05/17/2021
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There has been recent scuttlebutt regarding Associate Members. To address inquiries regarding protocols and uniforms for Associate Members, assembled below are excerpts from the MCL National Bylaws and MCL National Administrative Policies Manual. Please read, understand, and share with your members.
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RESPONSE 1 - PROTOCOLS:
There is nothing specific in the MCL National protocols that say associate members are required to render protocols differently from regular members. The being said, we point out some simple considerations.
• The salute is a sign of respect, regardless of who you are. It is a suggestion that all members be encouraged to render proper hand salutes (whether the eight count during funeral honors or the standard snap and pop) and do so – in unison; after all, you are a Detachment, not individuals.
• Removing of cover during prayers and placing over your heart with your head bowed is another ‘team’ example and all members should be instructed/guided on consistent methods.
• Approaching the American Flag, or crossing the plane of the American Flag, rendering a proper salute is another in which all members should be instructed/guided on what/how to do.
RESPONSE 2 - UNIFORMS:
ALL MEMBERS need constant training and reminders on the correct wearing of the MCL uniform; associate members will need extra insight because they never were Marines and are not familiar with the basics that Marines received while in boot camp and our terms of service. It needs to be reminded and emphasized -- MCL uniforms are ‘not required’; however, those that do wear the MCL uniform must wear it correctly – many are guilty of not doing so.
MCL Associate Member Uniform information (extracted from the MCL National Administrative Manual – Enclosure 3: Uniform Guidance with some text modifications to assist in reading comprehension)
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS UNIFORM The Uniform Code for both male and female applies to all ASSOCIATE MEMBERS with the following exceptions:
• The Associate member is to wear the Marine Corps League sunburst insignia on their MCL cover, in lieu of the Marine Corps Emblem.
• The 1/2" x 1/2" gold “MCL” insignia shall be worn on the collars of the long-sleeve and short-sleeve undress shirts.
• The Marine Corps League Associate shoulder patch will be worn in the proper location on the left shoulder, in lieu of the standard Marine Corps League shoulder patch. (Paragraph IV A.)
• Flag patch, on right shoulder, may be worn (Paragraph IV B.)
• No Blazer Crest / Bullion seal will be worn on the red blazer (Casual Uniform) unless one is designed; and, approved by a National Convention.
• Marine Corps Dress Blue trousers may be worn; however, the Associate member shall not wear the NCO [Blood] Red Stripe.
XI. WHITE DUTY BELTS
A. White Duty Belts may be worn by a member while performing the duty as Sergeant-at-Arms or as a member of a Color Guard or Honor Guard, and only with the Undress Uniform Short Sleeve White or Long Sleeve White Shirt.
B. The Duty Belt should be the Standard Plain White Cotton Web Belt (2-1/2") with brass Marine Corps waist plate (3 ½” x 2 ½”) (Drill Instructor style) or Standard Plain White Cotton Web Belt (2-1/2") with Gold (in color) Marine Corps Buckle (3 ½” x 2 ½”), either highly shined brass or Hamilton gold plated anodized brass with the EGA.
1. An Associate Member may wear this buckle while performing the duties of Sergeant-At-Arms or during an Hinor Guard detail ceremony, only. The Associate Member shall not wear this buckle any other time.
RESPONSE 3 - NATIONAL BYLAWS:
As of 2019 National Convention, a national bylaws revision was approved providing increased privileges for the associate member.
Article V, Section 515 defines the types of membership.
Article V, Section 515.b.(3) addresses the rights of the associate member.
Article V, Section 515.b.(4) addresses voting for associate members.
Article V, Section 515.b.(5) addresses elected offices for associate members.
See bylaws excerpts, below:
Section 515. Categories of Membership
b. Associate Member. Those individuals not qualified for regular membership in the Marine Corps League who espouse the principles and purposes of the Marine Corps League as contained in its Congressional charter and meet the criteria in Section 501(b)(1) below may upon application to a Detachment be accepted for associate membership in the Marine Corps League. Upon acceptance associate members will pay dues in the same amount as prescribed for regular members, including initiation fees.
(1) Enrollment Criteria
(a) Individuals must have reached the statutory minimum age for enlistment into the Armed Forces of the United States;
(b) Individuals may join who have never served in a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States;
(c) Individuals who are serving or have served honorably in other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States;
(2) Join Detachment. Individuals applying for associate membership must join through a Marine Corps League Detachment only. Associate members can not directly join the Marine Corps League as a “Member at Large.”
(3) Rights. Associate members shall be entitled to the rights, privileges, and benefits of a regular member unless otherwise prohibited as listed paragraphs 515(b)(4) and (5) below.
(4) Voting
(a) Associate members shall not vote on a regular or associate membership application;
(b) Associate members shall not participate in the nomination process and/or voting for elected officers; and
(c) A Department or Detachment, by provisions in the bylaws and/or administrative procedures, may allow an Associate Member to vote on its internal affairs if such vote does not affect a policy of the Marine Corps League, such as Bylaws or Bylaw changes.
(5) Elected Office. Associate members shall not hold an elective office.
May this information be of great insight for you and your Detachment! May you employ constant training for ‘all’ of your members to enhance the pride within your membership, the cohesion, and the greater good of the MCL!
* Photo of 2019 MCL Dept of Florida Associate Member Larry Wescot, from the Sgt Walter P Ryan Detachment #1226.
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