MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines who live in the barracks are notorious for either playing video games, or staying at the gym, but with the help of an on base program single service members can experience what Southern California has to offer.
The Single Marine Program, commonly referred to as SMP, is a program on all Marine bases to the enhance quality of life for single service members by providing positive and rewarding outlets through recreation, community involvement and dynamic facilities.
“We have currently have five SMP centers with another one about to open soon,” said Danielle West, SMP coordinator, Marine Corps Community Services, MCB Camp Pendleton. “These facilities are a place for service members to relax and hang out.”
Each location is alcohol and tobacco free and include features such as large screen televisions, Xbox 360, Play Station 3, BBQ grills, pool tables, mini movie theaters, and the 21 Area SMP Center has an indoor rock climbing wall, said West.
In addition to relaxing on base with fellow Marines and sailors, the SMP plans trips with everything from one day trips local attractions to sporting events like San Diego Padres and Chargers games, or weekend long trips to places like Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon and San Francisco.
“All these trips are offered at a great discount, we usually charge $20 for the one day trips and $40-60 for the weekend long trips. Marine Corps Community Services covers the difference in the actual price we pay,” said West.
Work hard and play hard can be said about the SMP. They encourage volunteering among their participants, and single Marines give back to the community through volunteer projects both on and off base.
“In the 2010 fiscal year, we had 439 volunteers volunteer over 2,600 hours with the Single Marine Program on Camp Pendleton,” said West.
To improve the quality of life for the Marines around them, a representative from each unit attends a base-wide SMP meeting the first Thursday of each month. The meetings are held to address quality of life issues with everything from broken washers and dryers to future events on base, including Habitat for Humanity days and retirement home visits.
Everything that a single service member on Camp Pendleton can take part in is a part of the Single Marine Program, explained West. If a single marine visits the gym, the Auto Skills Center or the horse stables, it is recognized as a part of the Single Marine Program.
“It is a great way to meet other marines, especially if you are new to the Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon K. Bauer, marketer, SMP, and a disburser with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. “(Marines) can also go travel to places they might never have gone if they hadn’t come along with the program,” said Bauer.
For more information about SMP, contact Danielle West (760) 725-6722.