In his guidance, Glueck first addressed challenges faced by III MEF last year and praised how well those challenges were met by the force.

“2011 proved to be a challenging year for the MEF, but we excelled in meeting the commandant’s intent of addressing today’s crisis, with today’s force, today,” said Glueck. “This was demonstrated during Operation Tomodachi and Pacific Passage, through our training with the Republic of Korea, and in our response to humanitarian and disaster relief missions in Southeast Asia.

“We have proved our expeditionary character and that III MEF is truly our Corps’ ‘Tip of the Spear,’ the most ready, when others are least ready,” he added.

Also noted in the guidance were areas in which the MEF has advanced its capabilities over the past year, and upheld changes in policy made in 2010.

“We have significantly improved our operational planning, execution and ability to command and control the force in joint and combined operations,” said Glueck. “Our liberty campaign plan is working, and I salute the performance of our lance corporals and petty officers who have earned their gold cards; they have clearly set the standard.”

Before detailing key priorities for 2012, Glueck focused on Operation Enduring Freedom.

“As we move forward into 2012, we will continue to focus on supporting the commandant’s number one priority, which is Operation Enduring Freedom,” he said. “We will be continually challenged to do more with less, but I am confident we will meet the requirements of our nation, U.S. Pacific Command and our Corps.”

The top concern for 2012 is preparing to “fight tonight” on the Korean Peninsula, according to Glueck.

“The unpredictable leadership regime in North Korea will continue to challenge our U.S. and Korean alliance,” he said. “III MEF will focus on continually improving our ability to rapidly deploy to the Korean Peninsula, integrating into our combined force, and deterring and defeating North Korean aggression.”

Glueck’s second priority centers on Pacific theater crisis response.

“The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade will be the first out the door for our response in the case of theater crisis,” he said. “We need to be prepared for the unexpected, such as preparing to respond to natural disasters or humanitarian crises.”

Third on the list is the reconstitution of III MEF.

“The unit deployment program for units that have been assigned to Operation Iraqi Freedom and OEF will restart in the spring or summer, and later this year the MV-22 Osprey will begin replacing our aging CH-46s,” said Glueck.

Lastly, Glueck plans to increase the focus on force preservation.

“I want the MEF to focus on reducing incidents of driving under the influence, alcohol-related incidents and illegal drug usage, all of which had an impact on our readiness in 2011,” he added.

In addition to this year’s new guidance, Glueck wants last year’s guidance to be kept in mind.

“My guidance from 2011 remains in effect, and I expect all commanders to review that guidance with the force,” he said. “I want to specifically stress item number 10; all Marines and sailors should always follow their commander’s intent, lead from the front, seize the initiative and demonstrate responsibility and accountability.”