An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


MCAS Cherry Point News

 

Photo Information

Col. Ernest L. Ackiss speaks to Marines on Cherry Point July 10 who recently earned Certified Logistics Associate and Certified Logistics Technician certificates. The program offers Marines the chance use job skills already acquired through their military occupational specialty to earn a certification recognized in the civilian sector. Ackiss is the Deputy Branch Head, Personal and Professional Development Branch, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps.

Photo by Pfc. Mike Granahan

Marines complete certification to aid in civilian life

18 Jul 2013 | Pfc. Mike Granahan Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Four Marines from Cherry Point became Certified Logistics Associates and Certified Logistics Technicians July 10 via the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Pilot Program.

The program offers Marines the chance use job skills already acquired through their military occupational specialty to earn a certification recognized in the civilian sector.

The free program is available to 0431 logistics/embarkation, 3043 supply administration operation specialist, 3051 warehouse clerk, 0491 computer operator and 3052 packing specialist Marines.

“The Marine Corps has partnered with the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council to pilot a program helping Marines in logistics and supply jobs to get certification recognized in the civilian workplace,” said Cassandra A. Coney, an Education and Career Specialist with Personal and Professional Branch, Marine and Family Programs Division, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps.

The certification process consists of two assessments. Passing the foundational level assessment earns Marines the title of Certified Logistics Associate and passing the mid-level makes Marines Certified Logistics Technicians. Passing the CLA assessment is a prerequisite for the CLT.

The certification is tangible documentation of the knowledge and experience Marines gain throughout their service and is beneficial when applying for a job after separation, said Cpl. Andrea A. Bowman, a newly certified CLT and a warehouse clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.

“I’m getting out in August and I still don’t have a job lined up yet so this certification is something that will help when compared to others,” said Bowman. “I think everyone who is eligible to participate in the program should take advantage of the opportunity.”

Marines take the assessments based on knowledge they have already acquired in their job field. If a Marine does not pass, they are provided with study materials and a chance to retake the test.

"Many who took the tests, especially the more junior Marines, passed the CLA exam, which is more basic, but not the CLT exam,” said Coney. "Those who did not pass both exams have received four distance learning courses free of charge and will have another opportunity to retake the test.  However, a high number of sergeants and corporals did pass both tests on the first try.”

The program is now expanding with test sites at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Ga.; Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.; Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.; and MCB Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.

Forty percent of the Marines who took the exams passed both the CLA and CLT, the highest rate of any service. 

“It’s free and it can’t hurt, it can only help,” said Bowman.


Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point