MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- More than 1,800 Pendleton Marines had their government credit card deactivated Friday for not using them in the past 12 months.

"This is not a bad thing," said Maj. Michael J. Steele, I Marine Expeditionary Force's deputy comptroller.

According to Marine Corps Order 4600.40A, any Marine who travels less than three times a year does not need a charge card, Steele said.

Command agency program coordinators are responsible for notifying cardholders whose accounts have been closed.

According to Marine Administrative Message 514/02, dated Sept. 25, 25,000 accounts will be closed Corps-wide.

Options for cardless Marines include travel advances or using personal credit cards and being reimbursed through travel claims.

If a legitimate need exists, charge card accounts can be reopened through the cardholder's command, Steele said.

To reopen accounts, cardholders should contact their agency program coordinator and complete a new application.