CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- The rank of sergeant is one of the oldest ranks in the Marine Corps, and those who wear it are considered to be the backbone of the Corps.
Sergeants are responsible for supervising and leading their Marines, as well as acting as a liaison between junior Marines and staff noncommissioned officers and officers.
The 2nd Marine Logistics Group commanding officer, Col. Mark R. Hollahan, brought the sergeants of 2nd MLG together for a period of military education Feb. 15, aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C.
“We’ve got some challenges within the MLG,” expressed Hollahan. “I need your help.”
Hollahan discussed topics such as sexual assault, hazing, professionalism and looking out for one another, during the brief.
“As sergeants, you know more than we know,” he added. “You are down there with the Marines. You know what is going on.”
Sexual assault is a familiar topic within the Corps, and Hollahan is relying on the sergeants to help spread the word.
“[The junior Marines] listen to you,” he said. “Talk to them about sexual assault, and be that guy or that gal who tells them about it. Most of all be the example. Walk the walk, and talk the talk. Grow them up to be like you.”
The Marine Corps recently published a new order on hazing, and the 2nd MLG leaders want to ensure it’s being enforced.
“You supervise at work, at the barracks and during field day,” Hollahan told the sergeants. “When you see [hazing], nip it in the bud.”
The other topics were discussed to make sure the Corps’ high standards are upheld as Marines return from Afghanistan.
Hollahan continued by asking the sergeants to police those redeployed Marines and help guide them back to the garrison lifestyle.
Hollahan then took the time to thank the sergeants for the job they’ve been doing thus far.
“You are doing a great job, I just need your help with these few issues” he concluded. “You’re doing phenomenal stuff and a large amount of it. We could not do what we do at the MLG without you.”