Squad leader shortage: Why the Corps is handing out big bucks for infantry NCOs

If they would change their prior service policy it might help. I was already an E6 and had thoughts of joining the marine infantry, already experienced as a Infantry Squad Leader in the Army. Unfortunately they said I’d be pumped down to E2 and have to go through the basic training process all over again

A little perspective on why this might not be working....

It's aimed at NCO's between 5-7 years in service. You know what is also aimed at NCO's between 5-7 years in service... B-Billets like Combat Instructor, DI, and MSG. Furthermore, Careerists (those on their second tour) are often given duty-station preference on their second tour which means on their third tour (if they don't chose B-Billets) they will be chosen for Recruiting (the other B-Billet).

The article is great about outlining why there is a shortage of "Squad leaders" (MOS 0365) however structurally they fail to point out that there is often a systemic issue of not having enough Sgts (E5) 03xx at the Infantry BNs because we use them in all of our B-Billets (2nd & 3rd term Marines).

This isn't a case of "throwing money at a problem" or even training. We can have a qualified Squad Leader (honestly any LCpl is going to be qualified before they finish their first term if they have a good head on their shoulders) in a structural sense. This is a case of saying we have one in writing. We could have done that with the old MCI (Marine Corps Institute) system.

That's a lot of dough for a grunt. I'd like to see the barracks parking lots after these bonuses start getting paid.