When in the MC, my SNCO's educated the ranks on voting and other responsibilities. Does/did this happen in your unit/s and to what extent?

LCpl Todd Houston — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:10:24 -0400

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Jul 21 at 2016 10:16 PM

MAJ Rene De La Rosa — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:16:25 -0400

It still occurs with the Voting officer and other NCOs taking care of business through hip pocket training. I have found that there is a serious need for financial classes, especially since the new retirement plan is coming on soon.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2016 10:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 22:17:07 -0400

Great question! We broadened this out to civics during our last deployment and then let the discussion take itself wherever. We typically were able to keep it civil and I hope increased interest in the process. @SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by PO1 Tony Holland made Jul 21 at 2016 11:54 PM

PO1 Tony Holland — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 23:54:48 -0400

During my eight years in the Navy I only heard it in bootcamp.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 12:46 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 00:46:39 -0400

Supervisors of all ranks typically pushed it during voting season for me.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jul 22 at 2016 4:23 AM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 04:23:04 -0400

I don't remember hearing about voting once while I was in.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2016 9:49 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 09:49:13 -0400

Units are suppose to have a Voting Assistance Officer who briefs the Commands on how to Vote and the Importance of Voting, they also pass out literature about it. I was the VAO at my unit in 2010, however haven't had a VAO ever since. Google Voting Assistance for Military members I'm sure there is a good link with information for you.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Jul 23 at 2016 12:12 AM

Capt Chris McVeigh — Sat, 23 Jul 2016 00:12:02 -0400

Every command has a voting rep appointed, the requirement is listed in both Marine Corps Orders and in the CGIP.

Response by Capt Walter Miller made Jul 26 at 2016 8:33 AM

Capt Walter Miller — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 08:33:12 -0400

Instead of asking 'how many holes in a C-rat cracker' I'd ask, "who is your congressman?"

Walt

Response by Cpl Robert Robertson made Jul 26 at 2016 9:58 AM

Cpl Robert Robertson — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 09:58:01 -0400

Yes while you were NEVER told who to vote for. It was understood that voting like fight was part of your American duty as a marine

Response by SSgt August Helmke made Jul 26 at 2016 10:13 AM

SSgt August Helmke — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 10:13:12 -0400

This question could be taken two ways:
1) If the lecture is on your responsibility to vote, it's a good thing.
2) If the lecture is telling you whom to vote for, the SNCO's are way out of line.
SSgt August G. Helmke III, Bastrop, Texas

Response by Cpl Michael Crowley made Jul 27 at 2016 9:53 AM

Cpl Michael Crowley — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 09:53:23 -0400

It did to the point that we got half of a day off in order to participate in major voting days.

Response by Maj Ken Brown made Jul 27 at 2016 11:52 AM

Maj Ken Brown — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 11:52:28 -0400

Good question. I was the company voting officer. It amounted to encouraging young Marines to vote, answering questions regarding how to do it, and teaching a class which was a repeat of high school Civics.

My son was a voting officer on his ship as well.

We're both convinced that voting is a sacred responsibility. Otherwise, the country is run by folks who represent only a small fraction of their constituencies.