MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Military and civilian contracting officers from Marine Corps bases around the world gathered in Savannah for the annual Headquarters Marine Corps Contracting Conference March 22 - 26, entitled "Contracting Change."
After the contractors were brought "up to speed" on new laws and regulations that will affect military and civilian personnel Marine Corps wide, they were given a glimpse of all the facets of recruit training, which helped them appreciate their role in supporting the Marine Corps mission.
One of the highlights of the conference was when guest speaker Col. Michael Malachowsky, Depot Chief of Staff, gave a slideshow presentation on everything it takes to become a Marine, from recruiting and training to base support operations.
"What we're doing is building the Marine Corps for the 21st Century, and that starts at Parris Island," said Malachowsky in his presentation.
To further give them a feel of what it takes to be a Marine, the contracting officers were bussed to Parris Island on the last day of the conference in order to attend a recruit graduation.
"The majority of contracting personnel are civilians, and many of them have worked for the Marine Corps for many years and never seen a recruit graduation," said Master Sgt. Julia Deloach, procurement chief for the Regional Contracting Office, MCRD/ERR. "So, this was an opportunity to bring them here and let them see who they're supporting, or at least where it starts."
Before heading to the Peatross Parade Deck, they were given a warm drill instructor-style welcome by five barking drill instructors upon arrival at the yellow footprints.
After being told to form up on the footprints, they were all given the same brief recruits receive just prior to heading through the silver portals where thousands of Marines have passed before them. After the brief, they proceeded over to the parade deck where they watched the graduation of Golf Co., 2nd RTBn.
"Initially there were some facial expressions that were indicative of 'Oh my gosh, what are we doing?'" explained Deloach. "But after they got past the drill instructors yelling to get off the bus, they gave rave reviews, and they were in awe of the graduation. It gave them more meaning on the Marines they're out there supporting."
Contracting officers support Marines by handling the purchase/contract of all items that
are not available through the Marine Corps supply system, such as mattresses for the recruit barracks, shooting targets for WFTBn., as well as alterations for recruit uniforms.
Therefore, Marines would not be made without the support and services that are contracted through the Regional Contracting Office, said Deloach.
"Without contractors, recruits wouldn't get trained, they wouldn't get qualified with a weapon, they wouldn't have uniforms that fit them properly, they wouldn't [pass swim qualification] and they wouldn't have any place to sleep," said Deloach.
Walking away from the graduation, each participant had a better idea of what it took to make the Marines who continue to defend the nation today.
"I've only been with the DoD for two-and-a-half years, and this is the first time I've seen something that helps me appreciate what it takes to be a Marine," said Holly Powell, deputy regional contracting officer for MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. "It was truly an eye-opening experience."