Greetings to all marines

Like everyone else reporting at this time, it is hard to believe Christmas is only a corner or so away and that 2011 is almost over.  There's a fine balancing act between squeezing the juice out of life and being totally wrung out - and yet no matter how hard we do try, the months seem to hurtle by regardless of how much we try to maximize whatever it is that we need to get from our day-to-day existence to try and 'slow things down'. For myself, I am still wondering what happened to September, October and November. Something keeps telling me that it still is really August.

And a point to my opening ramble here, is to yet again bring focus of attention to the amount of time, energy and effort that is applied by every single volunteer out there who is working on behalf ofthe Corps.
Scattered throughout our organization, are individual marines who are prepared to put their time, energy, intellect, passion into supporting something they either believe wholeheartedly in, or atthe very least have genuine desire to derive pleasure from. These are the myriad Marine Volutneers that our organization

Generally putting aside their own expectations of 'fan enjoyment', these volunteers are committed to ensuring that the machinations of the SFMC roll on pretty much uninterrupted and with efficiency and regulation. 
So no matter where you are placed within the Corps and no matter how large or small the tasks you perform on behalf of your fellow marines - I wish to offer up a gigantic "thanks Marine" to you all. 
I would also like to take this time to thank those marines who have helped this GS through the first year of office and to acknowledge the support and encouragement provided by the many, single individuals who have offered ideas and suggestions and who have willingly assisted us in carrying out our duties

COMMANDANT'S CAMPAIGN
With the Christmas Holiday Season about to pounce on us all, it is timely to remind you of any participation in the Commandant's Campaign. Significant amongst these at this time of the year, willof course be Toys for Tots - but that does not preclude the many other volunteer or charitable activities that are being conducted in the various communities world-wide.

For all those marines out there working through Toys for Tots activities during this very busy month, I offer my personal commendation to you. I am sure that the SFMC marines so involved will continue as always, to provide a huge amount of effort and commitment to this very worthwhile cause. Well done Marines !

MARINE FORCES MANUAL REVISION (MFM)
Another reminder that we are working through the next re-publication of this critically important manual. If you have any questions, queries or comments to make on this revision we are undertaking, we will certainly value your input. Please direct any such communication to my office in first instance as I will be most happy to discuss any issues, ideas or even concerns with you.The MFM is the "go to" resource for all marines and for any potential new marines - so we need to make sure it is kept well updated, instructive/educational, accurate and effective

NEW MARINES & UNITS
While on the subject of new marines, it is extremely pleasing to note the increase in active Units since my last report ( 5 new Units added since 1 November) and that Corps membership numbers continue to reflect around slightly above 24% (and increasing) of total STARFLEET membership. While these numbers will of course fluctuate with timing issues associated with any membership renewals, the reported number of new marines entering our ranks is really encouraging. We welcome all new members to the Corps and congratulate you on stepping forward to join what is the best Star Trek military-focused organization on the planet. A good time to remind any of the 'recruiters' who may be responsible for these new marines, of the SFMC Recruiting & Retention Award. Make sure your name is being put forward!

SFMC FACEBOOK PAGE
Not being the best 'FaceBooke'r around, I am nevertheless very impressed to note the steady and growing activity with our own page. Discussions are definitely mixed with some 'real' policy discussions; questions and queries; as well as being filled with the usual banter that FaceBook seems to generate.  While it is never intended that FaceBook replace the Corps-list as our majorcommunication outlet for Corps business discussions, I can't help but acknowledge that the free and easy style associated with such social interaction is certainly working well.

I am absolutely positive that all of the SFMC FaceBook participants will welcome your input to this group so why not sign on today. You never know who you will find "out and about" and in general terms, it is proving to be a great way to get to easily meet and interact with many of your fellow marines

SFMC QM STORE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
As has already been advised by the CO FinCom in his recent "State of.." report, the SFMC QM Store is running a special on the SFMC playing cards - just in time for Christmas. At 50% off list price price, these cards would make an excellent gift for the marine in your life - or even as a gift to yourself. All inquiries for this should go direct to the SFMC Quartermaster who can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it You should also check out the other range of items held in our Store - you never know what you might find....

UNIFORMS
There has been a fair bit of discussion lately on SFMC uniforms and SFMC dress code policies. This is an important subject and something that is close to every Marine who wishes to visually reflect their individual role-play as a member of the Corps. Such discussions, suggestions, comments and ideas are very valued. We need to heat your thoughts and desires on this subject to ensure wesimply don't keep marching down the same road without looking to what the horizon may hold. But I would simply ask here, that if you do have any suggestions, queries or ideas on our dress code policies that you would like to get an answer on, or to take further, that you follow up with a post to the DepDant who is the officer responsible in first instance for this element of SFMC policy. Thereare a lot of ideas out there and we would truly like to hear them.

And on that note, I close off for 2011. As I said at the beginning, I sincerely thank those many Marines who have give encouragement and support in the last twelve months to this GS - and especially to those who have helped this far-flung International marine to hold this important office.

I wish you all the very best for a safe and happy Christmas Season for you and your families and look forward to a bright new 2012 bringing us all lots of promise from the doom and gloom that has seemed to have surrounded us for so long. Merry Christmas Marines !

Cheers
Bruce

Bruce O'Brien
Brigadier General, SFMC
Commandant, STARFLEET Marine Corps
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