MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The top U.S. Marine thanked military spouses for their spirit and patience here May 6 at the Base Training Center/Theater."I want to thank you for the sacrifice you are making, not only for the Marine Corps, but to this great country as well," said Gen. Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the Marine Corps.He also confirmed that some spouses might have to hold out longer than others. "One year," was Hagee's response to a spouse's question about how long some Marines might stay in Iraq.The timetable applies to many Marines from the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 1st Marine Division and the 1st Force Service Support Group, and is designed "to keep cohesion," he added. Hagee said it may be longer before all the Marines come home for good."When we win the global war on terrorism," he answered."We are at war right now, and unfortunately, we are going to be at war for quite some time," he said.The question-and-answer session was intended to thank spouses and to quell rumors concerning operations in the Persian Gulf.Hagee was accompanied by his wife, Silke, and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps John L. Estrada.Hagee assured the audience that their loved ones are in high spirits and ready to accomplish the mission of restoring order to Iraq."In Fallujah, (Iraq) I had an opportunity to talk with your Marines there," Hagee said about his recent visit to Iraq. "For those that have Marines there, I want you to know that they are doing very well."He applauded Camp Pendleton's Key Volunteer Network, which includes volunteer spouses and social workers who offer support to military spouses during times of peace and war. "The base's Key Volunteer Network is doing a tremendous job supporting one another, supporting the families of the wounded Marines, and especially those families of Marines and sailors who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. ... Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those Marines and families who have experienced that tragedy."The commandant's wife echoed his praise for spouses. "You are the backbone to the success of the Marines," said Silke B. Hagee said to family members. "I personally wanted to thank you for all the volunteering."While some spouses said they were expecting longer deployments this time around, others weren't prepared for the news, said Amy B. Quimby, a military spouse and a Pendleton resident."You're never promised a rose garden, and they don't leave with a return ticket. I think they were prepared for a normal Marine Corps deployment, versus something that's more open-ended now," she said. More than one spouse asked about recurring deployments of Camp Pendleton Marines and sailors.Hagee responded that the heavy deployment load stems partly from the fact that one-third of the Corps' infantry battalions are deployed to Iraq, while the rest either deploy on ships or train constantly in case they're needed to respond to trouble elsewhere."There are 24 infantry battalions in the Marine Corps. Nine are in Iraq," he said.Some spouses lamented shortages of personnel within certain key military occupational specialties — including communications, intelligence and military police — that increase the workload on Marines who fill those slots. Hagee responded that the Corps is working hard to stem those shortages. "We are recruiting after and seeking retention of those particular Marines," he said.Shortages of some combat personnel have prompted some to call for reinstatement of the draft. "In my opinion, it's not going to happen," Hagee said.Hagee also praised Marine reservists who have fought in Iraq."There is about 39,600 in the reserves," Hagee said. "Twenty-two thousand served on active duty during OIF. Three thousand are in Iraq right now. Three thousand are going in the second rotation."I cannot tell the difference between active duty and reserve Marines on the battlefield."Many of the family members' questions were jotted down and will be addressed when the commandant gets back to Washington, he said.