The Senate's new Marine Corps caucus. Long overdue or much ado about nothing?

2015-06-20T02:16:25-04:00

With new deployments to Iraq, global uncertainty and tight budgets in the headlines, the Senate now has a Marine Corps caucus to make sure the service's concerns and needs are represented.

The first-of-its-kind caucus was established by Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., who served as a Marine officer from 1958-1962, leaving as a captain.

Joining Roberts as caucus co-chairs are the two other Marine vets in the Senate: Sens. Dan Sullivan, R-Ala., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Sullivan left the Reserve as a lieutenant colonel earlier this year. Blumenthal left the Corps as a sergeant in 1976 after serving in the Reserve for six years.

The caucus held its first breakfast meeting June 17 with Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford as the featured speaker.

Roberts said Dunford gave the members a short informal briefing on the posture of the Corps and the challenges Marines face.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/military/capitol-hill/2015/06/19/new-marine-corps-caucus/28998523/

Meet the Senate's new Marine Corps caucus

With new deployments to Iraq, global uncertainty and tight budgets in the headlines, the Senate now has a Marine Corps caucus to make sure the service's concerns and needs are represented.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 20 at 2015 3:43 AM

2015-06-20T03:43:58-04:00

It's a start. I am concerned about all of the services under the current drawdown. It is important to be as effective as possible with that which remains.

Response by Sgt Josh Hardy made Feb 16 at 2016 3:12 PM

2016-02-16T15:12:00-05:00

I definitely like the idea, though it might work better if it's also part of a larger "prior-service" caucus. With all these changes being proposed, especially by SecNav, having those who've actually served giving input at their level is definitely needed to balance necessary change and adaptation with unreasonable appeasement. On the flip side, with needed budget cuts a Marine Caucus would be a great opportunity to counter senators who want money for their states with the actual needs of the military (less bases and equipment in unneeded areas. i.e. the F-35).