MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 2,000 Marines, sailors and military spouses filled the halls of Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club during the Marine Corps Community Services 2010 Spring Career and Education Expo, March 25.

The event was mainly geared toward military members who are transitioning out of the service and family members looking to kick start or change careers.

“Events like this allow companies to find employees with specific and technical skills that are not readily available in the civilian world,” said Autumn Rillos, event coordinator and liaison, MCCS, Camp Pendleton. “We are trying to teach Marines and sailors how to be competitive, because they have a skill set that is unique.”

In addition to opportunities for one-on-one interaction with company and government representatives, educational seminars were also available for attendees. The sessions included basic resume building, staff agencies’ procedures, the federal hiring process, utilizing the G.I. Bill and tuition assistance program, and tips on transitioning from military to civilian life.

The biannual expo saw a record number of 130 vendors in attendance, with 20 more on a waiting list, in the event an organization was unable to attend.

“We filled every booth,” said Rillos, who spent the past four months planning the event. “We had a lot more government contractors and companies from the private sector this year.”

Although participating vendors were at record highs, the traditionally large presence of law enforcement organizations was unusually low.

“In the past, law enforcement agencies made up nearly 40 percent of expo vendors, said Rillos. “This year, the event had less than five percent, we believe because of California’s recent budget cuts. However, all the new faces will help in the long run,” she said.

For more information regarding future career and education events call 760-763-2091 or visit www.pendleton.usmc.mil and click on Family Services.