marines Archive

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Battle Color Detachment kicks off toy drive

By Caleb Eames

The United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment will perform on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., at the Albany Civic Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Battle Color Ceremony will serve as the kickoff for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Pro­gram in the Albany area. Spectators are asked, if possible, to bring a toy to donate at the event. As part of a nationwide effort to help disadvantaged children during the Christmas season, toys will be collected by local Marines starting Oct. 15, continuing through the end of the year.

The Marine Corps Logistics Base Commanding Officer Col. Terry V. Williams will be the reviewing officer for the event.

The Battle Color Detachment, travelling from 8th & I Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., is comprised of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, known as “The Commandant’s Own;” the Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Platoon; and the Marine Corps’ Color Guard.

The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will play their mix of contemporary/patriotic music and display traditional marching, and the precision of the Silent Drill Platoon is expected to be the crescendo of the event.

The annual performance provides members of the local and surrounding communities, base personnel, local officials and leaders, and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units from around the Southwest United States an opportunity to see an outstanding ensemble of musical and drill performance excellence. From the youngest JROTC member, to the oldest spectator, the Battle Color Ceremony will evoke pride and awe, and project the honor, courage and commitment of the United States military, past and present.

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Albany MCLB: Marines encouraged to use social media appropriately

The recently-released Marine Administrative Message 458/09 caused some to ask questions about how to properly use the social media sites that have become a popular way to communicate. Many Marines use social networking as a quick and easy way to maintain contact with family and friends, especially while away from home.

“For those with families, being away from their spouse and kids for a long period of time is difficult, and having social media to communicate is a real morale boost,” said Capt. Victor Flores, deputy director, Logistics Support Division, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany. “My daughter was born while I was deployed to Iraq, and the only way I could see her was through the webcam.”

According to the Marine Corps’ official response on social media from the Division of Public Affairs, Headquarters Marine Corps, which was posted on the Marine Corps’ official website, Maradmin 458/09 does not limit Marines’ access to social networking sites. Rather, it clarifies terminology and provides an official process to request a waiver to access social media from the Marine Corps Enterprise Network systems.

The official response goes on to state that numerous commands currently access social media through other internet service providers, and that the Marine Corps recognizes the benefits of social networking sites.

“Social media is important to every Marine and sailor out there,” said Flores. “When you are a long way from home, your family is on your mind. These days, Marines are used to communicating with Facebook and MySpace, and when they can access their accounts while away from family, it makes a difference in their combat readiness.”

In fact, Marine Corps News utilizes Twitter to keep followers informed about happenings within the Marine Corps, and MarinesTV has a dedicated YouTube channel.

“Even before this message, sites such as YouTube, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter could not be accessed by Marines using the Marine Corps Enterprise Network in accordance with Marine Corps and Department of the Navy policies,” according to the official response. Reasons for the general prohibition on system networks include high risk for viruses and malicious intent, as well as the fact that certain social media use a great deal of bandwidth that may detract from mission-related functions.

Despite the regulations on the Marine Corps’ networks, “Marines are not prohibited from accessing any social media sites from their personal computers during their off-time,” the official response continued. “Marines are encouraged to tell their stories on social networking sites.”

According to the Marine Corps’ website, other units that utilize social media include the Marine Corps’ New York City Public Affairs Office, the 1st Marine Logistics Group, the 11th and 24th Marine Expeditionary Units, and the Combined Task Force Talisman Saber.

“Marines also need to know that they represent their organization at all times, even through social media, and that operational security should always be remembered when posting information online,” said Colie Young, deputy public affairs officer, Public Affairs Office, Operations and Training Division, MCLB Albany.

Written by By 1st Lt. Caleb Eames.

Tags: marines
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Battle Color Detachment to kick off toy drive

The United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment will perform on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., at the Albany Civic Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Battle Color Ceremony will serve as the kickoff for the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots Program in the Albany area. Spectators are asked, if possible, to bring a toy to donate at the event. As part of a nationwide effort to help disadvantaged children during the Christmas season, toys will be collected by local Marines starting Oct. 15, continuing through the end of the year.

The Marine Corps Logistics Base Commanding Officer Col. Terry V. Williams will be the reviewing officer for the event.

The Battle Color Detachment, travelling from 8th & I Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., is comprised of the U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, known as “The Commandant’s Own;” the Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Platoon; and the Marine Corps’ Color Guard.

The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will play their mix of contemporary/patriotic music and display traditional marching, and the precision of the Silent Drill Platoon is expected to be the crescendo of the event.

The annual performance provides members of the local and surrounding communities, base personnel, local officials and leaders, and Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units from around the Southwest United States an opportunity to see an outstanding ensemble of musical and drill performance excellence. From the youngest JROTC member, to the oldest spectator, the Battle Color Ceremony will evoke pride and awe, and project the honor, courage and commitment of the United States military, past and present.

By Caleb Eames.