WASHINGTON -- The Marine Corps needs to transition from “nation building in Iraq” to the “fight in Afghanistan,” said Gen. James T. Conway, 34th commandant of the Marine Corps, during an Oct. 24, brief to business executives at the Pentagon.
While Conway met with the Chicago-based industry leaders, other Marine leaders met with Maryland-based business executives to discuss Corps policies and procedures.
The executives and leaders came together at the Marine Corps Business Executive Forum, a semi-annual event that gives business and community leaders a chance to learn about the Marine Corps and interact with its leadership.
The day started with a Marine-led tour of the Pentagon, which included trips to both the indoor and outdoor 9-11 memorials, and ended with a journey through Marine Corps history at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Between tours, executives were given the opportunity to fly in an MV-22 Osprey during their visit to the National Capital Region. Members of the forum also received an operations brief on the Long War and on the Corps’ top priorities such as the development of new weapons, longer dwell time between deployments and recent recruiting successes.
“There is no doubt in my mind that there’s a tremendous amount the business world could learn from the Marines, starting with culture and passion,” said Janet Ladd, chief executive and president of Ladd and Associates. “Incredible experience: you make me want to join.”
Before stopping at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., for marksmanship training with several weapons in the Marine arsenal, the business executives were treated to a field lunch of Meals, Ready-to-Eat.
“The day was just outstanding, from the very beginning, the Pentagon, CMC brief, the MREs, the range and the museum. The museum was the perfect ending,” said Craig Duchossois, chief executive of Duchossois Industries.
John E. Kelly Jr., Kelly Generator & Equipment added that “America’s business community could learn a lot from the Marines values, discipline, organization and cohesion.
For additional information on the Marine Corps Business Executive Forum, contact the Division of Public Affairs’ Community Relations Branch at (703) 614-1034 or visit the Marine Corps website at: www.marines.mil/community