FLEET MARINE FORCE - QUALIFIED!!!

Good day everyone! This morning, my boss awarded me the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer pin and citation. It's a professional goal I've had ever since I came into theatre, and it finally came to fruition. A short background on the qualfication:

- Started in July 2005.

- From OPNAVINST 1414.6:
"Attainment of the FMFQO designation for a Navy officer signifies an achieved level of excellence and proficiency in Marine Corps operations and indicates a fundamental understanding of a Marine Air Ground Task Force(MAGTF) and its components. The FMFQO insignia signifies additional general knowledge that enhances their understanding of war fighting, mission effectiveness, and command survivability. Officers who wear the FMFQO insignia stand out as significant contributors to the Naval services' ground warfare mission."

Components of the pin:
1. The EGA (Eagle, Globe, and Anchor) - centered on the breast insignia as the capture of the device, making a clear statement that the wearer is a member of the Navy and Marine Corps Team.
2. Surf wave crashing on the sandy beach - The enduring amphibous warfare mission. The littoral (or coastal) regions of the world are where the Navy and Marine Corps Team exert the interests of the United States in future conflicts.
3. Crossed rifles - The rifles symbolize the rifleman ethic the FMFQO program is designed to instill in Sailors assigned to the Marines.
4. Scroll - The scroll along the bottom of the insignia is emblazoned with "Fleet Marine Force". The Navy and Marine Corps team is an inseparable expeditionary force, key to rapid crisis response, in a wide expanse of operations.

This was well-worth the effort.

One last comment:
When someone pushes themselves to a goal, it takes discipline and determination...no doubt about it. The support given by the family...the loved ones that are holding down the fort...brings about the best in anyone.

I'm one lucky guy. To my family, I love and miss you more than anything.

I'll be home soon.

SEMPER FORTIS,
BEAR