Commandant of the Marine Corps visits USSTRATCOM

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert B. Neller, Marine Corps commandant, visited U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, Dec. 14, for a command orientation and discussions with U.S. Air Force Gen. John E. Hyten, USSTRATCOM commander, and other senior leaders.

While here, Neller toured the USSTRATCOM Global Operations Center and received capabilities and integration briefings on nuclear command, control and communication, space, electronic warfare, and cyber.

“The domains of space, cyber and information have been part of our warfare in the past and have become an integral part of operations today. We are going to try and grow these capabilities,” Neller said. “Since many of those [missions] fall within the purview and the leadership of Gen. Hyten, it was good to hear what the USSTRATCOM team is doing in all those areas.”

As the 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Neller is responsible for ensuring the organization, policy, plans and programs for the Marine Corps and recognizes the importance of integrating Marines into USSTRATCOM mission areas.

“It’s an opportunity [for Marines] to see a different side of the warfighting mission, a chance to be exposed to different disciplines and different services,” said Neller. “I think it helps develop [Marines] individually so that when they come back to the Marine Corps they can take advantage of that experience and make the Marine Corps better.”

Hyten also recognized the importance of Marine Corps integration into the joint forces.  

“In today's complex, volatile security environment, we must never lose sight of the fundamental advantage our strategic forces provide,” Hyten said. “The Marines make up an integral part of the amazing joint warriors of USSTRATCOM who stand against the most dangerous threats on the planet.”

In addition to his tour and briefings, the visit to USSTRATCOM enabled Neller to meet with Marines assigned to the headquarters and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, U.S. Strategic Command (MARFORSTRAT). He also met with local Marine Corps recruiters and retired Marines to discuss events taking place in the Marine Corps.

During a Marine Corps all-hands call, Neller discussed the topics of people, readiness, training, naval integration, modernization and technology.

“There is one thing we will not do as long as I’m in this office, we will not stay the same,” Neller said. “We’re all part of the joint team, joint warfighting is the way we operate on a day-to-day basis. We want to take advantage of each other’s strengths and learn about each other so that the joint team led by the president, the secretary of defense and the chairman of the joint chiefs is effective as it is.”

While here, Neller also expressed his appreciation for military service members and their families.

“[I want to] thank everybody for their effort because it’s a difficult life being in the military; but the American people, I believe, recognize the efforts that we make and they appreciate all that we do,” Neller said. “I’d also like to thank the families that are here at USSTRATCOM for supporting your service member.”