Marine Corps weighs wooing older members for new cyber force
JULIE WATSON
AP
June 9, 2018

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The head of the Marine Corps says it's time the U.S. military branch known for its fierce, young warriors becomes a little more mature.

The Marine Corps is considering offering bonuses and other perks to entice older, more experienced Marines to re-enlist as it builds up its cyber operations to defend the nation, especially against cyberattacks from Russia and China. About 62 percent of Marines are 25 years old or younger with many serving only four years.

The move marks a historical change that could transform a force made up primarily of high school graduates lured by the bravado and physical challenges of joining a branch that prides itself on being the "tip of the spear," the first to go into battle and knock in doors. It's part of the Marine Corps' modernizing efforts after 16 years of largely low-tech, counterinsurgency fights.

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"By older Marines, we're not talking guys with walkers but rather second- and third-tour enlisted Marines," said Gary Solis, a military expert at Georgetown University who served 26 years in the Marine Corps. "They may be only a few years older than the 18- and 19-year-old Marines, but those three or four years difference could make a hell of a difference as far as maturity when it comes to their outlook and unit cohesion."

The commandant said it also ensures the military gets a return on the money and time it spends training troops in cyber operations, something that could take three or more years.

The 2018 defense budget earmarked money for the Marine Corps to add 1,000 Marines, many of whom will work in cyber and electronic warfare.

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https://www.yahoo.com/news/marine-corps-...-161354832.html