization) close to where you live, they
normally provide free Internet services to military families in addition to
many other activities.
Email Security Remember operational security and never discuss operational details such as
ship’s position, command mission, or scheduling such as specific port call
dates.
Pre-Read Read the contents before you send it. As you are reading, ask yourself some
questions:
Calling Cards A variety of telephone cards are available through many different sources.
Most phone companies issue cards and bill for charges monthly. Be sure to
research hours, rates, and service charges that will accrue when this card is
used.
Prepaid Calling Prepaid phone cards are based on the number of minutes. It is a good idea to
Cards research the rules of the card before purchasing it. There are many different
brands and denominations of cards and the expense may vary greatly. Be
sure to educate yourself about the rules of phone cards purchased at retail
outlets before you buy.
Military Occasionally Marine’s aboard ship or in port may be able to place a military
Affiliate Radio affiliate radio station (MARS) call home. These calls are made via amateur
Station radio to a receiving station in the United States and then via commercial
(MARS) Calls phone to your home. You are only charged the collect rate from the receiving
station (usually in California), but the call must be limited to 3 minutes.
Morale Calls During 1981 the Secretary of Defense authorized the military services to use
the AUTOVON (now Defense Switching Network/DSN) system at HQMC to
allow family members to contact servicemen who are deployed overseas in
remote areas. One family member per service member, a bona fide spouse,
child, or parent, is eligible to use this privilege for one overseas morale call
every 30 days using the DSN system.
Morale Calls The morale calls are made through the Marine Corps Command Center
Information (MCCC) located at HQMC, Arlington, VA. Calls are restricted to two lines:
(703) 695-7366 or toll free at 1-866-HQMCNOW (1-866-476-2669). If a
morale call is received on any other line, the person calling is informed of the
correct number and directed to the proper DSN operator.
Long Distance Basic rates and hours for your local phone company will vary greatly. It is a
Rates good idea to research the different plans before deciding on one. Remember,
when comparing, take into consideration any monthly plan fees as well as per
minute rates. Compare rates for the original place of call as well as the
destination.
TRICARE TRICARE services and procedures differ based on the region in which you
are stationed. Correct enrollment in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility
Reporting System) is essential for all family members. Failure to enroll in the
DEERS system will result in a family member being denied use of support
services, including medical facilities.
Dental Benefits The TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) is a voluntary dental plan available to
family members of all active duty and Active Guard/Reserve personnel. This
program offers comprehensive benefits with low premiums. It is available
worldwide. There are two levels of enrollment:
• Single coverage is for sponsors with only one eligible family member.
• Family coverage is for sponsors with more than one eligible family
member.
Enrollment All new enrollees must submit a payment equal to one month’s premium with
Process their enrollment form. United Concordia will verify enrollment in DEERS
upon receipt of the form to confirm eligibility. Members should contact
United Concordia at 1-800-866-8499 inside CONUS, 1-888-418-0466 outside
CONUS, to verify that payment and enrollment form were received, verified,
and activated in the system before going to treatment.
Choosing a Choosing a United Concordia Participating Dentist will allow you to pay only
Dentist your cost share at the time of service. It will also save you money because
these dentists have agreed to the United Concordia allowances for covered
services. Choosing any licensed/authorized dentist is acceptable. Be aware
that the dentist may require full payment at time of service.
• You pay 40% of the monthly fee. Your parent branch of service pays
60% of the monthly fee.
• Annual maximum is $1200 per member per contact year (Feb. 1st-Jan.
31st) for all services excluding orthodontics. Cost for some services such
as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and some exams and x-rays are not
applied to this annual maximum.
Vital Statistics The following Vital Statistics Record can assist you with gathering all of the
Record medical information that may be needed in an emergency.
MARINE
I. VITAL STATISTICS
Age: Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color:
Distinguishing marks/Physical characteristics:
Any religious information or considerations, which would have a bearing on medical treatment:
Vital Statistics
Record for the SPOUSE
I. VITAL STATISTICS
Spouse Age: Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color:
Distinguishing marks/Physical characteristics:
Any religious information or considerations, which would have a bearing on medical treatment:
Vital Statistics
Record for the CHILD
I. VITAL STATISTICS
Child Age: Height: Weight: Hair Color: Eye Color:
Distinguishing marks/Physical characteristics:
Any Religious information or considerations, which would have a bearing on medical treatment:
Chaplain The Chaplain provides a friendly face, a listening ear, and can be a source of
support and reassurance while your spouse is deployed. The following
services are provided through the Chaplain Corps:
• Spiritual ministry
• Eucharistic Holy Communion-usually held at the installation chapel
• Baptism-included in Divine worship or may be held in a hospital
• Confessions-Protestant or Roman Catholic confession available
• Bible studies-conducted publicly, or private on-request
• Pastoral counseling-privately and in groups as the need arises
• Confirmation of wedding vows-as indicated and requested by individuals
• Funeral/Last Rites-as indicated and requested by individuals
• Secular ministry
• Counseling-appointments can be made by calling the Chaplain’s office
• Special ministry-in every life joy and sorrow simply happen
Navy Marine The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) is a nonprofit charitable
Corps Relief organization. The local office provides financial, educational, and other
Society services for the active duty, retired military personnel, and their family
members. “Taking care of its own” is the society’s motto. The society relies
heavily on volunteer assistance rendered by family members of military
personnel. Financial assistance may take the form of a loan without interest,
an outright grant, or a combination of the two, depending upon the
circumstances and the repayment ability.
Services Not To ensure uniformity of treatment and fairness to all personnel, the society is
Provided by the not able to provide funds in situations such as the following:
Navy Marine
Corps Relief • Assisting service members to live beyond their means (normal income).
Society
• Financing business ventures or purchasing a home/car, or similar
permanent investments.
• Financing vacations, annual leave, or liberty.
• Paying debts contracted prior to entry into the service.
• Paying income or other taxes or interest on loans.
• Purchase of nonessentials.
• Payment of fines or legal expenses.
• Providing funds for marriage, divorce, or adoption.
Barrowing NMCRS cannot lend money to a spouse without permission from his/her
Money from Marine. If the spouse has a General Power of Attorney or a Pre-
the Navy Authorization Form, available at the NMCRS office, funds can be advanced
Marine Corps for the family’s need or emergency and the Marine notified after the
Relief Society assistance is given.
American Red The Red Cross offers communications assistance when the Marine and his
Cross family are unable to communicate directly or when a family cannot obtain
information. Military families often turn to Red Cross when there is a sudden
illness, death, or birth in the family. If you are away from your hometown,
the Red Cross can help you find out about these and other emergencies in
your family. If you are the patient, Red Cross workers in military hospitals
will write letters for you or help you arrange care for children. If an
emergency arises and you must contact your spouse overseas, the Red Cross
cooperates with service officials to get the message delivered.
American Red American Red Cross (ARC) provides emergency financial assistance in the
Cross Financial event of disaster. Appropriate referrals between Navy Marine Corps Relief
Support Society (NMCRS) and Red Cross are made when necessary to give complete
consideration of needs. The Red Cross can provide financial assistance to the
NMCRS when there is no available NMCRS office. Local chapter contact
information can be obtained from the ARC web site (http://www.redcross.org),
or 1-877-272-7337 in the U.S.
Emergency If a Marine must take emergency leave, the Officer in Charge (OIC) may ask
Leave the Red Cross for an emergency leave report to verify the situation. The
information furnished by the doctor, lawyer, or other professionals involved is
then furnished to the OIC to assist him/her in making the leave decision. This
information is usually known as a Red Cross Message. However, the Red
Cross cannot approve, disapprove, or recommend emergency leave. A
Marine may also request this report before deciding whether the situation is
serious enough to take leave.
Marine Corps The Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) is a component of
Community MCCS at Marine Corps installations. The goal of MCFTB is building
Services competent, confident military families one at a time. The programs that are a
(MCCS) part of MCFTB are listed below and more information about them can be
obtained by contacting your local MCFTB office.
Key Volunteer The Commander’s program, KVN serves as a communication link between
Network (KVN) the unit and it’s families, assists in developing and maintaining a sense of
community within the Marine Corps unit, and is a reliable source of
information and referral. Each unit has its own KVN and training for Key
Volunteers is provided at the installation level by Marine Corps Community
Services. The unit Family Readiness Officer (FRO) and KV Coordinator are
the points of contact for your unit or your can contact the installation MCFTB
office for more information. Some examples of KVN responsibilities are as
follows:
Spouses’ SLS is a ten-hour training offered annually at each Marine Corps installation.
Leadership SLS enables spouses to develop basic leadership skills and enhance existing
Seminar (SLS) skills. Attendees are military spouses who have demonstrated consistent
commitment to and involvement in family readiness and community building
programs. The seminar provides the spouses with the knowledge and skills to
enhance their effectiveness in leadership positions.
Prevention & PREP is designed to enhance marriages and engagements by reducing the
Relationship potential for personal problems. It is a research-based approach to teaching
Enhancement couples constructive problem-solving skills and strategies for building
Program commitment and teamwork within their relationship.
(PREP)
Personal The Personal Services Division of MCCS is designed to assist the individual
Services Marine and the military family through centralized information/referral
services, relocation services, and the coordination of area human resources
services. The Division’s purpose is to assist in having information and
human services readily accessible and responsible to individual and family
needs.
Personal There are a wide variety of programs available through Marine Corps
Services Community Services including:
Programs
• New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
• Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• Information & Referral (I&R)
• Financial counseling
• Relocation Assistance Program (RAP)
• Volunteer programs
• Lifelong learning and off duty education
• Family member employment assistance program
• Career Resource Management Center (CRMC)
• Individual and family counseling
• Family advocacy
• Prevention & Intervention Services
• Children, youth, and teen programs including childcare and youth
activities.
Marine Corps MCCS Semper Fit is the Marine Corps’ health promotion and recreation
Community program. It includes fitness and wellness programs as well as the following:
Services
Semper Fit • Recreation opportunities
• Information, tickets, and tours
• Single Marine Program
• Special events
• Aquatics Program
• Instrumental Program
• Physical fitness center
• Youth sports
Emergency If it is recognized that problems may arise that can be relieved or alleviated
Leave only by the presence of the Marine. Emergency leave may be authorized
whenever any of the following circumstances are determined or believed to
exist by granting authorities, and normally only after American Red Cross
verification is received by the Commanding Officer. Emergency leave may
be authorized for the following reasons for the following reasons:
• Leave granting authorities may grant emergency leave for any period.
When it will include excess leave or when the leave will result in a
negative advance leave balance greater then 45 days, leave granting
authorities may not authorize emergency leave for a period greater than
60 days without prior approval of the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
• When the return of the Marine will contribute to the welfare of a dying
member of the Marine or spouse’s immediate family.
Loco Parentis In cases involving a status of loco parentis (meaning the Marine was raised
by someone other than a mother of father, i.e. grandmother, aunt, etc., that is
acting as parental unit). Such status normally should have existed for a
continuous period of at least one year prior to the Marine attaining 21 years of
age or one year prior to a Marine’s initial entry into the Marine Corps.
However, final determination of whether such a status did or did not exist is
with the leave granting authority.
Trip Planning Many times, during a Marine’s tenure with the Marine Corps, occasions arise
for spouses to join their husbands overseas while the unit is on deployment.
Several potential problems in regards to trips overseas can be easily avoided
with the proper planning and foreknowledge of information about air travel,
reservations, obtaining passports, visas, etc. If you are thinking about joining
your Marine during his deployment, start early! Some of the necessary
requirements for overseas travel take months to complete. When making
your travel arrangements, plan for the possibility that the Marine may not be
there when you arrive. Travel insurance and an alternate plan are always a
good safety net in case plans change.
Passports All family members planning to travel overseas must have a current passport.
Active duty personnel should consider carrying a passport. If you plan on
taking leave overseas, you may need a passport. Processing a passport takes
approximately 6 to 8 weeks once an application is made. Your unit’s S-2
would be the point of contacct
Loss of your If you should lose or you suspect that your passport is stolen, immediately
Passport report it to the nearest passport agency and also report it to the local police
department. To protect the integrity of the United States and the security of
the person carrying the passport that was lost or stolen, special precautions
are taken in processing lost or stolen passports cases. The main cause for the
loss or theft of a passport is carelessness. Exercise every possible precaution
to protect your passport since it is the most important document you can
possess. Guard it carefully.
Visas All family members (and active duty personnel on leave) will need a visa for
most countries they plan to visit. Your unit’s S-2 would be the point of
contact.
Continued If your family will continue residing on base housing during deployment, be
Residency sure you and your family are aware of all housing regulations. It is
recommended that before your departure, your spouse obtain a Power of
Attorney to act on your behalf in certain legal matters that may arise.
For the Family Remember to abide by all housing regulations. A family can be evicted from
government housing for proper cause even if the sponsor is deployed.
Temporary If the family will be away from base housing for a period longer than 15 days
Absence or more, but less than 30 days, it is required that a letter be submitted to the
housing manager. The letter should be sent to the Director of Family Housing
and should include the location of the family during the absence, reason for
absence, points of contact while absent, and who is designated to be
responsible for general maintenance during the absence (i.e. neighbor, friend,
etc) and their contact information.
Temporary If the family members need to be away from base housing longer than 30
Absence days, there is an additional requirement to submit an AA form requesting
Longer than 30 approval (specify length of time and reason for absence). If approved the
Days same contact information must be provided to the housing office that is
required for a standard temporary absence.
Waiting List Before being assigned to the waiting list, commands must ensure that Marines
are not in receipt of orders or expecting deployment. Those families that fall
into these categories will not be approved for family housing. If you are
unexpectedly subject to deployment and are awaiting family housing, you
must contact your housing manager and inform them of your specific
situation. For these cases the Housing Manager and the command will decide
the best course of action for the Marine and his or her family.
General Many Marine Corps bases have or are in the process of converting their
Information family housing into what has been termed Public Private Ventures (PPV).
This venture turns conventional family housing into a standard civilian
environment whereas base housing units are operated and maintained by a
civilian contractor. In many cases a different service provider will contract
each base housing section and the Marine will have to familiarize themselves
with the proper procedures for their specific location.
Family The following is a checklist that should be used when reviewing and
Checklist recording all important documents and articles from your personal lives, as
well as your home.
Family AUTOMOBILE
Checklist for
the Automobile 1. _______ Does it have a current base sticker?
2. _______ Does it have a current license plate?
3. _______ Do you have the title? Who holds the lien?
4. _______ Is the insurance paid up? When is the payment due?
5. ______ Has the car been serviced lately?
6. ______ Do you have an extra key?
7. ______ Do you know what type of oil to use? When should it be changed?
8. ______ Do you know what type of gasoline to use?
9. ______ Do you have the warranties?
10. ______ Do you now where to go for warranty repairs?
11. ______ Do you know whom to call in an automobile emergency?
12. ______ Do you have your automobile insurance agent's telephone number?
13. ______ Do you both have a current driver's license?
14. ______ Do you know what to do in case of an accident?
15. ______ If you do not have a car, who will help with transportation in an emergency?
______________________
CONDITION OF:
HOME:
PERSONAL MATTERS:
Family NEWLYWEDS
Checklist for
Newlyweds The military member of the family should do the following things to correct his/her records
immediately:
1. ______ Go to the Personnel Office with all official documents and change your official
records to show that you are married, listing your spouse as "Next of Kin" on your
Record of Emergency Data (RED).
2. ______ Check the Personnel Office to have your spouse listed as beneficiary for
government and civilian insurance policies.
3. ______ Apply for a Dependent's Identification and Privilege Card (Form DD 1172) and
enroll spouse in DEERS at your Personnel Office.
4. ______ Go to the Personnel Office and apply for BAH, COMRATS and start an adequate
dependent's allotment for your spouse.
5. ______ Check at the dispensary to have your spouse listed as Next of Kin in the event of
casualty. Be sure that your health record indicates your blood type, whether you are
Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, etc.
6. ______ Have your spouse attend a Relocation Welcome Aboard Brief.
7. ______ Make sure all bank accounts are joint. Most banks will not accept a General Power
of Attorney.
8. ______ Does your unit's Key Volunteer Coordinator have your new spouse's information?
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 7 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Letters, email, calling cards, MARS calls, and morale calls are all examples
of ________________ during a deployment.
a. communication
b. being aware
c. staying up to date
d. ways of beating boredom
Item 2 What percentage does the Government pay for a Marine who volunteers for
the dental coverage?
a. 90%
b. 80%
c. 75%
d. 60%
Item 3 The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, American Red Cross, and the
Chaplain Corps are just three examples of?
Item 4 Who is authorized to approve emergency leave for more than 60 days?
Item 5 Which of the following documents are required for family members and
Marines if traveling and taking leave overseas?
a. Original orders
b. ID card
c. Birth certificate
d. Passport
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the tips and lessons of a returning Marine both
personally and for the family from a deployment.
• Identify helpful web links for personal and family readiness and
deployment preparedness.
Returning A Marine may have a picture in his/her mind about homecoming. The family
Home runs to meet him, showering him with love and affection, everything is
exactly as he left it when the ship pulled out. The spouse is the same, the kids
are the same, and the Marine’s role in the household is the same. All of that
is possible, but it’s highly unlikely. Things have changed in the absence of a
parent or partner. The spouse has taken on a new role and learned new skills.
Your friends may have made new friends. The kids have grown and home
repairs may have been completed in a way the Marine wouldn’t have done
them. There may be new furniture, new clothes, new haircuts, new toys and
new items on the menu. The best advice for everyone is to be flexible, be
prepared for change and be patient with the readjustment process.
What to Expect Expect face-to-face communication with your spouse or loved ones to feel
awkward at first. One thing you can count on is that things will not be the
same as when the Marine left, for either of you. Take the time to listen to
each other and acknowledge the great job you both have done communicating
during the deployment.
Review It is a good idea to take time and review the deployment. Discussing issues
such as preparedness, lessons learned, and any other areas of concern can help
build your relationship and coping skills for the next deployment. Some of
the questions to ask are
Change of Don’t expect a “Change of Command” at the door. Transitions take time and
Command patience. The family members at home may be seeing the Marine’s return as
the solution to all problems. For the Marine, don’t expect to solve them all
within the first day of your return. During the deployment, the Marine was
either giving or receiving orders. The Marine needs to remember that his/her
spouse and kids will not respond well to demands and orders. Avoid the
“Who had it worse” game as the separation was difficult for both of you.
Reunion Reunion is a special time for everyone. Even though a parent’s long absence
may be a source of emotional strain for the children as well as the parent, it’s
possible to work together to rebuild that special relationship.
Opportunity With a little preparation you can make your homecoming a memorable
experience and an opportunity to improve your relationship with your loved
ones.
Family and The key to returning home from a deployment is to anticipate and prepare for
Friends changes. New routines were established while you were deployed, so
consider the following:
• Your spouse may be used to handling finances and other issues alone.
Communicate, be patient, and allow time for both of you to adjust.
• Anticipate changes in your social life; your friends may have found new
friends and new interests.
• Your children may turn away from you or have trouble talking to you.
Give them time to get used to being around you again.
Taking Care of While adjusting to family and friends, you’ll also need to address financial
Finances issues upon returning home:
• Review bank and investment accounts; revise your budget and portfolio
accordingly.
Make time to talk with anyone affected by your deployment. Above all,
remember to be patient and give yourself and loved ones time to get
reacquainted.
Ten Hints of While the deployment soon will be a fading memory, the reality of our trip
What to Do and continues along with our anticipated homecoming. Our task is to get home
What Not to Do safely and begin preparing for our reunion with families and friends. The
following “Ten Commandments of Homecoming” may prove helpful in
reducing the return and reunion stress.
• Thou shalt enjoy being an invited guest in your own home. As difficult
as it may be, our spouses and children have managed without their
Marine or Sailor.
• Thou shalt not criticize your spouse upon your return. Chances are that
your spouse has done the very best job possible given the circumstances.
• Thou shalt spend quality time with your children. Children equate love
with time spent with them.
• Thou shalt not treat your spouse like a one-night stand. Both you and
your spouse have been looking forward to your reunion for a long time.
Treat your spouse with honesty, care, and respect.
• Thou shalt compromise your social activities for the first few weeks.
Your spouse may have met new friends who provided support during the
deployment and naturally wants you to meet them.
• Thou shalt watch your finances. The best liberty port is where your
family resides, making it tempting to go out and celebrate.
• Thou shalt give your time, talents and treasures to your family. Make a
conscientious effort to integrate available funds towards the needs of the
household.
Web Links for The following are helpful web links for personal and family readiness and
Personal and deployment preparedness:
Family
Readiness • United States Marine Corps ( www.usmc.mil )
• Marine Corps Community Service (HQMC) ( www.usmc-mccs.org )
• LifeLines Service Network ( www.lifelines2000.org/home.asp,
www.lifelines2000.org/services/deployment/index.asp )
• The office of the Special Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense
(Personnel and Readiness) (http://deploymentlink.osd.mil ,
http://deploymentlink.osd.mil/deploy/prep/pre_intro.shtml )
• Tricare military health care (http://www.tricare.osd.mil )
• United Servicemen’s Organization (www.uso.org )
• American Red Cross (www.redcross.org )
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 3 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 What should a Marine anticipate when returning home from deployment?
a. Changes
b. Over excitement
c. Very little changes
d. Financial hardship
Item 3 What are some helpful web links for personal and family readiness and
deployment preparedness?
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope The key to sound financial planning of personal finances depends on you
knowing your income and planning your expenditures accordingly. You
should establish a sound financial system according to your own particular
needs and circumstances. This study unit will give you the basic tools and the
confidence to plan your financial success.
• Identify the tools that will help you to reach your financial goals.
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, you should establish a sound
financial system according to your particular needs and circumstances. This
lesson will teach you the fundamentals for determining your current financial
status and defining your budget limits.
Definition One way a lender determines how much debt you can handle is to compute
your debt-to-income ratio. This involves measuring your current obligations
against your current income.
The industry standard is that no more than 37 percent of your income should
be required to meet your debt obligations.
Worksheet The following table is a debt-to-income ratio worksheet. Use the table to
determine your debt-to-income ratio. Fill in relevant data as it is gathered and
write in calculations and/or decisions directly on the sheet itself.
Worksheet The worksheet below is an example of what it would be like when it is filled
out.
Application Ask your lender how much your minimum monthly payment will be for the
supplemental loan you are considering.
If that amount is larger than the amount remaining at the end of Step 11, you
and your lender may have reason to be concerned about your ability to
manage the additional debt.
Definition A budget is a master plan for sound financial management. Your budget
helps you set goals for spending and saving your money. Budgeting actually
brings you face-to-face with reality and makes you think about alternatives in
spending.
• Fixed expenses. List those expenses that are the same or almost the same
every month. These expenses are rent, utilities, car payments, and
insurance, etc. Not paying these bills would cause legal problems.
Determining Use the following table to determine the percentage of income you are
Expenditure spending on each expense category. To compute the percentage, divide the
Percentage of amount you spend on that item by your net income.
Income
Expenditure The following expenditure table shows the average percentage of income that
Percentages Per should be spent for one person on each item.
Person
Comparison Compare the percentages you spend with the average percentages to see
where you might be overspending and where you can cut back to add to your
savings.
Accurate Part of planning your budget is to get realistic figures. The key to proper
Records budgeting is keeping complete and accurate records that considers all known
and foreseeable expenses.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 3 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
a. The lender would measure your current monthly expenditure against your
current percentage of income.
b. The lender would measure your current debt against your current credit
report.
c. The lender would measure your current obligations against your current
income.
d. The lender would measure your current fixed expenses against your
current variable expenses.
Item 2 Which of the following lists the three basic elements used to set up a budget?
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 45 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope A financial plan is like a road map. First you find out where you are. Then
you find the best way to get where you want to go. This lesson will teach you
to identify your financial goals and determine the role credit plays in your
financial status.
Short-Term Short-term financial goals are the building blocks for attaining long-term
financial security. Short-term goals are the small steps taken that will
eventually lead you to the long-term objective.
Mid-Term Once you have obtained the three basic short-term goals (getting an income,
determining your expenses, and planning to save money), you can strive to
reach mid-term financial goals.
In addition, mid-term goals are the means by which you strive to reach long-
term goals:
• Purchase insurance to prepare for emergencies and care for your loved ones
in the event of your death
Long-Term Long-term financial goals are things you hope to achieve. Some long-term
financial objectives are to
• Purchase a home
• Purchase a new car
• Establish a business
• Attend college (yourself or your children)
• Afford an active retirement
Work Suppose your long-term objective was to buy a house. What steps would you
Backwards take to reach that goal? That is, what would be your short-term objectives?
Stage Description
1 You would need savings (a healthy bank account) to buy a house.
2 How would you get a healthy bank account?
3 You would have to get a steady job with a steady income.
4 How would you get a steady job with a steady income?
5 You would have to get education/training/certification/skills.
6 What is the first step toward getting qualified?
7 Take a realistic look at your abilities and background with a career
planner.
8 After you evaluated your abilities and background against careers,
what would be your next step?
9 Enroll in courses or training.
Plan You do not need a crystal ball to plan for your future. You must always be
guided by your plans and be prepared to adjust.
Take time to figure out the details as much as possible. Remember, whenever
you do not have enough money, extend your timeframe for obtaining a goal.
Commit Once you have made realistic plans, then commit yourself to fulfilling them.
Your decision is directly related to the degree of success that you will have
reaching your goals. Your commitment is the edge you need to succeed!
Reviewing Financial planning is an on-going process. You should review your income,
expenditures, short-, mid-, and long-term goals frequently.
Your life situation may affect your financial planning. Review your financial
plans when you experience a life-changing event such as
• Changing jobs
• Promotions
• Attending college
• Getting married
• Having a child
• Inheriting substantial items of value
Remember, your goals can be achieved if you plan, commit, review, and
adjust. However, without a financial plan, you are trusting luck to provide for
your future and success.
Credit Credit means, "buy now pay later." Credit permits you to purchase goods or
services as you need them, but pay for them over time. Uses range from
credit card shopping to arranging loans from financial institutions for very
expensive items. Borrowing with credit is so popular in today's society that
many of us could not imagine a world without credit--a world in which we
would have to wait until we had saved the cash for such things as going to
school or buying furniture, automobiles, houses, or other items.
Our national and global economies are very dependent upon the availability
of credit to consumers. Lenders extend credit because, in return, they expect
the original loan amount plus a finance charge for the use of the money.
The amount of credit you can obtain depends on your net worth, your income,
and your credit rating.
Credit Line A credit line is the amount of credit a lender will extend to you. For example,
a new credit card may come with a credit line of $1,000.
Credit Rating Your credit rating or credit history is a summary of your bill-paying behavior
over a number of years. All creditors may submit bill-paying information to a
credit agency. The credit agency then produces a credit report.
Whenever you apply for credit, the lender can access your credit report. If
you are denied credit, you should be able to obtain a copy of the credit report
the lender saw.
You can pay to obtain a copy of your credit report from credit agencies. You
should periodically review your credit report to be sure the information is
accurate. If it is not, contact the credit agency immediately and provide the
information necessary to clear up discrepancies.
Principle The principle is the original loan amount. Interest is calculated on the
principle.
Interest Interest is a charge for a financial loan, usually a percentage of the amount
loaned. When using credit to make a purchase, always add the interest costs
to determine the true cost of what you are purchasing.
Finance Charge The finance charge is usually expressed as interest. The finance charge is a
percentage of the original loan amount (the principle).
Annual The annual percentage rate (APR) indicates the actual cost of a loan per year.
Percentage It combines the interest charged and any fees.
Rate (APR)
When comparing the cost of loans, compare the annual percentage rate of
each loan.
Installment Installment credit allows a buyer to pay for a purchased item in regular
installments, usually monthly payments. Since the goods purchased are used
as security for the loan, the seller owns the goods until all payments are made.
Open-End Open-end credit is when you promise to repay the full balance owed each
month so no finance charge is added. Of course, if you do not pay the bill in
full when it is due, you will suffer credit problems.
Revolving Revolving credit is a line of credit that may be used over and over again.
With a revolving credit agreement, you have the option of paying the balance
in full each month or making a minimum payment.
Although some loan institutions provide revolving credit accounts, the most
common form of revolving credit are credit cards such as:
• Visa
• MasterCard
• Most department store charge accounts
• Is convenient
• May be used to meet emergencies
• Helps you establish a credit rating
• Provides better service on a purchase
• Provides quicker receipt of an item
• Allows you to take advantage of bargains (Remember it is only a bargain if
you need the item and you do not pay more in interest than you save on the
item.).
Disadvantages The two main disadvantages to using credit are that you
Guidelines If you decide to use credit, follow the guidelines in the table below to use it
wisely.
Guideline Action
Shop around Find the lowest interest rate.
Evaluate the purchase and pay cash • Consider paying cash.
• Delay the purchase; maybe the
investment is not really necessary
right now.
• Save up and purchase it when you
have the money to pay cash.
Be sure the purchase is a wise • Research to be sure your purchase
investment is a wise investment.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the following items. Check your answers against those listed at the
end of this lesson. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page
listed for each item.
Items 1 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of financial goal
Through 5 in column 2 that best identifies the financial transaction identified in column
1. You may use the answers in column 2 more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Items 6 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the credit term in column
Through 9 2 that is defined in column 1. You may use the answers in column 2 only
once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 12 Use the five credit guidelines listed below to answer the following question.
• Shop around.
• Evaluate the purchase and pay cash.
• Be sure the purchase is a wise investment.
• Put as much down as you can.
• Set a monthly credit .
a. Reduce debt.
b. Consolidate your loans into one big loan with one credit payment per
month.
c. Use credit to save your cash and postpone paying.
d. Renegotiate new and longer terms for credit loans.
Answers The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you
have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Having a financial plan is essential, but a commitment to saving is the key to
your plan. A key part to successful saving is starting early. The earlier you
start, the bigger the payoff will be down the road.
The principle vehicle that actually takes you to your financial goal or
destination is saving. Savings enable you to achieve your personal financial
objectives and provide you and your family with a financial security blanket.
This lesson will teach you about some saving tools to help you reach your
financial goals. Specifically, this lesson will explain the uses of a savings
account, information about individual retirement accounts, and insurance you
can purchase to help provide financial security for your future.
• Identify the criteria for choosing the best life insurance policy.
Three Factors The first thing you must do to open a savings account is to select a bank.
to Consider Your decision on which bank to use should depend on the bank’s
Location and Obviously, you will want to choose a bank that has
Service
• Branches that are convenient for you
• Functional services
• Evening and weekend hours
• Automated teller machines (ATMs)
• Loans
• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Safety deposit boxes
Interest Rate An interest rate is the rate of money you get or the percentage amount the
bank pays you for keeping your money. You want to find a bank with the
highest interest rate. The higher your interest rates, the more money you
make on your saved money.
Financial Lastly, you want to choose a bank that is federally insured against losses that
Insurance may occur in a stock market crash. Financial institutions should tell you
whether they are insured or not. If they are insured, they usually have a limit
they are liable to pay. You also want to make sure the bank is federally
insured up to an amount higher than what you expect to save.
Request Service Once you choose a bank, tell someone who works there that you want to open
a savings account.
Bank Form Once you tell the bank personnel you want to open a savings account, they
will ask you to fill out a savings account bank form that lists your
• Name
• Social security number
• Address
Sample Bank The table below is a sample bank form you may have to complete.
Form
City City
State State
Zip Code Zip Code
Home Phone Home Phone
Note: The secondary application information is filled out if you are opening
a joint account. A joint account means that a parent, spouse, or child
will share your account with you.
Minimum Once you complete the bank form, you will need to deposit a minimum
Deposit amount of money into your new account. Check with the bank personnel to
find out what your minimum deposit will be before you open the account.
Electronic Once you have established a savings account, a good way to use it wisely for
Deposit your financial planning is through an electronic deposit system.
“A” (Savings) If you decide to use an “A” (savings) allotment, a set amount of money will
Allotment be withheld from your paycheck at the mid-month and the beginning-of-the-
month paydays. This amount is automatically deposited to your savings
account at the end of the month.
“B” (Bond) If you decide to use a “B” (bond) allotment, you will purchase a U. S. savings
Allotment bond with the deduction from your paycheck.
The amounts and types of savings bond deduction plans are numerous.
Obtain information about them at your administrative or disbursing office or
from your savings bond representative.
Direct Deposit Direct deposit is the U.S. Treasury's name for an electronic funds transfer
system that transfers your salary directly to your checking and/or savings
accounts. The direct deposit system is fast and reliable because it uses the
Federal Reserve Distribution System.
With direct deposit, your paycheck goes directly into your bank account.
Definition Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) have been around since 1974. An IRA is
your investment in a retirement fund for yourself. Generally the money you
invest in an IRA is deducted from your taxable income (before taxes are
assessed). In addition, interest you earn on the IRA is deferred until you
withdraw funds from the account; that means you do not pay taxes on interest
you earn until you start collecting from the IRA.
Basic Types You can set up different kinds of IRAs with a variety of organizations:
• In a Roth IRA
Traditional The traditional IRA allows you to contribute and defer taxes on up to $3,000
IRA ($4,000 in 2004 and $5,000 in 2005) of earned income to a qualified retirement
account. To be deductible, contributions to traditional IRAs require
Each participant under the SEP may establish his or her IRA accounts at the
institution of his or her choice. SEP contributions are limited to 15 percent of
compensation to a maximum of $24,000.
Roth IRA The Roth IRA, named after Senator Roth from Delaware, offers an attractive
alternative to the ordinary IRA. Roth IRAs are not eligible for SEPs.
You cannot deduct your contributions to a Roth IRA, but you receive all
qualified distributions tax-free. Under certain conditions, this factor could
work out to be a huge advantage for you. Contributions are post-tax and are
not tax-deductible, but earnings on the account are tax deductible and
accumulate tax-free.
A single person may open a Roth IRA with an adjusted gross income of up to
$110,000; for a married couple, up to $160,000 in the year of commencement.
Subsequent years have no income requirements.
• A written document
• The trustee or custodian who must be a/an
• Bank
• Federally insured credit union
• Savings and loan association
• Entity approved by the IRS to act as trustee or custodian
Disclosure The disclosure statement given to you by the plan trustee or issuer (sometimes
Statement called the sponsor) must contain plain-language explanations of certain items
such as
The sponsor of the traditional IRA you choose must give you a disclosure
statement about your arrangement at least 7 days before you set up your IRA.
However, the sponsor can give you the statement by the date you set up (or
purchase, if earlier) your IRA, if you are given at least 7 days from the date to
revoke the IRA.
If you revoke your IRA within the revocation period, the sponsor must return
the entire amount you paid.
Contributions Contributions must be deposited to the account either during the calendar year
or no later than April 15th of the following year. Such contributions may be
fully or partially deductible from a person’s taxes depending on their income
level and whether or not they are a participant under an employer-sponsored
plan. Distributions may be taken from age 59 ½years without penalty.
Traditional With traditional IRAs, withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½are subject to
IRAs income tax plus an additional 10-percent penalty unless an exception applies
for
• Permanent disability
• Death
• Substantially equal periodic payments
Roth IRAs Earnings from a Roth IRA may be withdrawn tax free if the Roth IRA has a
5-year holding period and one of the following criteria is met:
What Is The The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is a retirement savings and investment plan
Thrift Savings that has been available to civilian employees of the Federal Government since
Plan (TSP) 1987. On October 30, 2000, President Clinton signed the Floyd D. Spence
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001. One provision of
the law extended participation in the TSP, which was originally only for
Federal civilian employees, to members of the uniformed services.
Uniformed service members were first able to enroll in the TSP during a
special open season from October 9, 2001 to January 31, 2002.
Purpose
The purpose of the TSP is to provide retirement income. It offers participants
the same type of savings and tax benefits that many private corporations offer
their employees under so-called 401(k) plans.
The TSP allows participants to save a portion of their pay in a special
retirement account administered by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment
Board. The money that participants invest in the TSP generally comes from
pre-tax dollars and reduces their current taxable income. Members who serve
in a combat zone can also contribute from tax-exempt dollars. Such
contributions are tax-free when withdrawn; however, earnings on such
contributions are taxed when they are withdrawn.
Getting Started
While you are a member of the uniformed services, your service is your
primary TSP contact. Your service will provide you with TSP forms and
informational materials and answer your questions about the TSP. You will
submit the Election Form (TSP-U-1) to your service to enroll in the TSP.
(Your service may use an electronic version of the Election Form, e.g., on the
Employee/Member Self-Service System. Your service will advise you
regarding the availability of this method.)
If you are a member of the Ready Reserve or National Guard and have a
civilian TSP account, the total of all your contributions to all of your plans
cannot exceed the Internal Revenue Code's elective deferral limit. However,
if you also participate in a Section 457 plan, your contributions to the TSP are
not limited by any of your contributions to your section 457 plan.
In addition, if you contribute tax-exempt dollars from combat zone pay, your
contributions are subject to another Internal Revenue Code section (26 U.S.C.
415(c)) which limits your contributions to the TSP and other qualified plans
in 2002 to $40,000 or 100 percent of your compensation, whichever is less.
This includes pre-tax and tax-exempt contributions to the TSP for the year.
Features of The
You can contribute up to 8 percent of your basic pay each pay period to your
TSP
TSP account as soon as you become a member of the uniformed service. If
you contribute to the TSP from your basic pay, you may also contribute from
one to 100 percent of any incentive pay or special pay (including bonus pay)
you receive, up to the limits established by the Internal Revenue Code.
The TSP also offers the following:
• Immediate member contributions
• Before-tax and tax deferred investment earnings
• Low administrative and investment expenses
• Transfers into the TSP from other qualified retirement plans
• A choice of five investment funds:
• Government Securities Investment (G) Fund
• Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund
• Common Stock Index Investment (C) Fund
• Small Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund
• International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund
• Interfund transfers
• Loans from your own contributions and attributable earnings while you are
in service
• In-service withdrawals for financial hardship or after you reach age 59 ½
• Portable benefits and a choice of withdrawal options after you separate
from service
• The ability to designate beneficiaries for your account balance
• Spouse’s rights protection for loans and withdrawals and recognition of
qualifying court orders
• A web site with general account information, capability for requesting
contribution allocations and interfund transfers, up-to-date TSP materials
and information, and calculators to estimate account growth and annuity
amounts
• An automated telephone service (the ThriftLine) for Plan and account
information and certain transactions
Purpose Arranging for life insurance coverage now may seem unimportant. However,
think about those who rely on you financially. Your death would deprive
your family of your income, yet they would still have to pay rent, car
payments, credit card bills, and medical expenses. Life insurance provides
the financial cushion that allows your loved ones to adjust financially to life
without you.
Most people buy life insurance to provide financial protection for their
dependents in the event of their death. For those in the military, maintaining
adequate insurance is especially important. As a responsible, thoughtful
person, you will want to carefully provide for your family in the event of your
death, no matter how remote it may seem today.
Part of Most people jump into an insurance policy without having enough
Financial information about insurance. Learning as much as you can about the
Planning insurance will help you make appropriate choices when buying life insurance.
Your decision should be based on your life needs and circumstances.
• Promotion
• Marriage
• Birth of child
• Death of family member
• College (yourself or a family member)
• Purchase of a home
Doing so will help you make appropriate choices when buying life insurance
and ensure you are financially stable for your specific circumstances.
Service Group All members of the uniformed services, including service adademy cadets are
Life Insurance automatically insured under Servicemember’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
(SGLI) for $250,000, unless they elect in writing to be covered for a lesser amount, or
not to be covered at all. Full-time coverage is also provided, under certain
conditions, for (1) persons who volunteer for assignment to the Ready
Reserve of a uniformed service, and (2) persons assigned to or who, upon
application, would be eligible for assignment to the Retired Reserve of a
uniformed service and have completed at least 20 years of satisfactory service
creditable for retirement purposes but have not begun receiving retired pay.
Dependent The Veteran’s Opportunities Act of 2001 extended life insurance coverage to
SGLI spouses and children of service members under the SGLI program effective
Insurance November 1, 2001.
Veterans Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI) is a 5-year term insurance policy
Group Life available, upon application, to all members being separated or released from
Insurance active duty, active duty for training, initial active duty for training or upon
(VGLI) separation from the Ready Reserve. VGLI is renewable for life in 5-year term
periods and may be converted to a commercial insurance policy at any time.
VGLI may not be issued in an amount greater than the amount of SGLI
carried at the time of separation from service.
Members wishing to continue group coverage under the VGLI program must
submit application and payment of first premium within 120 days of
separation. If application (unless totally disabled) is not made within the 120-
day period, application may be made within 1 year after SGLI coverage
terminates provided evidence of good health is provided. If the member is
totally disabled on the date of separation, application for VGLI may be made
anytime during the one year extended SGLI coverage period. The effective
date of VGLI will be the day following the end of the 1-yar period or the day
following the date disability ends, whichever is earlier. Evidence of
continuing disability may be required in such cases.
Whole Life Your whole life policy provides the maximum amount of protection against
your death for an indefinite amount of time, throughout your "whole life."
For whole life insurance,
• The amount of insurance coverage for the entire lifespan of the policyholder
does not change no matter what happens to you.
• Companies also include a savings element called cash value. You may
borrow against the cash value of your policy.
Term Life Term life insurance provides protection for only a specific period of time
(number of years) at a certain cost. The face amount of the policy is only
payable if death occurs.
• Level term - The amount of insurance coverage remains the same over each
renewal period; however, at the start of each renewal period, insurance cost
increases.
Term or Whole The table below describes general types of life insurance policies that are
Life Insurance either term policies or combinations of term and whole life policies.
Combinations
Type Description
Universal • Cash reserves build from the amount you pay over the
premium. The increase can be borrowed against or paid
to the beneficiary.
Benefits of The comparison is easiest to understand when you first look at the way whole
Whole Life life works. When you buy a certain amount of whole life at a certain price,
there generally will be no change in the
• Amount of premium
• Period between payments
• Amount of insurance coverage you will have for the rest of your life
Disadvantages If you were to buy that same amount of coverage as term insurance, as you
of Term Life get older
Decision Based Although term insurance looks great at the beginning because it is cheaper,
on Life’s you should now understand that whole life coverage has specific benefits too.
Situation Choosing which type of insurance to buy should be based on why you are
buying the insurance and on your financial goals.
Read Before buying insurance, read the policy and understand the coverage you are
buying.
Know Your Make sure your insurance company is licensed with the state. If it is, the
Insurance insurance commission can be helpful if a misunderstanding or dispute occurs
Rights between you and the insurance company.
Insurance professionals can give you general guidelines about your rights
when buying insurance. You can cancel or lapse a policy at any time, but you
must pay the premium for the time the policy was in force.
If your insurance company collects personal information about you, ask how
it will be used. If your insurance company has incorrect information about
you in their files that resulted in your being turned down for insurance, make
sure it is corrected.
Know the Insurance companies are rated by independent rating services, such as Best's
Insurance Insurance Reports (available in most libraries).
Company’s
Rating A rating of "A" or better (A+ or A++) indicates financial stability and that the
company is good on paying claims. Your insurance broker or state insurance
commissioner can give you the rating. Use "A-rated" companies only!
Evaluate Your The amount of insurance you need depends on how old you are, your
Needs situation, marital status, number of dependents, income, etc. Purchase
insurance that meets your needs and financial plan.
Read Free "What You Should Know About Life Insurance" is a free publication
Government available quarterly. You can obtain a copy by contacting Consumer
Information Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009.
Three Methods Picking a life insurance policy is a multifaceted problem. Because many
factors are involved in projecting the future economy (like inflation and
recession) and your future employment, no single, fixed formula exists to
determine the amount of life insurance a person should have.
• Multiple earnings
• Needs
• Common sense
Definition Under the multiple earnings model, the required amount of life insurance is a
direct function of the insured’s annual income.
Example A member with a spouse, two children in high school, and $125,000
Procedure outstanding mortgage has a monthly gross income (base pay plus basic
allowance for housing [BAH]) of $5,100.
Eight Steps The table below list the eight steps for the needs approach.
Step Action
1 Determine amount of income available to survivors when you die.
2 Determine amount of expenses that must be paid (not continuing
financial needs) upon your death.
3 Subtract amount of expenses from step 2 from the amount of income
from step 1. If the amount of expenses is
• Policy number
• Type of insurance
• Name of insurance company
• Beneficiary
• Face value
5 Determine family’s projected monthly income from all sources.
6 Determine family’s projected monthly expenses (continuing financial
needs) for all items.
7 Subtract the amount of expenses from step 5 from the amount of
income from step 6. If the amount of expenses is
Step 1 Determine amount of income available to survivors when you die. Add all
sources together.
Step 2 Determine amount of expenses that must be paid (not continuing financial
needs) upon your death. Add all expenses together.
Step 3 Subtract amount of expenses from step 2 from the amount of income from
step 1. If the amount of expenses is
• Less than the income, the difference results in excess income available to
survivors.
• Greater than the income, the difference results in a shortage and should be
placed in brackets to indicate the shortage amount.
If the difference in step 3 shows that your survivors will not have
enough immediate cash available to cover their expenses, they will be
in deep trouble. You need to take immediate action to ensure their
financial security. Remember, insurance benefits only cover a source
of immediate funds. Other investments (stocks, mutual funds, IRAs,
etc.) may be a source of ongoing income.
• Policy number
• Type of insurance
• Name of insurance company
• Beneficiary
• Face value
Step 5 Determine family’s projected monthly income from all sources. Add all
amounts together.
Source Amount
Surviving Spouse’s Salary
Survivor Benefit Plan Payments
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
Payments
VA Pension
VA Benefits (Explain)
For Spouse
For Children
For Parents
Social Security Benefits (Explain)
For Spouse
For Children
For Parents
Other Income (Explain)
For
For
For
Total Monthly Income for Family
Step 7 Subtract the amount of expenses from step 5 from the amount of income from
step 6. If the amount of expenses is
• Less than the income, the difference results in excess income available to
survivors.
• Greater than the income, the difference results in a shortage and should be
placed in brackets to indicate the shortage amount.
Notes: If the difference in step 7 indicates that your family’s monthly income
after your death is enough to cover their anticipated monthly expenses, your
immediate concern regarding their financial security should be at ease.
Other steps you can take now to protect your family are to invest in
relatively safe stocks, mutual funds, or IRAs and to save, save, and
save some more.
Step 8 Determine the amount (if any) of insurance you need to make up for any
shortages.
After you have completed the computations in the previous seven steps, you
might find yourself fortunate enough to have sufficient insurance to satisfy
your present financial needs as well as the needs of your survivors after you
are gone.
By the same token, you may have determined that the amount of life
insurance protection you are presently carrying will be insufficient to provide
your family with the financial protection they will need and deserve.
As your income level increases, and you are able to place more money into
sound investments that provide the financial security you seek, your insurance
needs may decline. But until you reach that “safety net,” it is better to be safe
than sorry.
Definition The common sense approach calculates the future financial expenses of your
family (like car, house, and education) to determine the amount of life
insurance you need.
• Immediate expenses
• Long-term expenses
• Determine the life insurance needed by subtracting the total assets from the
total needs
Needs List the reason for immediate and long-term expenses and each cost. Add the
amount of expenses together to determine your family’s financial needs.
Assets To determine your family’s financial assets, list the source and amount of all
income. Add all income together.
Insurance Subtract the total assets from the total needs to determine the amount of
Required insurance you need. The result would be the amount of insurance you need.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete the following items. Check your answers against those listed at the
end of this lesson. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page
listed for each item.
Item 1 What are the three factors to consider when choosing a financial institution to
start a savings account?
a. 21
b. 45
c. 59 ½
d. 70 ½
Item 4 The minimum age at which you can draw funds from your IRA without
penalty is
a. 21
b. 45
c. 59 ½
d. 70 ½
Items 5 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of insurance
Through 8 from column 2 that is defined in column 1. You may use the answers in
column 2 only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 9 What does an insurance rating tell you about the insurance company?
Item 10 Which of the following lists the three approaches to determine insurance
needs?
Items 11 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of approach to
Through 13 determine insurance needs from column 2 that best fits the description in
column 1. You may use the answers in column 2 only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Answers The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you
have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope This study unit will give you the required information for evaluating a
Marine’s physical fitness level. This unit will provide the SNCO with the
appropriate references for remedial and personal appearance programs.
• Identify the Marine Corps Order that states the objectives and purpose of
the Marine Corps physical fitness program.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson is designed to provide easy to use practical information. Further
it will provide guidelines to help you design and execute an optimal physical
fitness training program and nutrition programs. This guide is not about
“quick fixes.” It is about lifestyle changes. It is important to identify early
those who will have trouble meeting standards so that they may begin a
comprehensive program.
• Select, from a list, the order for the Marine Corps physical fitness
program.
Essential for The term “physical fitness” means different things to different people. To the
Battlefield Marine Corps it is an indispensable part of leadership and self-discipline and
Performance is necessary for performance on the battlefield.
Lack of Fitness According to recent federal government statistics, over 30 percent of men and
Widespread in women of all races are overweight or obese.
Society
A survey by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicated that
only 42 percent of adults participate in exercise on a regular basis.
Marine Corps Thankfully, the lack of fitness just discussed is not the case in the Marine
Physical Corps. Physical fitness has always been a vital part of Marine Corps life.
Conditioning Marine Corps Order 6100.12 states the physical conditioning program scope
Program as follows:
Every Marine must be physically fit, regardless of age, grade, or duty assignment. Fitness is
essential to the day-to-day effectiveness and combat readiness of the Marine Corps. Further,
physical fitness is an indispensable aspect of leadership. The habits of self-discipline required to
gain and maintain a high level of physical fitness are inherent in the Marine Corps way of life
and must be a part of the character of every Marine. Marines who are not physically fit can be a
detriment to the readiness and combat efficiency of their unit. Accordingly, every Marine will
engage in an effective Physical Conditioning Program (PCP) on a continuing and progressive
basis.
General Commanders must ensure that the time spent participating in physical fitness
activities is used effectively. PT should support the unit’s mission as well as
enhance unit cohesion, morale and physical fitness and health.
• lack of progress
• injuries
• poor morale
• wasted time
Factors Factors that may lead to an ineffective PT session are listed below:
• Unmotivated PT leaders
• Group too large for number of assigned leaders
• Workout too hard or too easy
• Poor exercise choice
• Failure to motivate participants
• Too many (or too long) rest breaks
General Having a physically fit fighting force is a tremendous advantage for the
military commander both in peacetime and war. There are considerable
benefits to the individual Marine as well.
Commander’s The Commander's perspective on the benefits of fitness are listed below:
Perspective
• Less sick time
• Increased combat readiness
• More motivated Marines
• Increased morale
• Increased productivity
• More confidence in troops
• Better image for the Marine Corps
• Inspires public confidence in the Marine Corps
• More options on the battlefield
Individual The individual Marine's perspective on the benefits of fitness are listed below:
Marine’s
Perspective • More energy and confidence
• Better health
• Improved appearance
• Improved performance on physical fitness test (PFT)
• Increased combat readiness
• Personal satisfaction
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 3 by performing the action required. Check your
answer against those listed at the end of this lesson.
a. 32
b. 33
c. 38
d. 39
Item 2 What Marine Corps Order states the scope of the Marine Corps physical
fitness program?
a. 6100.12
b. 6110.34
c. 2030.3J
d. 1020.2B
(1) ___________________________________________________________
(2) ___________________________________________________________
(3) ___________________________________________________________
(4) ___________________________________________________________
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions about these items, refer to the reference page.
Summary In this lesson, you learned about the importance of physical fitness, Marine
Corps policy, and the benefits of fitness.
In the next lesson, you will learn about the concepts and physical conditions
of fitness.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the physical fitness terms, conditioning principles, and
states the goals of the Marine Corps physical conditioning program.
• List the goals of the Marine Corps physical conditioning program as listed
in MCO 6100.12.
Components The definitions of the components of physical fitness are listed in the table
below:
Component Definition
Cardiorespiratory Fitness The body’s ability to deliver oxygen to working
muscle and the ability of the working muscles to
utilize oxygen and remove waste products.
Cardiorespiratory fitness is directly related to the
health and function of the respiratory system, the
lungs, heart, and circulatory system.
Muscular Strength The amount of force that a muscle can produce.
We generally measure muscular strength by
performing specific exercises with weights or
with body weight (pull-ups or push-ups).
Muscular Endurance The ability to perform repeated actions or
movements over an extended period of time.
You measure muscular endurance when you
conduct the timed sit-up portion of the PFT.
Flexibility The ability to move a body part through a
complete range of motion with no pain.
Leanness (low body fat) A measure of the percentage of a person’s body
mass that is lean tissue and not body fat.
Specificity The adaptations that occur are highly specific to the activity that produced
those adaptations. In other words, you get better at what you do regularly.
For example, although swimming is a good exercise, it will not improve
three-mile run times as much as running will.
Overload The workload or intensity must be greater than that normally encountered by
the body to stimulate physiological changes. There must be a gradual
increase in difficulty or duration of a physical fitness program in order for
continual progress to be made.
Intensity Intensity refers to how hard or how difficult a physical fitness program is in
terms of physical exertion. Physical exertion meaning the degree of strength,
force, or energy used.
Recovery Adaptations to physical training programs do not occur during the course of
an exercise session. They occur during the recovery period. It may take days
to recover from a hard training session. Over training and injuries are
inevitable unless adequate recovery is a part of the physical fitness program.
General A good physical fitness program is aimed at improving all of the components
of physical fitness. The Marine Corps physical fitness test (PFT) is designed
to test all of these components and a good score on the PFT indicates that a
Marine is physically fit.
Goals The goals of the Marine Corps physical conditioning program (PCP) are
listed below:
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 8 by performing the action required. Check your
answer against those listed at the end of this lesson.
(1) ___________________________________________________________
(2) ___________________________________________________________
(3) ___________________________________________________________
(4) ___________________________________________________________
(5) ___________________________________________________________
a. specificity
b. overload
c. progression
d. intensity
Item 5 What must you include in a workout to force the body to make physiological
changes?
a. Overload
b. Specificity
c. Recovery
d. Intensity
Item 6 What determines how difficult your workout is during a physical fitness
program?
a. Overload
b. Specificity
c. Recovery
d. Intensity
Item 7 Adaptations to physical training programs do not occur during the course of
an exercise session, they occur during the ______________________ period.
a. progression
b. overload
c. intensity
d. recovery
Item 8 List the goals of the Marine Corps physical conditioning program.
(1) ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(2) ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(3) ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(4) ___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions about these items, refer to the reference page.
Estimated 45 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the knowledge needed for maintaining a military
appearance by utilizing healthy nutrition.
Introduction What follows is a sound nutritional program based on the best information we
have today. It is the basic approach recommended by organizations like the
American Heart Association, the American Dietetics Association, and the
National Institutes of Health.
Basic Concepts Foods contain combinations of nutrients and no single food contains all of the
nutrients in the amounts that are necessary for optimum health. For example,
oranges contain vitamin C but not B12.
The Basic The seven basic categories of nutrients are protein, carbohydrates, fat
Nutrients vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.
Protein Good sources of protein are meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, and
peanut butter. Protein serves primarily a structural role in the body. It is used
to make structures like skin, hair, fingernails, cartilage, tendons, and muscle
to name a few. Protein is also used to make some hormones and enzymes.
Because of these roles, protein is necessary for survival.
Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are used primarily as an energy source. The body can actually
store carbohydrates in muscle and the liver in a form called glycogen. There
are no established recommended daily allowances for carbohydrates. An
adequate intake is the amount that is necessary to support your daily activities
and keep body glycogen stores replenished. Sources of carbohydrates are
fruits, vegetables, rice, pasta, bread, grains, beans, and sugars.
Excess Excess protein is simply converted to fat. Excess carbohydrates are stored as
glycogen. When glycogen stores are full, excess carbohydrates are converted
to fat.
Fat and its Role Fat is used primarily as a source of energy for the body. A small amount of
fat is used to make hormones and cell membranes. Most of the fat in the
body is subcutaneous fat. Subcutaneous fat is the fat stored underneath the
skin. This is the fat that you can see on the hips, stomach, legs etc. If it is
loose and jiggles it is not water retention or a muscle that needs “toning,” it is
fat.
Good Examples A few good examples of fat are listed in the table below:
of Fat
Name Example
Polyunsaturated • Corn
• Flour
• Certain fish
• Nuts
Monounsaturated • Vegetable and nut oils
• Olive oil
• Peanut oil
• Canola oil
Saturated • Meats and dairy products
• Tropical oils (coconut and palm)
Cholesterol • Meats
• Animal products
Definition A calorie is a measure of the energy content of a food. Our bodies require a
certain number of calories (energy) to function. The number of calories that
we require each day to function is our metabolic rate.
Blood Saturated fat is most likely to elevate blood triglycerides, total cholesterol,
Triglycerides and LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Saturated fats are solid at room
temperature. Elevated levels of these structural components are considered a
risk factor for heart disease.
One Pound of Fat contains nine calories per gram. One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories
Fat (this is how many calories you must burn to lose one pound of fat). Some
high fat foods are red meats, fried foods, potato chips, butter, eggs, bacon,
and many “junk” foods.
Definition Vitamins are various organic substances that have no caloric value and are
essential to nutrition.
Fruits and A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and contains all of the major food
Vegetables groups will supply the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and
minerals.
Purpose Minerals are elements that are necessary for life. Many act as co-factors that
help enzymes and hormones function properly. Some minerals are heavy
metals and are toxic at high doses.
Fiber Fiber is a substance that cannot be digested or absorbed by the body. Plants
are our major source of fiber. High fiber foods are typically low in fat, a high
fiber diet is associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Water Water is the most abundant substance in the human body. It accounts for one
half to four fifths of our bodyweight. Water is essential for the process of
digestion and absorption of nutrients and excretion of metabolic wastes.
Water is vital for the regulation of body temperature, which becomes
especially important if you PT in warm weather. We lose water through the
lungs, the skin, by sweating and in the urine. The recommended intake is
eight to ten cups of water daily.
What Does Not You can hydrate the body by drinking coffee and sodas as they do contain
Help water. However, due to high levels of caffeine you may have to drink twice
as much to achieve the same degree of hydration. Caffeine is a diuretic
meaning it tends to increase the flow of urine. Alcoholic drinks can actually
be dehydrating. In other words you lose more water than you gain.
Thirst Thirst is a poor indicator of hydration status in a hot environment. If you only
drink when you are thirsty in a hot environment, you will get dehydrated.
Metabolic Rate Our metabolic rate is made up of two components, our resting metabolism
and our active metabolism
• Our resting metabolism is simply how many calories our bodies burn
at rest.
• Active metabolism refers to the calories burned by activity (like exercise).
Keeping Track To determine metabolic rate, multiply your bodyweight (in lbs.) times:
This formula will give you the required amount of calories needed each
day to function.
Record One way to get a good estimate of your metabolic rate is to record your
caloric intake for two to three weeks. If your bodyweight has not changed
during the two to three week period, you simply take the daily average and
use this average as your metabolic rate. Your metabolic rate represents the
number of calories that you need to maintain your bodyweight at your current
level of activity.
First The first step in putting together a nutritional program is to determine your
present caloric requirements or metabolic rate as described on page 2-25.
Second Next, you should determine your weight loss goals. Remember, weight loss
exceeding two pounds per week can be dangerous and are not recommended.
Your Goal Your goal should be to consume no more than 30 percent of your calories
from fat and no more than 10 percent of your calories from saturated fat.
Approximately 20 percent of your calories should come from protein and 50
percent from carbohydrates.
Tracking If you are serious about losing some weight, it is important to write down
everything you eat and drink (if it contains calories). Your tracking method
can be as complex or as simple as you want it to be. The key thing is that it is
functional and you understand it.
Multiply Them Next, you multiply the total grams of carbohydrates and protein by four and
the grams of fat by nine to determine the calories from each nutrient. Then
you divide the calories from each by the total calories to determine the
percentage of calories from each nutrient.
Percentage of The table below shows how to compute the percentage of calories from each
Calories nutrient.
Where to The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires nutrition labels on most
Receive the of the foods that you eat. The new nutrition label provides all of the
Information information that is necessary to make wise choices about what to eat. You
can determine the total calories from fats, carbohydrates, and protein and the
amount of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat in a product.
Meals Now that you have determined how many calories needed to achieve your
weight loss goal, you should try to spread out your caloric intake over as
many meals as possible. Six meals per day are recommended.
Bread, Cereal, These foods provide complex carbohydrates an important source of energy.
Rice, and Pasta They also provide B vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Starchy foods are not
fattening if you do not add butter, cheese, or cream sauces. Select whole
grain products to maximize fiber and other nutrients.
Fruits Fruits are rich sources of vitamins, most notably vitamin C. They are low in
fat and calories. Select fresh fruits and fruit juices, and frozen, canned, or
dried fruits. Avoid fruit processed with heavy syrups and sugar-sweetened
juices.
Vegetables Vegetables provide vitamins (especially A and C), are excellent sources of
fiber, and are naturally low in fat. For maximum nutrients, select dark leafy
greens, deep-yellow or orange vegetables, and starchy vegetables like
potatoes and yams.
Meat, Poultry, Meat and fish are excellent sources of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, as
Fish, Dry are beans, nuts, and seeds. Tofu (made from soybeans) and white beans also
Beans, Eggs, supply calcium. Some seeds, like almonds, are good sources of vitamin E.
and Nuts
Milk, Yogurt, Milk products are the richest sources of calcium. They also provide protein
and Cheese and vitamin B12. Choose low-fat varieties to keep calories, cholesterol, and
saturated fat at a minimum.
Fats, Oils, and Used sparingly, these foods provide calories, but little else nutritionally.
Sweets Exceptions are vegetable oil, which is a rich source of vitamin E (one
tablespoon is all you need), and molasses, an excellent source of iron.
• Subtract 500 calories a day, for a one-pound per week weight loss and
1,000 calories a day, for a two-pound per week weight loss.
• Adjust total calories and the amount of fats, carbohydrates, and protein to
obtain the appropriate levels.
• Spread your calories over five to six small meals instead of one to two big
meals.
Benefits Eating several meals a day helps to prevent hunger and stimulates your
metabolism. Research indicates that people actually eat less if they eat more
often (provided that the snacks are not junk food). It may also help to prevent
some muscle mass loss associated with reducing caloric intake.
Food Guide Use the food guide pyramid below to get your recommended servings of each
Pyramid food group a day.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 6 by performing the action required. Check your
answer against those at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Vitamins, minerals, water, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, and fat are the seven
basic categories of
a. nutrients.
b. supplements.
c. energy.
d. strength.
a. A source of energy
b. A source nutrients
c. A structural role in the body
d. Supports the daily routine
a. source of energy.
b. structural role in the body.
c. source of nutrients.
d. source of cartilage.
a. Sugars
b. Protein
c. Nutrients
d. Fat
a. structural role.
b. source of energy that the body uses.
c. daily supplement.
d. source of strength.
a. Five
b. Six
c. Seven
d. Eight
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions about these items, refer to the reference page.
Summary In this lesson, you have learned about the seven basic nutrients and the food
guide pyramid.
In the next lesson, you will learn about the remedial physical training
program.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the knowledge needed to complete a remedial program
to loose weight, and to properly keep track of your process.
Learning • Identify the effectiveness of using sweat suits or sauna suits to loose
Objectives, weight.
continued
• Identify the concept of “spot reduction.”
• Identify the disadvantage of using only the scale to determine weight loss
progress.
General Applicable references for remedial and personal appearance programs are
listed in the table below:
Reference Description
MCO 6100.12 Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test And Body
Composition Program Manual
MCO P1900.16F Separation and Retirement Manual
MCO P1610.7E Performance Evaluation System
MCO P1070.12K Individual Records Administration Manual
MCO P1080.35F Personnel Reporting Instructions Manual
MCO 5000.12D Pregnancy and Parenthood
Weight Loss The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a calorie deficit of no
more than 500 to 1,000 calories daily. This would produce a weight loss of
approximately one to two pounds per week.
Minimum Daily caloric intake of less than 1,200 for normal adults may lead to excessive
weight loss from tissues other than adipose (fat) tissue. These losses may
include a significant loss of muscle mass, muscle, and liver glycogen and a
reduction in blood volume and body fluids.
Starvation Starvation diets (diets that have insufficient calories to sustain life) and
fasting has been associated with weakness, fainting, and also congestive heart
failure and death.
Moderate Once you have determined your daily caloric requirements at your current
Caloric body weight, you should reduce your daily caloric intake by 500 to 1,000
Reduction calories per day.
Aerobic Since aerobic exercises are continuous in nature they tend to burn more
Exercise calories per unit of time than other types of exercise.
Strength The biggest variable component of lean body mass is muscle mass. When
Training people try to lose weight by dieting alone, they tend to lose lean body mass.
In fact, if you lose weight too rapidly (more than two pounds per week), 50
percent or more of the weight loss can come from lean body mass.
Low-Fat Diet When you eat low-fat foods, you can eat more and consume fewer calories.
Since it is total calories that will determine whether you lose weight or not,
this is an important consideration. High-fat foods are very calorically dense.
In other words, they contain lots of calories for very little food.
Resting Heart Your total lean body mass is the primary determinant of your resting
Rate metabolic rate. Remember, heart rate is beats per minute and the average
resting heart rate is 60-70 beats per minute.
Sweat Suits and The only thing you accomplish when you wear heavy sweat suits to induce
Saunas sweating during exercise is a decrease in your exercise capacity. As a result,
you exercise less and burn fewer calories. In addition, heavy sweat suits and
sauna suits can cause heat stress injuries and dehydration.
Spot Reduction Spot reduction refers to the concept of working a specific area of the body in
an attempt to remove fat from that area. Spot reduction does not work. The
problem is that depletion of fat stores is controlled by hormones and has
nothing to do with which part of the body is being worked.
Eating Meals Eating smaller meals more often than not prevents hunger and preserves
energy levels and metabolism. People who skip meals often compensate by
eating more later.
Scale While it would be easy to just jump on the scale and weigh yourself everyday,
this approach is not very productive. This is because you may be gaining
muscle while losing fat. Your body weight will fluctuate by several pounds
during the day. Weighing in first thing in the morning will give you the most
consistent and most accurate results.
Skin Fold This technique involves measuring skin fold thickness in several locations by
Calipers pinching the skin with your fingers and using a set of calipers to measure the
thickness of the fold. The average error for this technique is estimated to be
3 percent.
Hydrostatic A body when immersed in water will be buoyed up by a force equal to the
Weighing weight of the volume of water displaced. In practical terms, fat floats, lean
mass sinks. A person with a high percentage of body fat will be heavy on
land but light in the water because fat floats and gives him extra buoyancy.
The average error for hydrostatic weighing is estimated to be plus or minus
1.5 percent.
Near Infrared Infrared methods of determining body composition are based on light
Interactance absorption and reflectance. A near infrared light probe is placed on specific
body sites. Some of the infrared light is absorbed and some is reflected,
based on light absorption, body composition can be determined. This method
is not considered to be very accurate, it has been shown to under and over
predict body fat percentage in some individuals by over 4 percent.
Bioelectrical There are several types of bioelectrical impedance devices available. The
Impedance principle use is that of electrical current resistance. Fat is a poor conductor of
electricity while lean mass is a good conductor. Therefore, the higher the
impedance values, the higher the percentage of body fat. If done properly
bioelectrical impedance has an average error of plus or minus 3 percent.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 23 by performing the action required. Check your
answer against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Select the applicable order for Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and Body
Composition Program Manual.
a. MCO 6100.12
b. MCO 6100.3K
c. MCO P1900.16F
d. MCO P1610.7E
a. MCO 6100.10B
b. MCO 6100.12
c. MCO 5000.12D
d. MCO P1080.35F
Item 3 Select the applicable order for the separation and retirement manual.
a. MCO 6100.10B
b. MCO 6100.12
c. MCO P1900.16F
d. MCO P1610.7E
Item 4 What is the maximum amount of pounds recommended to lose per week?
a. One
b. Two
c. Three
d. Four
Item 5 Identify the minimum recommended caloric intake for normal adults.
a. 1,400
b. 1,300
c. 1,200
d. 1,100
Item 6 Identify one of the three undesirable effects of starvation diets and fasting.
a. Weight gain
b. Strength gain
c. Endurance gain
d. Congestive heart failure
Item 7 What is the daily caloric deficit necessary to produce a one to two pound
weight loss per week?
a. 100 to 200
b. 250 to 750
c. 500 to 1,000
d. 1,000 to 2,000
Item 8 What is one of the four important components of a weight loss program?
a. High-fat diet
b. Low-fat diet
c. High carbohydrates
d. High protein
a. Body endurance
b. Strength
c. Lean body mass
d. High-fat foods
Item 10 The only effective thing heavy sweat suits and sauna does to induce weight
loss is
a. Nothing
b. Lose weight fast
c. Tone the area
d. Lose fat from the area
Item 14 What is one of the disadvantages of using only the scale to weigh yourself?
Item 20 What is the percentage amount of accuracy for skin fold measurement?
a. 1.5 percent
b. 3 percent
c. 3.5 percent
d. 4 percent
Item 21 What is the percentage amount of accuracy for the body circumference
measurement?
a. 1.5 percent
b. 3 percent
c. 3.5 percent
d. 4 percent
Item 22 What is the percentage amount of accuracy for the near infrared interactance?
a. 1.5 percent
b. 3 percent
c. 3.5 percent
d. 4 percent
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page.
Summary In this lesson, you learned about remedial physical training programs,
personal appearance, dieting, weight loss, and how to properly track your
progress.
Unit Scope This study unit discusses the evaluation of an individual Marine’s
performance records. It also outlines methods to audit and correct these
important documents.
Estimated 35 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the Fitness Report Audit Program (FRAP), which
entails the evaluation of two key documents: the Master Brief Sheet (MBS)
and the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF).
• Identify the Fitness Report Listing section of the Master Brief Sheet.
Introduction The Fitness Report Audit Program (FRAP) is the Marine Corps program to
ensure accuracy of Marines' performance records. There are two related
performance records maintained by Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC):
These important records must be kept current and correct in every detail
because they become pillars of good personnel management decisions made
at HQMC.
Purpose of the The Marine Corps developed the Fitness Report Audit Program (FRAP) to
FRAP provide a process for Marines. It ensures accuracy and completeness of
performance records by periodically placing them in the hands of individual
Marines. The FRAP process ensures continual reliability of the MBS and
OMPF.
MBS Mail Out Sergeants and above receive a mailing of the MBS annually based on the last
digit of their social security number. Marines on active duty will have their
MBS sent to their military address. Marines not on active duty will have their
MBS mailed to their homes of record. Accurate and up-to-date information
in the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) is essential for timely
receipt of MBS.
OMPF Mail Upon completion of a selection board, HQMC (MMSB-33) mails the OMPFs
Out of Marines in the eligibility or below zone for that board. This is the only
scheduled time HQMC automatically sends OMPFs to Marines. Marines
should order their OMPFs and review them every 2 years. Marines planning
to apply for such programs as the Warrant Officer, MECEP, or Active
Reserve (AR), should order their OMPF at least 12 months in advance of the
program to allow for any needed correction.
Note: Be sure to include name, grade, SSN, signature, and mailing address.
Additionally, visit the Personnel Management Support Branch
(MMSB) web site for additional information.
References Provided below is a list of references that pertains to performance records and
audit procedures.
Purpose of the The MBS is a ready reference document used in the personnel management
MBS process. The purpose of the MBS is to provide key personal data and a
summary of a Marine’s performance evaluation record. The MBS has two
sections:
• Header Data
• Fitness Report Listing
MBS Header The header data provides service information extracted directly from the
Data Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS).
Auditing the An audit of the MBS header data consists of comparing the information listed
MBS Header in each block against that of its source document. The block “Correcting
Data MBS Header Data” gives a description of each item and the respective
correcting authority.
Correcting Each of the items on the MBS is corrected via certain authorities. An
MBS Header illustration of the MBS header along with the MBS listing and correcting
Data authorities are provided below:
Correcting
MBS Header
Data,
continued
Fitness Report This portion of the Master Brief Sheet (MBS) lists the Marine’s fitness
Listing reports starting from the rank of sergeant. This format makes it simple to
view, analyze, and compare fitness report information. Provided below is an
illustration of the Fitness Report Listing.
Breakdown of The illustration and table below describes the breakdown of the Fitness
the Fitness Report Listing.
Report Listing
Breakdown of
the Fitness
Report Listing,
continued
Purpose of the The OMPF provides a history of the Marine’s career from entrance into the
OMPF Marine Corps until the present. Administrative materials or documents to
support the chronology of events for the Marine’s history are incorporated in
the OMPF.
C Folder This folder contains documents on civilian and military education, personal
(Commenda- awards information, courts-martial/non-judicial punishments, and other
tory/Deroga- material reflecting personal achievement or adversity that is pertinent to
tory) making decisions for purposes of selection, assignment, and retention.
P Folder Contains fitness reports and standard addendum pages for all sergeants and
(Performance) above.
F Folder Upon separation from the Marine Corps, documents contained in the Service
(Field OQR/ Record Book/Officer Qualification Record (SRB/OQR) are filed in the
SRB) Service Folder. If a Marine has periods of broken service, documents from
previous OQR/SRBs will be contained in the Field Folder.
H Folder Unless a Marine had broken service, which ended before 1994, or is presently
(Health/ on the Temporary Disability Retired List (TDRL), no health folder is
Dental) maintained. Following discharge, health and dental records are sent to
Incorporating All material forwarded to the CMC (MMSB) for inclusion in the OMPF must
Material into contain the grade, full name, and SSN. The mailing address is
OMPF
CMC (MMSB-20)
1008 Elliot Road,
Quantico, VA 22134-5030
Audit of the The OMPF is the primary record used by selection boards. The section on the
OMPF “FRAP” provides information on when OMPF’s are automatically provided
to Marines. However Marines should request a copy of their OMPF for
review and correction under the following circumstances:
Correcting the If information not pertaining to the Marine is found in the OMPF during the
OMPF audit, the Marine should request removal of the information by submitting a
written request to CMC (MMSB-10).
Board for Marines may petition the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR) to
Correction of remove documents on file in the OMPF, which they consider adverse, unjust,
Naval Records and inaccurate.
(BCNR)
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 17 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 What is the purpose of the Fitness Report Audit Program (FRAP)?
Item 5 Name, social security number, and rank description on the Master Brief Sheet
are corrected via
a. CMC (MMPR)
b. CMC (MA)
c. Active CMC (MMOA)
d. The unit diary
Items 6 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the description from
Through 10 column 2 that best describes the listing in column 1. The answers in column 2
may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Listing Description
Item 11 The OMPF provides a(n) ______ of the Marine’s ______ from entrance into
the Marine Corps until the present.
a. analysis, statistics
b. snapshot, data
c. history, career
d. report, production
Items 12 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the description from
Through 16 column 2 that best describes the folder in column 1. The answers in column 2
may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Folder Description
Item 17 Marines should request a copy of their OMPF for review and correction under
which circumstance?
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope The purpose of this lesson is to identify the role of Headquarters Marine
Corps (HQMC) in the Performance Evaluation System (PES). We will also
discuss actions to take in order to correct fitness report records.
• Identify steps taken to correct date gaps caused by missing fitness reports.
Organization The Performance Evaluation Section is organized into the primary functional
units of Policy and Research, Fitness Report Processing, and Reserve
Matters. The descriptions of these units in the following blocks provide a
better understanding of available support.
Policy and This unit is responsible for fitness report policy, research, correction, and
Research Unit accountability for all active duty personnel.
(MMSB 31)
Fitness Report This unit is responsible for initial screening and processing of all fitness
Processing Unit reports into the automated system, forwarding correct reports to the CMC
(MMSB 32) (MMSB 20) for inclusion in the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF), and
providing liaison for MMSB board support.
Reserve This unit specifically monitors Reserve Component issues and manages
Matters Unit fitness report matters that are unique to Reserve organizations and functions.
(MMSB 34)
Fitness Report Furthermore, the Fitness Report Processing Unit is responsible to help
Accountability Marines ensure their fitness report records are complete, current, and
preparing correspondence as necessary to obtain any missing reports.
Specific tasks include the following:
Identifying When performance evaluation mistakes are found, the Fitness Report
Mistakes Processing Unit is responsible to correct all identified errors on fitness reports
prior to processing the report or upon identification of errors in existing
performance evaluation records.
Making Finally, whenever they occur, the Fitness Report Processing Unit is
Corrections responsible to correct all identified errors on fitness reports before processing
the report. Specific tasks include the following:
Authority The Commandant of the Marine Corps (CMC) has the authority to correct
fitness report records when the errors are limited solely to factual matters and
when documentary evidence indicates that the record contains erroneous
information. Requests to correct these reports are forwarded through a
specific process.
Administrative CMC has the authority to correct section A information and statements of fact
Corrections in sections B, C, I, and K that are completely devoid of thought and
significance.
Step Action
1 The Marine must submit the request via one of the reporting
officials identified on the original report (preferably the Reporting
Senior).
2 The RS or RO must endorse the request indicating only those
changes, which are valid and provide documentation as applicable.
3 Forward the endorsed correspondence to the CMC (MMSB 31) for
Active component Marines or (MMSB 34) for Reserve
Component Marines.
Note: Anticipate at least 120 days from the time of receipt at HQMC for
completion of the requested corrections.
Substantive All other corrections are inherently judgmental. The Secretary of the Navy,
Corrections acting through the Board for Correction of Naval Records (BCNR), can
approve a revised assessment of a Marine’s conduct or performance based
entirely on facts about the Marine that were unknown when the original report
was prepared.
Supplemental Situations may occur after submission of a fitness report in which the RS or
Comments RO is subsequently made aware of new facts that reflect upon the
performance of the Marine during a specific reporting period. Reporting
officials may forward a request for inclusion of supplemental comments into
official records. To make such a request, the RS or RO must
Missing Fitness To ensure each sergeant and above has a complete fitness report record on file
Reports is a shared responsibility.
• CMC will notify reporting units via unit diary advisories to identify date
gaps for all Marines.
• Date gaps of 30 days or less are not significant and do not require
correction.
Late Fitness Fitness reports are due to the CMC (MMSB 32) within 30 days of the end of
Reports the reporting period. Although late submission is not recommended, it does
not render a fitness report invalid.
Problem of Date gaps occur when there is a lapse in the reporting period. These gaps
Date Gaps In may occur for any number of reasons. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of
Fitness Reports the Marine to take action to get the discrepancy corrected. Failure to correct
date gaps in the reporting period may delay a Marine’s promotion to the next
rank.
Correcting To warrant correction of date gaps, the date gap must be 31 days or longer.
Date Gaps The table below illustrates the steps to be taken in order to correct date gaps
between fitness reports.
Step Action
1 Exhaust all means to locate the RS.
2 Complete section A of a fitness report form with the exception of
items 5 through 8.
3 Send the completed section A attached with cover letter, to the RS
requesting he or she complete the fitness report.
4 The RS must forward the completed report to the CMC (MMSB-
31) or (MMSB-34) and provide a copy to the Marine.
5 If the RS fails to respond within 30 days, forward a copy of the
correspondence originally sent to the RS soliciting the fitness
report and an original fitness report with items 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and
11 of section A completed to the CMC (MMSB-31) or (MMSB-
34).
6 If you cannot locate the RS, forward an original fitness report with
items 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, and 11 of section A completed to the CMC
(MMSB-31 or MMSB-34). Include in the letter any known
information that may help locate the RS or RO.
Estimated 5 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 4 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
a. enhance
b. influence
c. support
d. maximize
Item 2 Policy and Research Unit (MMSB-31) is responsible for fitness report policy,
research, correction, and accountability for all
a. officers only.
b. reserve Marines.
c. enlisted Marines.
d. active duty personnel.
Item 3 Which of the personnel listed below are authorized to endorse fitness reports
that require administrative corrections?
Item 4 To warrant a correction of a date gap, the date gap must be how many days
delinquent?
a. 31 days or longer
b. 31 days or less
c. 30 days or more
d. 30 days or less
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 20 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson will discuss the importance of conducting an audit for the Basic
Individual Record (BIR) and Basic Training Record (BTR). It will also
discuss the occasions to conduct an audit and action taken to incorporate
changes.
Marine Corps The Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS) is the single, integrated,
Total Force personnel and pay system supporting both active and reserve components of
System the Marine Corps, and personnel management for all Marines. The MCTFS
(MCTFS) maintains more than 500,000 active, reserve and retiree records that are
available to be processed for pay purposes, personnel management, or for the
production of necessary management reports.
Reporting The data collection of the MCTFS is based on the principle of singular
Purposes reporting. An item of information is entered into the system only once;
thereafter, only updates, deletions, or corrections to this information are
reported.
Manpower The Manpower Information System (MIS) encompasses the tasks and
Information functions required to maintain and utilize accurate records in the MCTFS
System (MIS) databases. These tasks and functions include verifying records through the
audit of
For the purpose of this lesson, we will discuss audit procedures of the BIR
and BTR, the two most important and comprehensive records in the system.
Significance of The BIR and BTR consist of personal information about the individual
BIR and BTR Marine. The significance of these records is that the information is collected
from the initial enlistment to the present. It is important to maintain correct
information. Incorrect information may delay a Marine’s promotion, or deny
benefits to a dependent. For this reason, Marines are required to conduct
audits of their records to prevent this from happening.
Components of The format of the BTR is similar to the BIR; components of the BTR include
BTR the following:
• Unit training –scores for the PFT, BST/EST, current rifle qualification,
current pistol qualification, etc.
• Service training – security investigation date/type, level of security
clearance held, place of birth/state/county, etc
• Service schools/Special Skills – service schools code/year, local schools
• Test scores – classification/assignment test-type/date/raw scores, army
radio code, electrical/DP test, foreign language
Significance Personnel records are the cornerstone of a Marine’s career. These records
give a current in-depth reflection of the Marine. They provide personal and
training information that is crucial when analyzing a Marine’s career for
promotion or retention. This is why it is important to ensure the accuracy and
completeness of these files.
Audit Process Accuracy and completeness of both types of personnel records (audit) can
best be determined through personal interview with the individual Marine.
Therefore, whenever practical, the audit will be conducted during an
interview with the Marine and a designated auditor.
Assigning The Reporting Unit (RU) will designate in writing Marines authorized to
Auditors conduct audits. This designation shall be based upon the auditor’s knowledge
of personnel records and familiarity with the audit process. Designation of
auditors shall not be accomplished based upon billet assignment alone.
Marines in the rank of Lance Corporal and above, and civilian personnel GS-
04 and above may be assigned to conduct audits.
Occasions for Audit occasions are no longer based on the last digit of the Marine’s SSN or,
Audit of BIR for reserve personnel, the anniversary date. The following audit occasions are
and BTR established as the minimum occasions for auditing personnel records.
The Marine will acknowledge the audit/interview by signing the BIR and
BTR.
Annotations The audit official will annotate audit items with the correct information
whenever an error is detected. Auditors will also insert information for blank
items and annotate items for which “none” is an appropriate response. If an
item is “not applicable” to the Marine being audited, the auditor will insert
“N/A.”
Corrective Information on the printed BIR/BTR represents data in the Central Master
Action File (CMF). Unit Diary entries will be used to report additions, deletions, and
change missing or erroneous data. Some data cannot be corrected at the RU
level. In this case, the RU will submit a request with supporting
documentation to the required office for corrections.
Filing Status Upon completion of the audit, and after discrepancies have been corrected,
the updated BIR and BTR will be filed in the Service Record Book/Officer
Qualification Record (SRB/OQR).
Estimated 5 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 4 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Which of the following are components of the Basic Individual Record
(BIR)?
Item 2 Which of the following are components of the Basic Training Record (BTR)?
Item 3 What are the occasions for conducting an audit of the BIR and BTR?
Item 4 To report additions and deletions, and change missing or erroneous data on
the BIR or BTR, __________ entries are made.
a. historical data
b. administrative
c. central master file
d. unit diary
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Scope This study unit will familiarize the staff noncommissioned officer (SNCO)
with an overview of the files and directives system. It describes how the files
and directives system works and where these tools are located. As the
resident expert, a SNCO is responsible for accessing and utilizing files and
directives to assist in daily problem solving.
Estimated 1 hour
Study Time
Scope The lesson will familiarize the SNCO with how to use, organize, maintain,
and manage correspondence, files, and directives.
File Folders There are two types of folders used to file correspondence.
File The file identification label is placed in the top left corner of the file folder. It
Identification consists of the Standard Subject Identification code (SSIC) and subject title.
Label
• SSIC identifies the general or specific pieces of correspondence filed
inside the folder (1000-1999).
Date Label The date label is placed in the top center of the file folder. It records the date
the file was opened and closed.
Open Date The opening date for a file is dated the day a file is established.
• All correspondence files, except for those dealing with money (fiscal), are
opened on a calendar year basis, for example: 1 January of each year.
Close Date The closing date for a file is dated the day a file is closed.
• Closing dates are normally 30 September for files opened on a fiscal year
basis.
• Open date for that specific SSIC folder reflects the date of the earliest
dated document in the new file
• Open date for a new folder after a closed file reflects the date after the
previous file is closed
Disposal Action The disposal action label is placed in the top right corner of the file folder. It
Label records the retention period, disposal action, and the authority.
Major Subject The Navy’s SSIC system is broken down into 13 major subject groups or
Groups categories. The following table identifies the major subject groups.
SECNAVINST Secretary of the Navy Instruction (SECNAVIST) 5210.11D is the Navy’s File
5210.11D Maintenance Procedures and SSIC manual. Its purpose is to revise the
Navy’s SSIC and file maintenance procedures. This instruction outlines the
process for segregating and filing Navy and Marine Corps records and the
single standard system of numbers and or letter symbols. This filing system
is also used throughout the Navy for categorizing the subject classifying Navy
and Marine Corps information.
Designators There are 13 major SSIC groups assigned, content descriptions, and
and Subject numerical designator groups as described in the following table.
Matter
Subjects relating to
2000 - 2999
• General communication matters
• Communication systems and equipment
Operations and Readiness
• Operational plans
3000 - 3999 • Fleet readiness
• Operational training and readiness
• Warfare techniques
• Operational intelligence
• Research and development
• Geophysical and hydrographic support
Designators
and Subject
Matter,
continued
• Procurement • Maintenance
4000 - 4999
• Supply control • Construction
• Property redistribution • Conversion
• Disposal • Production
• Travel • Mobilization planning
• Transportation • Foreign military assistance
Designators
and Subject
Matter,
continued
• Budgeting
7000 - 7999
• Disbursing
• Accounting
• Auditing
• Contract auditing
• Industrial and other special financing matters
• Statistical reporting
Ordnance Material
• Ammunition
• Explosives
8000 - 8999
• Guided missiles of all types
• Nuclear weapons
• Fire control and optics
• Combat vehicles
• Underwater ordnance materials
• Miscellaneous ordnance equipment
Ships Design and Material
Designators
and Subject
Matter,
continued
Subjects relating to
Designators
and Subject
Matter,
continued
• Parts
• Accessories
• Instruments
13000 - 13999
• Special Devices
• Armament
• Aerological equipment
• Weapons systems
• Types of aircraft
• Astronautical vehicles
Construction The table shows one of the 13 major subject groups broken down into primary,
secondary, and tertiary subdivisions.
Assignment When a document is created, include the SSIC that closely describes the document’s
subject. Consider the subject, purpose, significance, and the manner in which the
documents are requested.
Definition A directive is a formal written communication from the unit commander that
Directive In accordance with MCO 5215.1H, Marine Corps Directives, HQMC staff
Formats agencies and authorized field commanders shall write directives in the “Five
Paragraph Order format,” wherever and whenever feasible, to adhere to the
Commandant’s Policy memorandum number 3-00 dated 25 June 2000. This
policy memorandum is an enclosure in MCO 5215.1H.
Bulletins Bulletins are directives with the same force and effect as an order. It is used
to publish material that is either primarily informative or otherwise directive
in nature. Bulletins are not of a continuing authority or reference; it has a
self-cancellation date, which limits its effectiveness to one year.
Messages Message directives are used when promulgation and transmittal of an order,
bulletin, or change to either is so urgent that it must be disseminated through
the Naval Telecommunications System (radio teletype). An example is the
All Marine (ALMAR) message.
• The letter “O” follows the issuing command to distinguish an order from a
bulletin. For example, MCO, BnO, RegtO.
• A “P” may follow next to indicate that the directive is a manual-type order
instead of a letter-type order.
• Every order is assigned a four- or five-digit SSIC code that identifies the
primary focus of the directive.
• An “R” after the SSIC indicates that the directive is applicable only to the
Marine Corps Reserves. For example, MCO P1070R.2.
Identification of The criteria for identifying bulletins is similar to those for orders. Listed
Bulletins below are identifying criteria for bulletins.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Direction Complete items 1 through 8 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
a. Manila
b. Pocket
c. Kraft
d. Sectional
Item 6 A directive is a formal written communication from the unit commander that
a. memorandums.
b. letters.
c. messages.
d. endorsements.
Solutions The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Overview The Navy Department uses various types of correspondence for an array of
administrative and operational tasks. The SNCO will experience an increased
administrative responsibility over a broad spectrum of operational and
organizational tasks.
• Neat appearance
• Correct format
• Organized and rational flow of information to adequately support or
discuss a topic, view, or proposal
• Concise and easy to understand language
• Error free writing
• Grammatically correct writing
• Neutral gender without detracting from the intent of the document
• Other means of communication when necessary
• A point of contact and return phone number when a reply may be
necessary
• Automated office equipment to increase efficiency; i.e. facsimile machine
and other electronic advances
Topic Sentence The topic sentence is the first sentence in a paragraph. It introduces the main
idea of the paragraph.
Supporting Supporting details come after the topic sentence. They give details to develop
Details and support the main idea of the paragraph.
Closing The closing sentence is the last sentence in a paragraph. It restates the main
Sentence idea of the paragraph using different words.
Format Standard paragraph formatting is used to keep the document organized and
neat, and increases understanding.
Identifying Main paragraphs are numbered in sequence 1, 2 ,3, etc. Subparagraphs are
Paragraphs and identified in the following sequence: a., (1), (a), (1), (a). Indent each new
Subparagraphs subparagraph by four spaces and start typing on the fifth space. Single space
within main paragraphs and subparagraphs and double space between them.
Limits Subparagraphs clearly display levels of importance and encourage the use of
Subparagraphs lists for easy reading. They clutter writing when carried too far.
Subparagraphs should not divide past the second level, (a), until all
reparagraphing alternatives have been used first. As illustrated in the
paragraph formatting diagram on page 7-25.
Headings Use brief but informative paragraph headings in long correspondence with
widely varying topics. Underline any heading and capitalize its key words.
Be consistent across main paragraphs and subparagraphs; if paragraph 1 has a
heading, paragraph 2 would need a heading; if 1a has a heading, 1b would
need a heading.
Citing When referencing a paragraph or subparagraph, write the numbers and letters
without period or spaces, for example 2b(4)(a).
General The format of the standard letter, with slight variations, sets the pattern for
joint letters, multiple address letters, endorsements, directives, and
memoranda. The standard letter is used to correspond officially with
addressees within the Department of Defense (DoD). It may be used when
writing to addressees outside DoD only if they have adopted this format.
Standard When drafting a standard letter, the author should pay attention to the
Letter Format following format guidelines, which correspond to the format on the preceding
Guidelines page. While the naval correspondence was written for use with a typewriter,
the author will have to adjust the formats for use with a personal computer
(PC). The table below explains the guidelines to use for each item in a
standard letter. The numbers on each item correspond to the diagram on
page 7-29.
Item Guideline
Margins are set at 1 inch from the top, bottom, and sides of
each page. The exceptions to this are on letterhead paper,
typing starts more than 1 inch from the top when the
(1) letterhead is printed and less if it is typed. Typing may end
Margins more than 1 inch from the bottom that has a signature.
Computer applications require the top margin to be set at ½
inch. Do not right justify margins or use proportional
spacing.
Whether typing or stamping a letterhead, begin with
(2) “UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS,” centered on the
Letterhead fourth line from the top of the page. Center the activity’s
name, address, and nine-digit zip code on succeeding lines.
If “in reply refer to,” is printed on the activity’s letterhead
paper, type the SSIC on the next line. If “in reply refer to,”
is not printed, type the SSIC on the second line below the
(3) letterhead, starting 2 inches or more from the right edge of
Identification the paper. There are three parts of the identification
Symbols symbols:
Standard
Letter Format
Guidelines,
continued
Item Guideline
The “From:” line identifies the originator’s title, name and
(4) location of the command (without the state or zip code). Type
“From:” “From:”, at the left margin on the second line below the date
Line line. Two spaces follow the colon, and continuation lines start
under the first word after the heading. A comma separates the
title of the originator from the title of the command.
The “To:” line identifies the recipients of the document. Type
“To:” at the left margin on the first line under the “From:” line
(don’t skip a line). Four spaces follow the colon, and
continuation lines start under the first word after the heading.
(5)
“To:” and The “Via:” line is used when one or more commands outside
“Via:” Lines your own should see a letter before it reaches the action
addressee. Type the “Via:” at the left margin on the first line
below the “To:” line. Three spaces follow the colon, and
continuation lines start under the first word after the heading.
Number “Via:” addresses if you list two or more.
The subject line consists of a sentence fragment that tells
readers what the letter is about (no more than 10 words).
(6) Phrase the subject to make it genuinely informative and
Subject Line capitalize every letter after the colon. Type “Subj:” at the left
margin on the second line under the last line of the previous
heading. Two spaces follow the colon.
The reference line identifies any resources the document cites
or uses in the content. Type “Ref:” at the left margin on the
(7) second line below the subject line. Use a lowercase letter
Reference (beginning with the letter a) in parentheses before the
Line description of every reference. Three spaces follow the colon,
and one space follows the closing parentheses. Continuation
lines start under the first word after the heading.
Standard
Letter Format
Guidelines,
continued
Item Guideline
Enclosures are listed in the order they appear in the text. Type
(8) “Encl:”, at the left margin on the second line below the last
Enclosure line of the previous heading. Use a number in parentheses
Line (beginning with the number 1) before the description of every
enclosure. Two spaces follow the colon, and one space
follows the closing parenthesis. Continuation lines start under
the first word after the heading.
(9) Skip a line before starting the text. Paragraphs should be
Text formatted as described in the Paragraph and Subparagraph
Formatting section of this lesson.
(10) The right, left, and bottom margins should be one (1) inch.
Margin
1 %
Via: ****(1) Title of activity head location when needed (Code)
********(2) Pattern of line (1) repeated for next endorser ] 5
1 %
2
1 %
Encl: ** (1)*Title of material enclosed with letter
(2)*Title of material separately (sep. cover) ] 8
2 1. This example shows the first page of a two page standard letter. We have used 9
many of the elements that might appear on a standard letter. Mention reference (a)
and enclosures (1) and (2) in the text.
1 %
2 2.**Start the “From:” line on the second line below the date line. The date may be
typed or stamped in date, month, and last two year digit format.
%
3.**Arrange paragraphs as shown in Drafting Correspondence section.
1 %
2 ****a.**Do not start a paragraph at the bottom of a page unless you can carry at least
two lines over to another page.
%
****b.**Do not number the first page; number only second and later pages.
%
****c.**Other full-page examples in this chapter and later ones shoe the spacing to
correspondence that variously omits “Via:,” “Ref:,” and “Encl:” lines.
1” Margin 1” Margin
10 10
NOTE: * An asterisk (*) indicates a single blank space.
A percent sign (%) indicates a single blank line.
1” Margin Minimum
10
• Repeat the subject line as it appears on the first page. Type text on the
second line below the subject.
• The signature block starts at the center of the page on the fourth line below
the text.
• The “Copy to” block lists the addresses outside your command that need to
know a letter’s content but don’t need to act on it. Type, “Copy to,” at the
left margin on the second line below the signature block.
• The “Blind Copy to:” block is used to show internal distribution. This is
printed on internal copies, never on the original document. Type “Blind
Copy to:” at the left margin on the second line below the previous block.
• The drafter’s identification is typed on the first or last page of the file copy.
• This includes the name of the writer, writer’s office code, writer’s phone
extension or room number, typist’s identification, date of typing, and word
processing symbols.
• Page numbers are centered ½ inch from the bottom of the page starting with
the number 2. Single page letters and the first page of multiple-page letters
are not numbered.
1
%
%
By Direction
]
2 Copy to:
SNDL number and/or short title of information addressee
1
2
SNDL number and/or short title of information addressee
%
Blind Copy to:
]
1
2
List blind copy addresses
% ]
Writer: Name, organization, room # or telephone #
Typist: Name, date, word processing symbols
]
1” Margin 1” Margin
1” Margin Minimum
Second Page of The illustration below is an example of the second page of a standard letter
Standard with classification markings.
Letter With
Classification
Markings
.
General Multiple address letters are used when you have more than one addressee.
The multiple address letter has the same format as the standard letter, except
in handling addressees. There are three ways to list addresses:
“To:” Line Use the “To:” line only if you have four addresses or less.
“Distribution” Use the “Distribution:” block when you have more than four addressees.
Block
“To:” Line and Use both the “To:” line and “Distribution:” block in the same letter when you
“Distribution:” show a group title whose distribution is unknown
Block
Multiple- The illustration below is an example of a multiple address letter using the
Address Letter “To:".
Using “To:”
Line
• Same-page
• New-page
The length of the endorsement and the amount of space available determines
which type is used.
Formats There are seven memorandum formats to choose from that suit different
subjects, occasions, and audiences.
Memorandum The MFR is as internal document used to record supporting information in the
For The Record record that is not recorded elsewhere.
Letterhead Letterhead memoranda are used when direct liaison with individuals outside
Memorandum of your command is authorized, the letterhead memorandum may be used to
correspond on routine matters that neither make a commitment nor take an
official stand.
“Memorandum The “memorandum for” is the most formal memorandum. It is used for
For” communications between high level officials such as the Secretary of
Memorandum Defense, the Secretary of the Navy, and Assistant Secretaries. It is prepared
on letterhead stationary and follows standard letter practice.
Examples The following illustrations are some examples of the different memorandum
formats. The illustration below is an example of a memorandum for the
record.
Point (Talking) Point papers are referred to as “talking papers.” They provide a standalone
Papers document that presents the essential elements of a subject. It serves as a
readily available source of condensed, factual information on topical subjects.
Format The point paper’s format is very specific to provide uniformity throughout the
Navy Department. The paper is confined to a single 8 ½by 11-inch page.
Allow 1-inch margins for the top, bottom and sides. If unable to get the entire
text on one page, margins may be adjusted to accommodate the entire text on
one page. Eliminate unnecessary words like “the” and “that.”
Section The section headers and paragraphs will be written in the following format:
Headers And
Paragraphs • The paper will have a title of point paper.
• Headers are centered on the page and typed in all capital letters.
• Put main points first with supporting information following. Use short
phrases and bullets.
• Continuation lines start directly under the first word of the paragraph.
Margins Adjust margins from 1 to 2 inches to achieve maximum balance; never use
less than a 1-inch margin.
Parts of a A business letter is formatted differently than in the standard letter. Listed
Business Letter below are the parts of a business letter. The numbers on each item
correspond to the diagram on page 7-49.
Part Description
The following three symbols are written in the upper right
(1) corner of the letter:
Identification Symbols
• SSIC
• Originator’s code
• Date (written in month-day-year order)
(2) Placed 2 to 8 lines below the date, blocked and flush with
Inside Address the left margin.
An optional line used to direct the letter to a business in
general and to bring it to the attention of a particular person
(3) or department. Start typing two lines below the inside
Attention Line address, block and flush with the left margin, and two lines
above the salutation line.
(4) Capitalize the first letter of the first word of the salutation
Salutation Line as well as the first letter of the addressee’s courtesy title
and surname such as, Dear Mr.
Parts of a
Business Letter,
continued
Part Description
Use of the subject line is optional and may replace the
(5) salutation. The subject line should be very brief and to the
Subject Line point with more than one line in length. Capitalize all letters
of the subject line.
Single-space within paragraphs and double-space between
paragraphs. Indent main paragraphs four spaces and start
(6) typing on the fifth space. Do not number main paragraphs.
Body of the Letter The first lines of subparagraphs should be indented, lettered,
or numbered in standard letter fashion.
(7) The right, left, and bottom margins should be one (1) inch.
Margin
Use “sincerely” followed by a comma for the
(8) complimentary close of a business letter. Start the
Complimentary Close complimentary close at the center of the page on the second
line below the text.
(9) Start all lines of the “signature” block at the center of the
Signature Block page, beginning on the fourth line below “sincerely.”
Type “enclosure:” on the second line below the “signature”
(10) block, number and describe them briefly.
Enclosure Note: References and enclosures are addressed in the body
of the letter.
(11) When an enclosure is to be sent separately, type “Separate
Separate Mailing Mailing:” and a brief description.
(12) Type “Copy To:” at the left margin on the second line below
Copy To Line the enclosure line if any, or the signature block.
Identifying Repeat the identification symbols, from the first page, on the sixth line from
Second and the top at the right margin. Continue the text beginning on the second line
Succeeding below the identification symbols.
Pages
Numbering Single-page letters or the first page of a multiple-page letter are not
Pages numbered. Center page numbers ½inch from the bottom of the page, starting
with the number 2. No punctuation accompanies a page number.
Two Page The illustration below is an example of the first page of a business letter.
Business Letter
(1st Page)
Two Page The illustration below is an example of the second page of a business letter.
Business Letter
(2nd Page)
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Direction Complete items 1 through 10 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson
a. Salutation
b. Supporting details
c. Introduction
d. Verbal bridge
a. Originator’s code
b. Reporting Unit code
c. Individual Activity code
d. Local Area code
Item 6 Which item is one of the three ways to list addressees on a multiple address
letter?
a. “Greetings” line
b. “Salutations” line
c. “Distribution” block
d. “Enclosure” block
a. Double-page
b. Second-page
c. Half-page
d. New-page
a. Aligned to the left of the page and typed in capital and lower case letters
b. Centered on the page and typed in all capital letters
c. Indented five spaces on the page and typed in all lower case letters
d. Centered on the page and typed in capital and lower case letters
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 45 minutes
Study Time
Scope This lesson will familiarize the staff noncommissioned officer (SNCO) with
the procedures for distribution, maintenance, and the status of doctrinal
publications within the Marine Corps Doctrinal publications program to
include service, multi-service, joint, multinational, and associated
publications.
Marine Corps Marine Corps Service doctrine consists of publications created to describe the
Service warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) of the Marine
Doctrine Corps. The Fleet Marine Force Manuals (FMFM), Fleet Marine Force
Reference Publications (FMRP), and Operational Handbooks (OH) are being
phased out as doctrinal publications. These publications are being revised,
rewritten, and designated as one of the following:
MCDP MCDPs are higher order doctrine publications containing the fundamental
and enduring beliefs of warfighting (capstone) and the guiding doctrine for
the conduct of major warfighting activities (keystone). MCDPs supersede
selected FMFMs. The table below lists the currently published MCDPs.
MCWP MCWPs have a narrower focus detailing TTP used in the prosecution of war
and other assigned tasks. MCWPs supersede FMFMs, FMFRPs, and OHs.
The table below lists some examples of MCWPs.
MCRP MCRPs contain general reference and historical material and more specific
and detailed TTP than MCWPs. MCRPs are given the same number as the
parent MCWP with an alpha designator added to the number. MCRPs
supersede FMFRPs and OHs. The table below list some examples of
MCRPs.
Air, Land, Sea The ALSA center is chartered by the four service’s doctrine commands and
Application tasked to rapidly develop publications that fill interoperability voids between
(ALSA) services, joint forces, and staffs. These publications take on the form of
Publications multi-service TTP (MTTP) and address operational details often not included
in our joint publications. Upon approval, ALSA publication are given an
MCWP or MCRP designator and placed into the Marine Corps’ publication
hierarchy.
Naval Doctrine These publications provide the fundamental concepts that govern the
Publications employment of Naval forces at all levels. They form the seamless fusion of
Navy and Marine Corps doctrine, and form the naval characteristic of joint
operations.
Joint These publications are developed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and are
Publications promulgated as a distinct family of publications. Joint publications (JP) and
Joint TTPs (JTTP) provide guidelines for the coordinated employment of
forces from two or more military departments conducting joint operations.
Listed in the table below are some examples of joint publications and joint
TTP:
Technical Official documents used by the Marine Corps that support material and
Publications equipment are called Technical publications.
Approved Approved allied publications contain doctrine and TTP that the North Atlantic
Allied Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations have subscribed. When
Publications approved by the United States, these publications are the senior doctrinal
guide for forces conducting NATO operations.
“Other” The Army, Navy, and Air Force have produced a large number of
Service publications detailing TTPs for the many aspects of warfighting. Though not
Publications Marine Corps doctrine, these publications provide a wealth of information,
and can be referenced to supplement Marine Corps TTP.
USMC Internet The Marine Corps has developed an official website that lists unclassified
Website publications, orders, directives, and technical publications. You can access
this website at (http://www.usmc.mil)
This website is open to internet users, however the technical publication site
is restricted to military personnel only.
Other Websites Listed below are some joint and other service websites that can be used to
access publications:
Marine Corps The Marine Corps Publication Distribution System (MCPDS) is an on-line
Publication interactive system that facilitates continuing distribution of changes and
Distribution revisions for basic publications held by a command or activity that has been
System assigned as Individual Activity Code (IAC). It also provides the capability to
order publications if stocked at Marine Corps Logistics Base (MCLB),
Albany GA, display PCN information, create backorders, and maintain
internal distribution locations.
Establishing Every unit that receives publications has an Individual Activity Code (IAC)
Publication assigned. Commanders must determine the publications requirements for
Requirements their individual units since every unit is unique. This determination is derived
for a variety factors such as
• Mission
• Geographic location
• Experience of the members of the unit
Maintaining a Supervision is the most important action taken in maintaining and revising a
PL PL and ordering publications. PL managers should aggressively review and
follow-up on the status of all publication requests, as well as closely tracking
unit requirements for additional or replacement publications.
Requisitioning Most Marine Corps publications are stocked at the Marine Corps Logistics
Publications Base (MCLB), Albany GA, and can be ordered electronically by publication
control number (PCN) through MCPDS.
Classified Marine Corps activities with a requirement for classified Marine Corps
Marine Corps publications will requisition by PCN through MCPDS. Services outside the
Publications Marine Corps will submit a written request to CMC (ARDE) Publishing and
Logistics Systems Management Section in standard Naval format to include:
Purpose The directives control point evaluates the system’s operations within the
individual organization on a continuing basis, and analyzes directives, making
recommendations for improvement when appropriate.
Function The DCP functions under the guidelines set forth in MCO P5215.1 Marine
Corps Publications. Under consolidated administration, it publishes all
required publications at the organizational level. Subordinate units will not
maintain a separate DCP. The following functions fall under the
responsibility of the DCP:
Command The DCP will establish and maintain the command’s official correspondence
Correspondence file, per SECNAVINST 5210.11 and MCO 5210.11. Staff-sections may be
File
authorized to hold copies of command correspondence that they originate and
sign “by direction,” file the official file copy within the DCP.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 6 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
a. MCDP
b. MCWP
c. MTTP
d. MCRP
Item 2 Which internet website lists unclassified publications, orders, directives and
technical publications?
a. www.doctrine.usmc.mil
b. www.dtic.mil/doctrine
c. www.usmc.mil
d. www.mbw.usmc.mil
Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Unit Scope This course provides the staff noncommissioned officer with writing
guidelines to plan, develop, and publish effective communications through
the critical and creative thinking process.
• Identify chunking.
• Identify inferences.
• Identify implications.
• Identify complications.
Estimated 1 hour
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson is designed to introduce the SNCO with reasoning processes that
can be enhanced though the use of standards. The reasoning processes
support the writing process because the two are closely related.
Introduction Staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs) provide units and Marines with
problem solving skills based on military experience and education across a
broad spectrum of application areas. The problem solving skills are based on
the SNCOs ability to
• Collect information
• Select the information that specifically applies to the situation or issue
• Solve the problem or change the outcome of a situation
SNCO The leadership applications of critical thinking are used on a daily basis in all
Leadership operating environments. Critical thinking links the SNCO’s leadership,
Applications education, and experience into a thought process that links decision making
into solutions.
Application to The writing process uses the critical thinking problem solving processes to
Writing simplify the research and composition process. The SNCO uses the critical
thinking process to divide the problem or topic into smaller more manageable
elements. The smaller elements can be effectively developed into subtopics
used to populate a document outline. The process produces a higher quality
and more effective document and presentation.
Principles For simplicity, critical thinking will be divided into the following steps.
Step Action
1 Define the objective.
2 Divide the objective into components.
3 Determine the point of view.
4 Gather data.
5 Identify supporting concepts.
6 Identify inferences.
7 Identify implications and consequences.
Define the Defining the objective establishes what is to be accomplished by the critical
Objective thinking process.
For example:
The MAGTF
Dividing The ability to divide the objective into components, underlying issues, or
Objectives subtopics breaks the task into more workable elements. Smaller, simplified
elements increase the speed that an individual can develop a solution.
In writing, the ability to divide the objective into components assists in the
writing of the document, development, design, and organization.
For example:
The MAGTF
Three elements comprise the MAGTF, the ACE, GCE, and the CSSE.
Point of View The point of view is the perspective from which the document is written.
In professional writing, the point of view may have to reflect the official point
of view of the organization, policy, or leadership. As a SNCO, you may be
required to produce a written document for signature by the officer that
controls the unit or organizational element.
The author should be aware of his or her personal prejudices and biases, so
that the writing remains factual and, or emotionally neutral. Point of view
often separates technical writing from creative writing. Technical writing
uses facts to sway the reader to his or her point of view. Creative writing
often uses an editorial point of view to emotionally move the reader to the
presented point of view.
For example:
I feel that a corrosion control program must be put in place to avoid the
effects of salt water on exposed metal.
The writer has put his opinion or view into the sentence.
The most recent analysis on the corrosive effect of salt water on exposed
metal shows…
The second sentence does not show point of view, but instead uses gathered
data.
Gather Data Critical thinking is dependent on evidence or data to build support or reject an
objective, issue, or position. Data can come in the form of experience,
information, or environmental stimuli.
When gathering data for a writing task, the author should investigate the
objective from all possible vantage points and then determine what is
pertinent to the objective. Later in the process, the data will be organized into
a presentation format and then drafted into a document.
The data must be clear, accurate, and relevant. The author should be aware
that any outcomes, claims, or solutions are supported by data.
Implications An implication occurs when a claim or truth follows from two or more
and premises, which are conclusions drawn from experience or application.
Consequences Consequences are results from an action or condition. Combining the two
terms in relationship to each other creates the assumption that the
implications suggest consequences or results that may or will occur under
certain conditions.
Marine leaders have used the same concept in tactical decision-making games
(TDG). Developing a plan of action based on experience to meet a certain set
of criteria based on the most probable course of action by the enemy is the
goal of the TDG.
Application SNCOs train and develop the Marines under their charge to “think out of the
box,” which is the common term for creative thinking.
Initiative and Initiative is the ability to develop and follow through with a plan. Versatility
Versatility is the ability to do many things competently. Combining the two elements
produces a viable plan or action that could be executed in an effective
manner.
• Reading
• Listening
• Discussing
• Reflecting
The data is then evaluated for actual application to the problem or objective
currently being evaluated.
Generate Ideas Generation is the actual production of a new idea. This may not appear to be
as much work as preparation, but it can require a lot of patience. Generation
involves letting your mind explore new directions, putting your subconscious
mind to work.
Test and Validation tests or substantiates the new idea to see if it’s any good.
Validate Validation proves, confirms, and substantiates ideas. Every idea needs
validation, which requires thinking that is more convergent in nature.
Convergent thinking encourages knowledge, decision, and evaluation to test
the idea and conduct experiments.
Definition A standard assists and guides the quality of reasoning and thinking on any
topic. When applied to writing, it will help the author of a document create a
quality document that accurately and appropriately presents information on
the topic.
Content Reviewing a written document to ensure that it projects the focus and intent
Standards of the author can be a challenge. An author should evaluate a document using
the following content standards:
• Clarity
• Accuracy
• Precision
• Relevance
• Depth
• Breadth
• Significance
• Logic
Clarity Clarity refers to how clear something is. In critical thinking, clarity allows
faster assimilation of the data into the thought process. When applied to
writing, the document should project the writing objective to the reader
directly, which will enable them to make a judgment, decision, or inference
quickly.
It’s possible to have multiple answers to the questions used to “chunk” the
topic into more definitive terms. Limiting the scope or range of the document
objective are examples on how the author could change the structure of the
document that would increase the clarity to meet the objective.
TRUTH
TRUTH TRUTH
Inaccurate Accurate
Information The accuracy of the information makes it more useful to the reader. Vague
facts or information provide the reader with incomplete conclusion.
Misinformation causes the reader to draw the wrong conclusion about the
topic or objective.
Precision Precision describes the quality of the accuracy or the exactness of the output.
For example:
Abraham Lincoln was the President of the United States during the American
Civil War.
Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States, held office from 1861
to 1865 during which the country was embroiled in Civil War.
The second sentence adds precision to the accuracy in that it clearly defines
the accuracy of the statement.
The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, held office during
the Civil War from 1861 to 1865.
Determining the target audience and the goal of the document are important
factors when determining the level of precision that a document contains.
Relevance Relevance is the relationship between the subject or writing objective and the
data gathered. The ability to isolate and organize relevant information is
essential to critical thinking and the related reasoning processes.
The analogy of apples and oranges mixed together in a fruit bowl illustrates
how irrelevant data could look when put together. The error occurs when the
conglomeration is classified as either apples or oranges when it is neither.
The relevance sorts out the apples and oranges into separate categories.
In writing, the data has to support the writing objective. This is especially
true for the development of a professional document used to support decisions
or decision-making. The introduction of impertinent facts reduces the
effectiveness of the data presented to the audience by clouding the issue.
Depth Depth is the level or degree that the subject, issue, or topic is addressed.
Experience or training levels often reflect the proficiency of the individuals
involved in application or process. The greater the proficiency, the greater
level of detail that can be used in the application.
Breadth Breadth is the width or scope of the topic or objective that the document is
addressing. Breath or scope allows consideration for opposing, consenting,
and supporting points of view.
Questions to The following are some questions that may be addressed to assist the SNCO
Ask in the writing process to add breadth to a subject or objective.
Logic Logic refers to the reasoning process. In writing, logic allows the author to
evaluate information and make a determination on how it relates to the other
standards. An author must determine how to craft the information in a
document that
Logic is the adhesive that binds the other standards together in the thinking
and writing processes. While the application of logic occurs within the
author’s internal thought process during the design and development of a
document, the author must project the same information to the reader. The
ability to transfer reasoning externally is an essential element of the
professional writing process, since the decision making process can be based
on the quality of a written document.
Summary In this lesson, you learned to apply critical reasoning and critical thinking
principles to the writing process in order to enhance your communicative
skills.
In the next lesson, you will learn about the principles and process used to
develop a writing objective.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 6 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of the lesson.
Item 1 The seven principles of critical thinking are define the objects, divide the
objective into components, determine the point of view, gather data, identify
supporting concepts, _________, and __________consequences.
c. Develop initiative, generate ideas that solve the problem at hand, chunk
the ideas, and test and validate new ideas to see if they work or not
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items, refer to the reference
page.
Estimated 1 hour
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the principles and processes used to develop a writing
objective into a usable document.
Introduction Military operations begin with a clearly stated purpose called a mission
statement. The mission statement is used by commanders to develop a five
paragraph order, because the format provides the command with a detailed
plan of action. The writing process is similar in that you will normally have a
defined purpose or objective that will be the guideline of the document
development.
Writing A writing objective is similar to writing purpose, but the document should be
Objective written as unbiased or unprejudiced as possible and can be based on
observable phenomenon or summarized results. Since it is format that an
individual or group can use to present information to support decision-making
or process facilitation, the factual aspect of a writing objective supports
professional writing.
Introduction In the operational forces, leaders are often forced to develop a plan of action
based on the expected enemy action. Writing objectives may not be enough
for the SNCO to develop a document without further investigation. Writing
that requires the author to formulate assumptions has a set of associated terms
that will be discussed in this lesson section.
• The U.S. military has developed a new global role as a rapid deployment
force.
Identifying Before accepting any assumption as valid, you must determine whether the
Assumptions self-evident condition nullifies or supports your investigation. Some
assumptions are so self-evident that you may err by not identifying them.
Without identifying your assumptions, you won't know if they are valid or
invalid.
Example For example, if you are evaluating computer-assisted training for Marine
development, you may assume that Marines can read. If they cannot read,
then your educated guess is invalid.
Now, consider the first assumption, "Less than 10 percent of the Albanians
understand English." This statement assumes that a non-English speaking
population may increase the potential for mission failure. If this assumption
is true, then a condition exists that nullifies part or all of your investigation.
Introduction Getting started is one of the greatest difficulties that skilled and unskilled
researchers and writers face. The planning process is a technique of gathering
data on paper to create a starting point with a direction of content.
Requirement Your first step is to understand clearly what the actual requirement is, not just
what you think it is.
Clarification of the requirement calls for the Marine to use good critical
reasoning skills to ensure you understand the requirement, its ramifications,
and what you need to accomplish.
Gathering Data Your second step is to begin gathering data. One technique is mindmapping.
Mindmapping is a structured brainstorming technique that emphasizes
capturing the free flow ideas and discovering the relationships within and
between the ideas. This tool can be used to help you identify what you
already know about a given topic along with showing you where you need
more information.
Mindmapping First, take a sheet of paper and record in the top/center the general topic of
your paper. In this case, you would write the words Marine Expeditionary
Unit. Underneath the topic write down who the paper is for, your audience:
Marines NCOs, as shown in the example below.
Marine
Expeditionary
Unit
Marine NCOs
Knowledge Next, randomly record everything you know about the topic and your
About the audience.
Topic
Relationship Look over your notes and identify the relationships among the ideas you have
recorded. Tie these ideas together using symbols and lines that help you to
see them.
Major Parts Finally, transfer these relationships to another sheet of paper. At this point
you will be able to see the major parts of your research along with holes
where you need more information.
Summary Now you can use your time effectively to collect information on specific
areas where you need further data rather than trying to research everything on
Marine Expeditionary Units.
Introduction Good writing follows a plan. The plan tells the reader what your thesis is and
its major reasons. It presents facts that support each major reason. It shows
your analysis of the facts, opinions, and ideas that support your thesis. It
concludes with a brief summary restating your thesis.
Developing a A thesis statement reflects the thesis and writing purpose. It is the key point
Thesis you are trying to make. The thesis statement tells the audience why the topic
Statement demands attention what you want to prove, present, or defend.
Mnemonic As a mnemonic device, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Device
• For whom am I writing? (audience) Sergeants and Corporals
Pyramid of Outlining is like designing a pyramid from the top down. You begin by
Support selecting the topic and forming it into a thesis statement. This becomes the
capstone of the pyramid. The next layer down consists of your major points.
The subsequent layers consist of your evidence and analysis. Your analysis
explains the importance of the evidence with respect to the thesis.
First Draft The purpose of drafting is to dump, very quickly, all your information you
want to pass onto the page. Your focus needs to be on the substance and
organization of your document, not on what the final product may look like.
Techniques Two techniques that can help you accomplish writing a first draft are to using
your outline and drafting it quickly.
• Your outline will help keep you focused on both substance and organization
of your paper.
• Write quickly as the ideas come to mind. Don’t worry about the perfect
word or the perfect sentence. The purpose is to capture the ideas that
race
through your mind.
Revising the Sufficient time must be set aside for revising your draft. The writer should
Draft follow an established criteria to review and revise their writing.
The following chart may be used as a guide when you are conducting the
revision of your draft.
Proofreading Proofreading means to check and mark the final draft of your paper. When
proofreading, you look for mistakes that include typing errors and anything
else that is incorrect. If you discover too many problems for a final copy,
reassess your paper, determine if you are saying what you want, make
corrections, and then reprint. Repeat this process until you are ready to
produce the final draft.
Summary Following a good plan or outline is the key to writing a successful paper.
Develop a plan, write a draft, and proof your work to produce a final draft.
You now have the groundwork to effectively compose a paper.
Estimated 15 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 6 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of the lesson.
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Estimated 1 hour
Study Time
Lesson Scope Before starting to write, you should know what you wish to convey. SNCOs
will write various documents for one reason or another. You must write in an
effective way so readers of the document understand, believe, and can act on
the information relayed to them. The following lesson will provide different
techniques to aid you in writing your document effectively.
• Identify contractions.
• Identify brevity.
Principles of Whether you sign “by direction” or with a title, use the following principles.
Personal
Pronouns • Speak of your activity, command, or office as we, us, or our. These words
are no more exact or inexact than the vague word it. They are merely
conventions of modern writing that prevent much roundabout language.
Overdoing You can overdue personal pronouns. You can use so many pronouns that you
Personal can obscure the subject, and no number of them will overcome confused
Pronouns thinking.
Introduction The complexity of our work and the need for precision require some big
words. However, don’t use big words when little ones will do. People who
speak with small words often let needlessly fancy ones burden their writing.
Rely on Everyday words are used commonly and frequently; therefore, their
Everyday understanding is clear. Rely on common words versus overly dressed words.
Words Below are a few examples.
Instead Of Try
Commence Start
Facilitate Help
Optimum Best
Promulgate Issue
Utilize Use
Short spoken Use short, spoken transitions over long, bookish ones. Save long transitions
Transitions for variety. By using short ones, you help set an ordinary tone for the rest of
what you say. Below are a few examples.
Instead Of Try
Consequently So
However But
In addition Also
Nevertheless Still
Needless All writers try to impress readers. This is accomplished through language
Complications that does not call attention to itself. Avoid the needless complications of
legalistic words or words used in legal style documents lingo. Write to
express not impress. Below are a few examples.
Legalistic Normal
Aforesaid The, that
Heretofore Until now
Herewith is Here is
The undersigned I
Contractions Contractions link pronouns with words and make verbs negative. They are
appropriate in less formal writing situations. Even when writing a formal
document, you can use contractions in drafts to help you write naturally. If
contractions seem out of place, you may need to reword what you are trying
to say.
Short Sentences Long and short sentences should be mixed together for variety. Short
sentences cannot guarantee clarity, but they are less confusing than long ones.
The average sentence is about twenty words or two typed lines.
Instead Of Try
Aircraft Plane
Jet Harrier
Improved costs Lower costs
Enhanced method Faster Method
Be Precise There is not a list of rules for letter writing, but no document can avoid
reference to some rules. One necessary rule in writing a military document is,
be precise.
When your writing is definite in its manner and plain in its language it is
likely to be vivid, so that your words walk up and down in the mind of your
reader. Sharp, defined sentences that spark interest while simultaneously
relaying the writers message.
Clarity When writing, the reader must be able to understand the point you are trying
to make. This is achieved by eliminating confusion and making sentences
clear, concise, and concrete. An easy rule of thumb is the 5-Ws and an H.
• Who
• What
• Where
• When
• Why
• How
Tone Tone is a writer’s attitude toward the subject or readers. Because much of our
writing is routine, tone causes several problems when the matter is delicate.
The more sensitive the reader or issue, the more careful we must be to
promote good will. Tactlessness in writing suggests clumsiness in general.
When feelings are involved, one misused word can make an enemy.
Introduction Give your ideas no more words than they deserve. The longer you take to say
things, the weaker you come across and the more you risk blurring ideas.
You are not writing to be impressive, but to be understood. There is an
obligation upon you to deliver your message in such a way that it will have
the best possible chance to fulfill its mission.
Tightening Tightening, as it applies to writing means cutting extra words. Make every
word count. Inexperienced writers often use far more words than necessary.
They don’t attach enough value to the individual word. As a result, the
writing appears cluttered. The main ideas are hard to focus on because
unimportant words obstruct the interpretation.
Example:
At this point and time, we will break for lunch. (Too many words)
Brevity Brevity is the minimum number of words to project the maximum idea or
thought of the writer. Below is an example that lacks brevity.
A document of three thousand words may be brief, and a hundred word memo
may be long: the first, if it comprehends many facts, several points of view,
and some choices: the latter if it is devoid of necessary facts, broken in its
thinking, and undetermined in its conclusion.
Summary This lesson showed you ways to be more selective in your vocabulary
selection and the proper use of personal pronouns. You also have the
knowledge of how to compact your writing through revisions, tightening, and
brevity. You will learn how to put the final touches on any document by
using this lesson as a guide.
Estimated 10 minutes
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 3 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of the lesson.
Item 2 Contractions link _______ with words and make verbs negative.
a. pronouns
b. adverbs
c. the subject
d. nouns
Item 3 Tightening means cutting extra ________ that do not contribute to your
message.
a. nouns
b. words
c. adverbs
d. contractions
Item 4 Brevity is the ___________ number of words to project the maximum idea or
thought of the writer.
a. target
b. perfect
c. maximum
d. minimum
Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Introduction The purpose of the review lesson examination is to prepare you for the final
examination. We recommend that you try to complete your review lesson
examination without referring to the text, but for those items (questions) you
are unsure of, restudy the text. When you finish your review lesson and are
satisfied with your responses, check your responses against the answers
provided at the end of this review lesson examination.
Directions Select the ONE answer that BEST completes the statement or that answers
the item. Each question will be in the form of multiple choice, so circle your
response.
Items 3 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the definition from
Through 7 column 2 that best describes the leadership trait in column 1. The answers in
column 2 may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 9 Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare is which leadership
principle?
a. physical; determined
b. behavioral; determined
c. perception; acknowledged
d. behavioral; perceived
Item 11 The leader defines limits and permits subordinates to make decisions can be
described as which leadership style?
a. Democratic
b. Delegating
c. Telling
d. Autocratic
Item 15 SNCOs have the responsibility for molding subordinates into Marines.
Which of the following is a method that SNCOs use to mold their subordinate
Marines?
a. Promise of promotion
b. Clear instructions
c. Displaying anger
d. Showing favoritism
Item 17 Which of the following describes the relationship between a SNCO and
senior officer?
Item 18 Which reference contains guidelines and standards for assignment of conduct
and proficiency marks?
Item 19 Which of the following are occasions for submitting proficiency and conduct
marks?
Item 20 What are the effective dates when assigning semiannual proficiency and
conduct marks for regular Marines?
a. TR
b. TRAN
c. TF
d. TD
Items 22 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the filing instruction from
Through 25 column 2 that best matches the occasion in column 1. The answers in column
2 may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Occasion Filing Instruction
___ 22. If the effective date for a. Report annual marks of Not
transfer coincides with the Applicable
requirement to report b. Transfer marks take precedence
semiannual marks c. Report annual marks
___ 23. If the Marine attends annual d. Annual marks take precedence
training within 90 days of
the effective date for
reporting annual marks
___ 24. If the Marine receives a
mark for any other occasion
within 90 days of the
effective date for reporting
annual marks
___ 25. If the effective date for
annual marks coincides with
any reporting occasion other
than promotion or transfer
Item 27 Which of the following qualities are considered when recommending conduct
marks?
a. Cooperation and personal appearance
b. Adaptability and know how
c. Influence on others and interest
d. Individual character and leadership
Item 28 Scenario: Lance Corporal White handles routine matters acceptably, but in
your opinion, he has not performed to the best of his abilities. Lance
Corporal White gets the job done; however, both you and the squad leader
have often found it necessary to supervise him closely when he is assigned a
task, which is not routine. You have encouraged Lance Corporal White to
take correspondence courses, but to date he has not enrolled himself. Several
times during the past 5 months, you have been obliged to counsel him for
leaving on liberty when his squad was not squared away. Lance Corporal
White has received one valid letter of indebtedness from a local merchant
during this marking period. He keeps himself in good physical condition. Of
your three squad leaders, Lance Corporal White is the least effective.
Item 30 Families who are prepared and equipped with the skills and tools to
successfully meet the challenges of the military lifestyle is the definition of
a. family preparedness.
b. family readiness.
c. Marine Corps values.
d. key family planning.
a. E-mail
b. Letter mail
c. MARS
d. Local Red Cross chapter
a. Individual Marine
b. Platoon sergeant
c. Platoon commander
d. Company commander
a. Legal
b. Sensible
c. Corrective
d. Mandatory
Item 35 What is the key emotional factor when planning for a deployment?
a. Money problems
b. Communication
c. Shock
d. Loneliness
a. Misdirected anger
b. Worry about family and finances
c. Eating difficulties
d. Low self-esteem
Item 37 Letters, e-mail, calling cards, MARS calls, and morale calls are all examples
of ________________ during a deployment.
a. communication
b. being aware
c. staying up to date
d. ways of beating boredom
Item 38 What percentage does the government pay for a Marine who volunteers for
the dental coverage?
a. 90
b. 80
c. 75
d. 60
Item 39 The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, American Red Cross, and the
Chaplain Corps are just three examples of
Item 40 Who is authorized to approve emergency leave for more than 60 days?
a. The officer in charge
b. Commandant of the Marine Corps
c. Secretary of the Navy
d. Platoon commander
Item 41 Which of the following documents are required for family members and
Marines if traveling and taking leave overseas?
a. Original orders
b. ID card
c. Birth certificate
d. Passport
Item 42 When a Marine is deployed, his family can remain in base housing
a. only with written permission from the commanding officer.
b. for the entire duration of the Marine’s deployment.
c. if they pay 25 percent of the all amenities.
d. only if the Marine is deployed for less than 90 days.
Item 43 What are some of the changes to anticipate when returning home from
deployment?
a. Less family time
b. Over excitement
c. Very little changes in routine
d. Financial hardship
Item 45 What are some helpful Web links for personal and family readiness and
deployment preparedness?
Items 47 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter to determine the debt-to-
Through 49 income ratio in column 2 in the correct sequence in column 1. The answers in
column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Items 50 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the budget term in
Through 52 column 2 that best fits the sample in column 1. The answers in column 2 may
be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Items 53 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of financial goal
Through 55 in column 2 that best matches the example in column 1. The answers in
column 2 may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 56 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the credit term in column
Through 58 2 that is defined in column 1. You may use the answers in column 2 only
once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 59 Credit lets you _______ now and _______ later and depends on your net
worth, income, and
Item 61 The best guideline for lowering monthly payments or reducing the number of
payments is to
Item 62 What basic items must you have when you open a savings account?
Item 63 The traditional IRA requires you to have an adjusted gross income that does
not exceed _________ if you are single or _________ combined adjusted
gross income for married couples.
a. $24,000; $50,000
b. $33,000; $53,000
c. $50,000; $110,000
d. $50,000; $160,000
Item 64 Withdrawals from ___________ IRAs made prior to age 59½ are subject to
income tax plus a 10-percent penalty.
a. traditional
b. roth
c. SEP
d. roth and traditional
Item 65 Service group life insurance provides ________ life insurance to all active
duty personnel and ________ build cash value.
Items 66 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the type of insurance
Through 68 from column 2 that is defined in column 1. You may use the answers in
column 2 only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 69 When reviewing the criteria for choosing a life insurance policy, what are
three insurance rights that you should check before choosing a company
policy?
a. The company lets you correct mistaken personal information before they
turn you down, you can dispute their cancellation of insurance, and you
must pay the premium for the time the policy is in force even if you
cancel the policy.
b. The company is licensed in the state, you can cancel a policy any time,
and you can ask how personal information will be used and can correct
mistaken information.
c. The company is an A-rated company, is licensed in the state, and you read
the policy before buying the insurance.
d. The company gives you guidelines about your responsibilities, you can
cancel the policy any time, and you can correct any information that
resulted in you being turned down for insurance.
Items 70 and 71 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the approach to determine
the amount of insurance you need in column 2 with the description that best
matches it in column 1. You may use the answers in column 2 only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Description Approach
Item 72 According to recent federal government statistics, over _____ percent of men
and women of all races are overweight or obese.
a. 30
b. 32
c. 34
d. 36
Item 73 From the commander’s perspective, which of the following is not a benefit of
physical fitness?
Item 77 What Marine Corps order states the objective, purpose, and conditioning
principles of the Marine Corps physical fitness program?
a. MCO P5600.31G
b. MCO P1610.7E
c. MCO P1040.31H
d. MCO P6100.12
Item 78 Which one of the following goals is a part of the Marine Corps Physical
Conditioning Program?
a. Protein
b. Carbohydrates
c. Fat
d. Vitamins
a. Protein
b. Carbohydrates
c. Fat
d. Vitamins
Item 82 Which nutrient is used primarily as a source of energy for the body?
a. Protein
b. Carbohydrates
c. Fat
d. Vitamins
a. Protein
b. Carbohydrates
c. Fiber
d. Minerals
Item 84 According to the food guide pyramid, how many servings from the milk,
yogurt, and cheese group should you receive each day?
a. One to two
b. Two to three
c. Three to four
d. Four to five
a. 1,000
b. 1,100
c. 1,200
d. 12,000
Item 89 In order to produce a 1- to 2-pound loss per week, you must reduce your daily
caloric intake by how many calories?
a. 100 to 200
b. 250 to 750
c. 500 to 1,000
d. 1,000 to 2,000
Item 93 What is the purpose of the Fitness Report Audit Program (FRAP)?
Item 97 Name, social security number, and rank description on the Master Brief Sheet
are corrected via
a. CMC (MMPR).
b. The Unit Diary.
c. CMC (MA).
d. Active CMC (MMOA).
Items 98 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the description from
Through 102 column 2 that best describes the listing in column 1. The answers in column 2
may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Listing Description
Item 103 The OMPF provides a(n) ______ of the Marine’s ______ from entrance into
the Marine Corps until the present.
a. analysis; statistics
b. history; career
c. snapshot; data
d. report; production
Items 104 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the description from
Through 108 column 2 that best describes the folder in column 1. The answers in column 2
may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Folder Description
Item 109 Marines should request a copy of their OMPF for review and correction under
which circumstance?
Item 110 The Performance Evaluation Section (PES) of the Personnel Management
Support Branch (MMSB) provides essential data to _________ CMC’s
personnel management responsibilities.
a. support
b. enhance
c. influence
d. maximize
Item 111 Policy and Research Unit (MMSB-31) is responsible for fitness report policy,
research, correction, and accountability for all
a. officers.
b. active duty personnel.
c. reserve Marines.
d. enlisted Marines.
Item 112 Which of the following personnel are authorized to endorse fitness reports
that require administrative corrections?
Item 113 To warrant a correction of a date gap, the date gap must be how many days
delinquent?
a. 30 or more
b. 30 or less
c. 31 or longer
d. 31 or less
Item 114 Which of the following are components of the basic individual record (BIR)?
Item 115 Which of the following are components of the Basic Training Record (BTR)?
Item 116 What are the occasions for conducting an audit of the BIR and BTR?
a. A Marine retires
b. An annual inspection
c. A Marine joins a unit and triennially
d. A Marine reenlists
Item 117 To report additions, deletions, and change missing or erroneous data on the
BIR or BTR, ______________ entries are made.
a. unit diary
b. historical data
c. administrative
d. central master file
a. Written correspondence
b. Electronic correspondence
c. Verbal correspondence
d. Televised correspondence
a. Mailing correspondence
b. Displaying correspondence
c. Filing correspondence
d. Routing correspondence
Item 120 How many major subject groups are in the Navy’s SSIC system?
a. 10
b. 12
c. 13
d. 20
Item 121 What document is used to revise the department of the Navy SSICs and
department of the Navy file maintenance procedures?
a. SECNAVINST 5210.11D
b. SECNAVINST 5212.5
c. SECNAVINST 5215.1
d. SECNAVINST 5216.5
Items 122 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the SSIC designator from
Through 126 column 2 that best describes the general category in column 1. The answers
in column 2 may not be used more than once.
Column 1 Column 2
Item 128 Which directive is used to publish material that is either primarily informative
or otherwise directive in nature?
a. Orders
b. Bulletins
c. Letters
d. Messages
Item 129 Which type of order does the letter “P” preceding the SSIC identify?
a. Letter
b. ALMAR
c. 5-paragraph
d. Manual
Item 130 What are communications used to transmit written ideas and messages called?
a. Recording
b. Photo analysis
c. Correspondence
d. Video
Item 131 What publication is used to prescribe uniform standards for management and
preparation of correspondence?
a. SECNAVINST 5216.5
b. MCO 5215
c. SECNAVINST 5210.11
d. MCO 5600.48
Item 133 Which part of a paragraph restates the main idea of the paragraph using
different words?
a. Supporting details
b. Topic sentence
c. Subject sentence
d. Closing sentence
Item 134 Which line of a standard letter consists of a sentence fragment that tells
readers what the letter is about?
a. Enclosure
b. Reference
c. Subject
d. Text
Item 135 The distribution block of a multiple-address letter is used when you have
Item 136 Which memorandum format is used when direct liaison with individuals
outside the command is authorized?
a. Plain-paper
b. From-To
c. Letterhead
d. Memorandum For
Item 137 What is a stand-alone document that presents the essential elements of a
subject?
a. Business letter
b. Discussion paper
c. Standard letter
d. Point paper
Item 138 Which type of publication contains a narrower focus detailing tactics,
techniques, and procedures used in the prosecution of war and other assigned
tasks?
a. MCWP
b. MCDP
c. JMEM
d. MCRP
a. www.doctrine.usmc.mil
b. www.dtic.mil/doctrine
c. www.dtic.mil/alsa
d. www.nwdc.navy.smil.mil
Item 140 What online interactive system is used to request and distribute publications?
a. MCAIS
b. MCPDS
c. MCLB
d. MCU
Item 142 Managing and controlling the organization’s classified material is a function
of the
a. operations section.
b. security manager.
c. executive officer.
d. directives control point.
a. An implied resolution
b. An implication occurs when a claim or truth follows two or more
premises, which are conclusions drawn from experience or application
c. A claim drawn from conclusions
d. A claim or conclusion that is drawn from an implied resolution,
experience, or an application
a. Reading
b. Listening
c. Discussing
d. Reworking
Answers The table below lists the answers to the review lesson examination items. If
you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page of the course
text.
Answers,
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