MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- “Once a Marine, always a Marine” was the overwhelming theme as Marine reservists from across the country joined the newly formed 6th Civil Affairs Group, in Camp Lejeune, N.C., during June.

The Marines of 6th CAG came out of retirement, fought to reinstate commissions and enlistments, put successful careers on hold, postponed education and left families for the chance to serve with fellow Marines in Iraq.

At least three of the Marines now with 6th CAG had not worn the uniform in more than 20 years, but fought for the chance to wear it again. The forming of 6th CAG gave them that opportunity.

Established this past March, the provisional 6th CAG was activated in response to the Marine Corps’ increased need to conduct civil-military operations in Iraq. Fifth CAG - currently in Iraq – and 6th are the only two Marine Corps civil affairs units formed for short term and will be permanently deactivated upon return from Iraq.

Their activation provides relief to the Marine Corps’ two permanent civil affairs groups, 3rd and 4th CAG, both of which deployed to Iraq twice since 2003.

Civil affairs Marines’ mission in Iraq has proven to be critical in paving the road to a secure Iraq, said Col. Paul Brier, 6th CAG Commanding Officer.

“Civil-military operations are how we connect to the people of Iraq,” he said. “It’s the commander’s tool to help the Iraqi people develop the ability and confidence to be self-sufficient.”

These civil-military operations allow the military to interact and coordinate with the people of a foreign nation to provide emergency aid or assist in rebuilding a community after a crisis situation. Including a variety of tasks, they can accomplish different goals depending on the circumstances.

Currently in Iraq, civil affairs Marines are working with the provincial and municipal governments of the Al Anbar province with the goal of restoring critical infrastructure and facilitating the transition into a self-governing people.

“The stories that we don’t hear enough about – the good news stories about making lives better and a nation stronger – that’s what the civil affairs Marines do everyday in Iraq,” Brier said.

The upcoming deployment will be a significant change of pace for most Marines in 6th CAG because all but seven are reservists who have full-time civilian occupations or attend school. However, the change seems to be a welcome one among members of the unit and most seem enthusiastic and ready to serve.

“I’ve been trying to deploy since 9-11,” said 23-year-old Cpl. David Anspach, a college student from Butler, Pa. “I want to do it more for the greater good. I’m very interested in their culture and I look forward to helping them help themselves.”

Brier said that the skill and knowledge Marines bring to 6th CAG from their civilian jobs would be an invaluable benefit while in Iraq. Marines of the unit represent 30 states, range from 18 to 57 years old, have at least 120 advanced degrees and include engineers, teachers, lawyers, mechanics, a state-elected official, nurses, a doctor, students, a pharmacist, electricians, a plumber, business managers, construction workers, a psychologist, accountants, stock brokers, a farmer, police officers, fire fighters and others.

6th CAG will begin its mission in Iraq when the unit replaces 5th CAG this fall. Until then, the Marines will train at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., and throughout the United States to become proficient as civil affairs specialists.

According to Lt. Col. Helen Pratt, 6th CAG executive officer, training has been intense since the unit’s official stand-up June 1, 2005. However, the Marine reservists - who typically participate in military drill only once a month - are adapting well to the schedule, she said.

“It’s not easy to jump into full-time training for combat operations, especially for those coming from a civilian job where they’re in a climate-controlled office every day. But they’re Marines, and I never hear complaints,” she said. “They want to be here, and they’re working incredibly hard. They understand the environment in Iraq and they know that the preparation will pay off.”

The Marines train in a myriad of topics such as language, culture, history and civil administration. They also receive a full-range of infantry tactics training to prepare them for combat operations and training in Iraq-specific security and stabilization operations (SASO) to include convoy operations, patrolling, detainee handling, combat lifesaving, and more.

The demanding schedule will continue through the summer and include civil affairs-specific training in order to obtain the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) designating them as civil affairs officers and civil affairs non-commissioned officers.