JONES relaunches effort to include marine corps in department name
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) today introduced H.R. 24, a bill that would redesignate the Department of the Navy as the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps. In each Congress since 2001, Jones has introduced legislation aimed at giving the United States Marine Corps the recognition it deserves as one of the official branches of the military.
The National Security Act of 1947 defines the Marine Corps, Army, Navy and Air Force as the four services given statutory missions. It clearly indicates that the Marine Corps is a legally distinct military service within the Department of the Navy.
Furthermore, in 1986, through landmark legislation known as the Goldwater-Nichols Act, Congress formally acknowledged the roles of each service’s commanding officer. The act stated that each branch’s commander serves equally as a member of the Joint Chiefs and, when called upon, as a military advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Counsel and the President.
“There isn’t a subordinate relationship between the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of the Marines Corps,” Congressman Jones said. “They are equivalent parts of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and it is time to recognize their equal status. This legislation is not about changing the responsibilities of the secretary, reallocating resources between the Navy and Marine Corps or altering the course of their missions. Rather, it is about showing the nation the true meaning of the department and recognizing the overall importance of the Marine Corps to our national security.”
“I am encouraged by the overwhelming support I have received for this change from so many members of the U.S. Armed Forces. With their backing, I will continue to work diligently to see this bill through the House and push for the Senate’s support. The Navy and the Marine Corps have operated as one entity for more than two centuries, and H.R. 24 would ensure the name of the department they share exemplifies this fact,” Jones concluded.
For illustrated examples of the proposed change, please visit: www.jones.house.gov/files\All_3_on_1V3.pdf and www.jones.house.gov/files\Current and Proposed Letters.pdf.
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It's time for them to be properly named
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
JONES: relaunches effort to include marine corps in department name
