Camp Lejeune N.C. -- Thirty-fourth Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway and 16th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlton W. Kent visited U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command headquarters recently to thank Marines and Sailors for their service and dedication and to discuss the future of MARSOC and the Marine Corps.
Conway met with MARSOC Commander Maj. Gen. Paul E. Lefebvre and was briefed on the future military construction (MILCON) projects for MARSOC facilities here and in Camp Pendleton. Conway was also given an operational overview of what MARSOC personnel are doing around the world.
MARSOC Marines and Sailors then got a chance to ask questions to the Corps’ most senior leadership during a town hall meeting in the headquarters auditorium. Questions ranged from the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to downsizing rumors.
“My personal opinion is that after the guns fall silent in Afghanistan, 200,000 Marines is probably too big,” said Conway in regards to the downsizing question. “My promise to you all is that if and when we do start to draw down, it’s going to be at a reasonable pace.”
After the town hall meeting, Conway and Kent awarded challenge coins to ten MARSOC Marines and Sailors and one civilian in a small ceremony.
“It was great to meet him face to face,” said a 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion element leader who received a coin from the Commandant. “I don’t think he cares what unit you’re with, as long as you’re a Marine. But we’re glad he appreciates what MARSOC is doing.”