The Marine Corps League is a non-profit veteran's association organized for Marines of all eras and rank. Its purposes are as relevant today as when organized by General John A. Lejuene in 1923, and chartered by Congress in 1937. Those purposes bear repeating:

• To preserve the traditions and to promote the interests of the United States Marine Corps.
• To band those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service together in fellowship that they may effectively promote the ideals of American freedom and democracy.
• To fit its members for the duties of citizenship and to encourage them to serve as ably as citizens as they have served the nation under arms.
• To foster love for the primciples which they have supported by blood and valor since the founding of the Republic.
• To maintain true allegiance to American institutions.
• To create a bond of comradeship between those in the service and those who have returned to civilian life.
• To aid voluntarily and to render assistance to all Marines and former Marines, as well as to their spouses and dependents.
• To perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

One of the traits of the Marine Corps has been to accomplish objectives without all the resources necessary, and to "improvise, adapt and overcome". So it is in many respects with the Marine Corps League -- the successes that will be achieved by your Detachment will in large measure come from your internal resourcefulness, initiative and resolve to follow through with the values and skills learned as a Marine.

Keep in mind that every Detachment differs in the make up of its members and its geographic location. It is important to develop and employ those capabilities and programs that will make your Detachment successful. To that end, we encourage you to to ask questions and to relate your successs stories at Department meetings and with other Detachments.

If we work as a team to strengthen our existing Detachments, promote new Detachments in the right direction, and communicate constantly within the Department, we will benefit all Marines and members within our Department boundries.

In order to understand the rationale for the Detachment Officer duties, it is important to understand the functions and objectives of the Detachment. While not all of the programs discussed below are relevant to every Detachment, the objectives identified should be representative of programs carried on by many Marine Corps League Detachments.

There are certain objectives that are inherent to every Detachment, which include membership and adoption of the League purposes. Below is a non-inclusive listing of the functions and objectives that provide a basis for discussing the need for officers and their associated responsibilities.

• Recruit, retain and increase membership levels of the Detachment and the Marine Corps League.
• Develop and maintain an appropriate level of financial stability and security to operate effectively, and support Detachment progams.
• Establish as firm objectives the purposes of the Marine Corps League as described in Purpose of the Marine Corps League.
• Establish a meeting place, consistent meeting date and time (at least monthly) to meet regularly with the members of the Detachment.
• Develop programs of interest and activities that will bring Marines together and enhance participation in meeting goals of the Detachment.
• Ascertain the skills, interests and capabilities of members to develop challenges and/or objectives for Detachment members to meet.
• Develop clearly defined programs, objectives and goals that are mutually understood and agreed upon by the members.
• Establish internal programs for training and development of members to accept responsibility for officer assignments or leading programs and activities.
• Promote both social and work programs to involve members and families.
• Review, monitor and report on strengths and weaknesses and assessments for change.
• Develop the ability to acquire publication and media coverage for meetings and events.
• Assist in the chartering and development of new Detachments.

• Color Gurads for parades and ceremonies
• Speaking engagements at schools, events and other organizations
• Toys for Tots
• V.A. Hospital Volunteer Services
• Veterans Support and assistance
• Support and assistance at National Cemeteries
• Marine Corps Birthday Ceremonies
• Assistance to Marines, families and Marine Units
• Young Marine Program
• Youth Physical Fitness Program
• Youth, Scouting and educational support in the community
• Hospital support within the community
• Awards to members and citizens of the community for outstanding service
• Support for Veteran affairs issues
• Public relations and public notices for Marine, Veteran and community involvement
• Detachment social events, dinners, picnics and outings
• Prominent speakers for Detachment programs
• Other Activities and programs that promote the League and Detachment

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