Marine Corps introduces new way to stay in touch with deployed troops

Official Marine Corps Website (www.usmc.mil) ^ | Jan. 5, 2005 | Lance Cpl. Bernadette L. Ainsworth

[ActiveDutyUSMC]

U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii (Jan. 5, 2005) -- The Marine Corps implemented a new, efficient and fast system for family and friends to stay in touch with Marines deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and Bahrain.

Motivational Mail, also known as MotoMail, which became operational on Dec. 1, enables deployed Marines to receive letters within about 24 hours, without requiring the use of the e-mail.

"E-mail requires for the sender to know a recipients e-mail address, while MotoMail only requires the sender to know the recipients deployed mailing address," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Don L. McCarty, Headquarters Marine Corps postal affairs officer and the driving force behind MotoMail.

Unlike e-mail, Marines do not need access to a computer to read their mail; they will receive a hard copy of their letter. The letters will be downloaded, printed, sealed, sorted and delivered at postal facilities located in Iraq.

"It is better than e-mail because it is a sealed letter delivered to the Marines to be read and re-read," said McCarty. "It will be comforting to them to be able to reach into their cargo pockets and pull out some word from back home."

"I found MotoMail very easy to use and my friend in Iraq got my letter the next day," said Lance Cpl. Lisa A. Dean, Temporary Additional Duty clerk, Headquarters and Service Battalion Comptroller.

MotoMail is printed on sturdy paper so it can withstand more weathering conditions than regular paper.

For now, MotoMail can only be used one-way to send mail to deployed Marines. Two-way functionality is planned but not available for some time.

Although MotoMail is new to the Corps, British Armed Forces have been using a similar type of online mailing system called E-Bluey since 1999.

This is not the first time this online mailing system has been used by the Marine Corps.

"We tested it at Camp Fox in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom and it worked well," said McCarty.

Setting up an account is as easy as setting up an e-mail account, just log on to www.motomail.us.

Follow the instructions for setting up an account and make a contacts list. Then just sit down, write and send the letter. Units that can receive MotoMail are listed on a scroll-down menu. After selecting the unit, just input the recipient's name.

For people who don't know Marines personally in theatre, but would like to send a note, there is a tab for "Support the Troops" where people can send messages. They are printed and posted at chow halls and post offices for everyone to see.

Currently, only Marines and Navy corpsmen attached to Marine units in Iraq can receive MotoMail. Other branches of service are waiting to see how well the system works, said McCarty.

Since Jan. 1, nearly 6,000 people have hit the website to send messages to troops abroad, according to the MotoMail website.

"The program has taken off as expected," said McCarty. "Everyone is enthusiastic by the response it has received so far."

[ActiveDutyUSMC]

For those of you who know a Marine (or sailor stationed with the Marines) in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bahrain, here is a way you can send them letters.

For people who don't know Marines personally in theatre, but would like to send a note, there is a tab for "Support the Troops" where people can send messages. They are printed and posted at chow halls and post offices for everyone to see.

Semper fidelis.

[kellynla]

Just make sure you destroy that mail after you read it, Marine! :-]

Semper Fi,
Kelly

PS Thank you for your service, Marine!

[AlaskaErik]

MotoMail?! The first thing that came to mind was what we called "one day moto" in basic. This was a one day frolic in a mud pit lifting a pail of mud up and down and sideways all day long. It was designed as an incentive for slackers to straighten out and avoid being reassigned to the Motovational Platoon for an extended stay. We'd see them go there in the morning all spiffed up, with pail in hand. At the end of the day you'd see them going back to their platoon covered in mud from head to toe, still carrying their pail. Who knows...maybe in today's kinder and gentler Corps those things don't exist anymore. Maybe a recent MCRD grad can confirm.

[The Real J Fate]

What did they call the similar system in WWII? Liberty Mail? It was microfiched and delivered thereby negating the large weight of actual mail.

[AppyPappy]

Done!! Sending one to a Lance Corporal over there.

[ActiveDutyUSMC]

"Motivation" has all kinds of connotations - positive and negative. But in this case, motivation (or moto) is a good thing (assuming senders plan on sending good news instead of bad).

As far as the Corps being "kindler and gentler" these days, I suspect that charge has been levied ever since the day after 10 Nov 1775. Sure, things have changed over the years, but I still doubt that Marine Corps Drill Instructors are known for their kindness and gentleness (I know they weren't when I went through both bootcamp and OCS).

[diamond6]

This can only be sent to a marine, what about an ordinary soldier?

We sponsored a soldier, but his internet connection went down.

[Centurion2000]

Semper Fi

[lwoodham]

Ok I tried to create an account but unless I know a specific name it won't let me. I just wanted to send a bunch of marines my best wishes and thanks for fighting for this country. I kneel in in utmost respect and humility for the job you are doing for America and those in Iraq that crave feedom.