The few, the proud — the more mature

SAN DIEGO — 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 reenlist as it builds up its cyber- operations to defend the nation, especially against cyberattacks from Russia and China. Sixty-two percent of Marines are 25 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 lowtech, counterinsurgency fights.

“It’s going to be a Marine Corps that’s a little bit older, a little more experienced because as much as we love our young Marines ... we need to be a little bit older because it takes longer to learn these skills,” Gen. Robert Neller told defense leaders at a conference here. “And so we’re an organization looking at the whole way we do business, and it’s going to change our culture.”

Marine Corps officials are quick to emphasize that the core recruiting mission will remain the same for the branch that boasts having the toughest warriors in the U.S. military.

But getting more Marines to re-enlist could inadvertently ease pressure on recruiters. Under 30 percent of the U.S. population is qualified physically, mentally and morally to serve, according to military leaders.

A greater number of older Marines also could help lessen behavior problems such as excessive drinking that can be more prevalent among junior Marines.

“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.”

“It’s going to be a Marine Corps that’s a little bit older.”

Gen. Robert Neller

Gregory Bull / Associated Press Marine Chief Warrant Officer David Coan, 35, has applied to be a part of a new cyberforce after serving 17 years in the Marine Corps.