OKINAWA, Japan -- Due to Department of Defense financial cutbacks, units throughout the Marine Corps are implementing measures to ensure fiscal efficiency.
In compliance with the Fiscal Year 2012 U.S. DOD budget request overview, the measures will focus on changes that are a high priority to Congress and to the American public, thus informing taxpayers how they are investing to strengthen national security, according to the Fiscal Year 2012 U.S. Department of Defense budget request overview.
In an effort to motivate Marines in the area of unit fiscal responsibilities, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Logistics Group established the fund administrator of the quarter and fund administrator of the year programs.
The programs involve an awards ceremony using competition as an incentive to promote efficiency of financial management within units. Clerks who have successfully met five criteria to improve the management of unit funds are to be recognized.
Currently, units within 3rd MLG have taken part in the program, but with the recent success there are hopes the programs will spread to the other major subordinate commands of III MEF, said Lt. Col. Mark A. Hensen, comptroller for 3rd MLG.
Major subordinate commands within III MEF are also adopting new programs to meet the requirements of a downsized budget. For example, 3rd Marine Division will award Marines who have made significant contributions on an individual basis.
“Every command within the division contributed to the budget cuts,” said Capt. Michael E. Feuquay, deputy comptroller for 3rd Marine Division. “A refocused effort was conducted to maintain readiness and accomplish the mission with reduced resources.”
1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s focus is to ensure unit fiscal clerks are learning and developing the skills needed to be effective financial resource analysts, said Capt. Jamahl Evans, budget officer for 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
Although each major subordinate command within III MEF has a different approach to ensure the compliance of the new budget cuts, each unit shares the same goal of mission accomplishment with the available funds.
“Our emphasis at this time is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being executed in a legal, efficient and timely manner,” said Evans.