MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. - General Robert B. Neller, 37th commandant of the Marine Corps, spoke to the Corp’s newest officers during the largest OCS Graduation Ceremony since 2009 aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. Aug. 6, 2016.
Neller stood as reviewing officer and guest speaker for the event, in which candidates from Alpha, Charlie, and Delta Companies graduated the 10-12 week course. During his comments, the commandant thanked those in attendance of the graduation for their support and spoke to the candidates about their future as leaders of Marines.
“If you take that commission, and wear the gold bar of a second lieutenant, there are Marines that are going to wait for you to walk out in front of them,” said Neller. “You don’t have to be the fastest, strongest or smartest, but you have to be a man or woman of character, virtue and honor, and if you are, they will follow you everywhere. I am convinced that you would not be standing here if that was not you.”
For Sgt. Riley McFarlin, the commander of troops and honor graduate of OCC-222, the ceremony was an outstanding way to finish OCS.
“I was a sergeant when I applied for Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program,” said McFarlin. “I feel my experiences as an enlisted Marine, my exceptional officers throughout the years, and the hours of studying and training to prepare for OCS attributed to my success. It was challenging for all of us, but we made it through, and to have the Commandant and our family members here to watch and show their support for us as we all move onto the next steps in our lives is truly motivational.”
Officer Candidates School teaches and prepares Marines to command and lead in challenging and uncertain environments.
At the end of his speech, Neller closed with, “Never forget that now it is all about them. Now you have the honor and privilege of leading Marines. Good luck, and I look forward to seeing you all in the operating forces.”
Following his remarks, Neller and Col. Julie L. Nethercot, Commanding Officer of OCS, observed the pass in review before graduates went to Little Hall aboard MCB Quantico for the commissioning ceremony.
The ceremony was broadcast live on social media. To hear the commandant’s remarks, go to Marine Corps Recruiting Command’s videos on Facebook and select “Live at OCS Graduation” here:
https://www.facebook.com/marinecorps/videos
Or download it in its entirety here: