The Foundation, in collaboration with the Marine Corps Association, provides funding to assist Commanders in developing and providing forum opportunities specifically tailored to enhance their Marines’ and Sailors’ knowledge of the operational matters from a historical, cultural, or operational perspective. The forums can range from presentations and discussions with noted authors and scholars that will help prepare a unit for a current operation to a classical battle study. Participants in the battle studies may walk the ground with experts in order to better understand the history and lessons learned from these famous battles and campaigns.
The funds help pay for speaking fees, honorariums, battle guide directors and other costs that are non-governmental in nature.
In addition, the MCA&F actively seeks to provide relevant, professional military education for active duty Marines and opportunities to stay abreast of current issues. To support that endeavor, MCA&F organizes a number of Professional Military Education Seminars. These special and recurring forums feature prominent speakers, key decision makers and subject matter experts and offer key insights and unique perspectives on current military topics.
Events are held at different locations, allowing active duty Marines and our members nationwide the opportunity to enhance knowledge of military art and science and appreciation of current issues. The MCA&F works with active duty military and appropriate civilian organizations to arrange for such prestigious military speakers and prominent journalists, writers and government decision makers to support our events with the widest range of current perspective for the benefit of our member/attendees.
To apply for funding for a Commanders' Forum (PME) click HERE or contact the Director of Professional Development at:
Col John Keenan USMC (Ret)
800-336-0291, extension 163
j.keenan@mca-marines.org
The Marine Corps University Foundation can assist commands through their Command Support Program. Information is available at http://www.mcuf.org/programs_command.html.
RECENT EVENTS:
Dr. Richard Dinardo of the Marine Corps University provides tactical and leadership lessons learned to TBS staff members on Little Round Top at Gettysburg.
TBS staff members learn to apply the lessons of Gettysburg to modern battle on a staff ride funded by MCAF.
Dr Richard Dinardo provides context to the tough fighting on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg so staff members of TBS can learn valuable lessons in leadership and courage in combat.
Richard Burress addresses Company B at Camp Pendleton "Combat Town"
The hill to the left in the photo is known as "The Reaper" and is the hill which new recruits climb at the end of the 'crucible' phase of basic training.
2d MAW staff ride to Belleau Wood
Ed Bearss, USMC Vet and author, addressed a group from Marine for Life on 23 Aug at the Gray Research Auditorium courtesy of MCA&F and MCRA.
MCAF was proud to support the MARFORCOM 1862 Peninsula Campaign Staff Ride on May 3, 5, 10 and 12.
Marines, Sailors and Civilian Marines from MARFORCOM look on as Major Dan Gaskell points down the James River, where 149 years ago Corporal John Mackie earned the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard the USS Galena. Corporal Mackie and the rest of the Union's Marines and Sailors were under enemy fire from C.S. Marine sharpshooters located on the far banks of the river (top left corner).
Participants investigate a replica of the fort's cannons. Eight to 14 of these cannons were located on this strategic high ground and had a miles of visibility both up and down the James River. With the James River blocked by obstacles, this position proved too difficult for the Union naval squadron to overtake by seaborne attack alone.
Major Chris Ketcherside, dressed as a Union infantryman, discusses the epic battle between the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia. The battle took place two miles over his left soldier.
MARFORCOM participants learn about Operational Design while standing on Engineer's Wharf at Fort Monroe. Across the original pier, the Union landed 121,500 troops between March 17 and April 4, 1862.
The staff of Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry East pose in front of a marker on the Cowpens Battlefield in South Carolina. MCAF funded a guided staff ride to the battlefield for the Marines.
