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CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The Marine Corps has changed its re-enlistment procedures in an attempt to improve the quality of its ranks, according to orders approved by the commandant in May.

The new system, which goes into effect this summer, allows Marines more time to apply for re-enlistment and rates servicemembers who want to re-enlist on four performance levels. It also allows commanding generals to request that highly qualified Marines be placed into job positions where the service already has reached its quota.

The changes will help the service choose the most qualified candidates to keep in the line of duty instead of just re-enlisting the first to volunteer, according to the May 11 order released by the Marine Corps Manpower and Reserve Affairs Department.

“The re-enlistment process is amended to assist leaders in identifying those Marines who have excelled in relation to their peers and provide for higher competition in re-enlisting,” the order says.

The annual “re-enlistment season” for Marines will increase from 30 days to 90 days – from July 1 until Sept. 30 – before headquarters starts filling the most popular job positions, the service said.

Next, commanders will evaluate Marines who want to re-enlist on a new four-tiered system.

Highest performing Marines will be rated a level 1, which means they perform all tasks, even those that are difficult or routine, in a superior manner.

Level 2 Marines are competitive and highly competent but sometimes need help with difficult tasks, while level 3 servicemembers can be counted on to perform regular duties but usually require assistance for any work that is not routine.

The lowest rating is level 4, which will be assigned to Marines who may or may not meet minimum service standards.

In an attempt to fill highly technical and unpopular jobs, the Corps has begun offering re-enlistees lateral moves to positions that need to be filled for the service to operate.

But if popular job positions are all filled, a commanding general can request re-enlistment approval from Marine Corps headquarters to allow highly qualified Marines into the position anyway, according to the published order.

trittent@pstripes.osd.mil

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