MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- More than 200 Depot civilian workers and Marines met at the Weapons Field Training Battalion Mess Hall April 28 for a breakfast, which included training and discussion of important topics.
The quarterly event, aimed at getting information out to employees in a large, yet relaxed atmosphere, was highlighted by presentations from Nancy Brandau, director of the Human Resources Office, and Lt. Cmdr. Charles Mendoza, public works officer.
"Lieutenant Cmdr. Mendoza talked about the building projects that are ongoing and proposed for the future and the changes that will occur as the results of these projects," said Brenda Nix, management analyst, Plans Section, Programs & Assessment Department. "Mrs. Brandau also informed us the transition of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) has been postponed until July 2005 and talked about Resumix."
Mike Kaneshige, Combat Visual Information Center's maintenance chief, said the breakfast was good in that the civilians received acknowledgement from Marines and were able to associate with new people, and at the same time, getting news first, rather than hear-say.
"To hear the general refer to us as 'Civilian Marines' states our contributions to the command are vital and should make everyone feel good," he said. "The breakfast provided an opportunity to meet new people and receive information firsthand."
According to Nix, NSPS is a new civilian personnel system that the Department of the Navy had originally scheduled to transition to in 2004. Also, the Resumix system is one that civilians use to submit their resumes for government jobs.
Nix explained the breakfast served as a means to keep the Civilian Marine work
force informed and up to date on command issues and events and to provide job training.
"The Civilian Marine Breakfast provided a venue for getting out information to the civilian workforce, as well as for training," she said. "It also improved morale and built Esprit de Corps."
Slide shows were used to show several different projects in process, said Marcia Roth, Depot Laundry manager. She added it was evident that much preparation went into making the breakfast a success for the employees.
"The thing that struck me the most was the effort put into setting up this program and attempting to bring the civilians up to date on what the base and Marines are doing," Roth said. "If the civilians understand what the Marines are going through and the
Marines understand the civilians' concerns, there can be more understanding and supportiveness between the two."
Nix also said she believes the quarterly meetings aid in both the civilians and Marines understanding each other's issues, as well as their roles.
"It is important for the Civilian Marines to understand the role the Marines play in accomplishing the Depot mission of recruiting and recruit training and for the Marines to understand the role the Civilian Marines play in supporting the mission," she said. "It helps them work well together as a team that is dedicated to the accomplishment of our mission, 'to recruit, train and support the making of basic U.S. Marines for successful follow-on training and service in the Corps.'