Combat Logistics Battalion 31 (CLB 31) is the logistics combat element of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the only continuously forward-deployed MEU in the Marine Corps. As the logistics combat element, the CLB provides all elements of the MEU with combat service support. To do this, the CLB comprises of a Headquarters, a Motor Transport Platoon, Engineer Platoon, Maintenance Platoon, Supply Platoon, Military Police Platoon, Landing Support Platoon, Communications Platoon and its Health Service Support (Medical, Dental and Shock Trauma Platoon). Additionally, the CLB provides the MEU with ammunition, postal, EOD and disbursing services. Although CLB 31 is assigned to the 3rd Marine Logistics Group, the battalion remains permanently attached to the 31st MEU. CLB 31 based on Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan.
What is the Family Readiness Program?
The Family Readiness Program is an integral part of the Marine Corps' family readiness program, and serves as the primary communication link between the CLB-31 Commanding Officer and the families of the Marines and Sailors assigned to CLB-31. The Family Readiness Program supports the spouses of the unit Marines by providing communication from the command, serving as a source for information and referral services and by helping foster a sense of community within the unit.
How can Family Readiness Program help me?
The Family Readiness Program assists the families of deployed Marines and Sailors in several ways, including:
1. Keeping you informed. While the units are deployed, the Family Readiness Program is the means by which families receive all official messages from the command. Heard that the battalion is leaving early? Coming home late? Somewhere dangerous? If you want the true scoop, go to your Family Readiness Assistant as they will have the latest information direct from the unit and can help dispel any rumors. This way, you don't have to rely on the lieutenant's brother's girlfriend's nephew for information on the battalion.
2. Providing the voice of experience. Family Readiness Assistants know the ins and outs of military living, and possess the knowledge to help other families through the difficult deployment period. In addition to their life experiences, they receive extensive training on the programs and services available to military family and are eager to pass this information on.
3. Information Referral Services. Looking for a way to get involved with other spouses with children or similar interests? Your designated Family Readiness Assistant will gladly refer you to the endless resources that are made available to military families.
4. Family Readiness. The Family Readiness Program’s number one mission is to enhance family readiness for the deployment, and does so by creating programs, readiness packets, and social events designed to make the separation caused by deployment a little easier to bear.
5. A support system. Remember, you are not alone. As military families, we are part of a unique community and in a profound way - we are a family unto ourselves. Any problem you may be facing has no doubt been met and overcome by another family member and the Family Readiness Program provides the means for their experience to benefit you.
Who can become a Family Readiness Assistant?
The CLB-31 Family Readiness Program is always looking to expand its ranks. Persons interested in serving as a Assistant should contact the battalion's Family Readiness Officer. To be a Family Readiness Assistant, the applicant must.
Be the spouse of a Marine or Sailor in the unit.
Complete Family Readiness Assistant Training.
Serve as a reliable and dependable communication link.
Foster a sense of community within the MEU's families.
Be willing to listen and help other families through difficult times.
Family Readiness Deployment Concerns
PERSONAL CONCERNS
Let family and friends know deployed mailing address.
Know who to contact in an emergency.
Discuss special occasions.
Decide most economical means of communication.
Renew driver licenses.
Check ID cards: condition and expiration date.
In cases of pregnancy, discuss transportation and child care options.
FINANCIAL CONCERNS
Dependent and split pay allotments.
Discuss bill payments.
Prepare budget.
Discuss filing taxes.
Discuss direct deposit accounts.
How will you handle financial emergencies?
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Discuss location of documents.
Marriage and birth certificates.
Insurance policies.
Tax returns.
Shot records.
Social Security cards.
Automobile title/loan papers.
Passports.
HOUSING CONCERNS
Off-base residents: WHO, WHERE, WHEN, and AMOUNT to pay rent.
How to buy yen and HOW MUCH yen to buy.
Where to pay phone and utility bills.
Where the lease and rental agreement is located.
The housing agency name, number, and location.
Emergency maintenance phone numbers.
Know who to contact for appliance repairs.
Ensure arrangements are made for move on base.
On-base residents: Notify KAB housing for maintenance work.
Know where self-help is located.
Know how to change the filters.
Know where fuse box is located.
Know to contact PMO if locked out of quarters.
Keep security, ambulance, and fire department numbers handy.
AUTOMOBILE
During absence, ensure that your spouse is financially prepared to pay: JCI (Japanese Compulsory Insurance) American Insurance Japanese Road Tax (mandatory) due April-May.
Location of title, insurance, and inspection papers.
Auto maintenance: Current base sticker. Check oil, brake fluid, water in radiator, and battery. Change worn tires or add air.
EXTRA KEYS!!!
LEGAL AFFAIRS
Update will.
Establish Power of Attorney.
Know location of all legal documents.
Ensure papers are in safe, dry place.
Prepare a Family Care Plan.
Combat Logistics Battalion 31 (CLB-31) was activated in June 1979 at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, as Logistic Support Unit 31, 31st Marine Amphibious Unit, Fleet Marine Forces Pacific. The unit was re-designated October 1979 as Marine Amphibious Unit Service Support Group 31 (MSSG-31), 31st Marine Amphibious Unit (31st MAU). The unit was deactivated in April 1985. In September 1992, the unit was reactivated as Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 31 (MSSG-31) operationally controlled by the reactivated 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).
From its time of reactivation to 1998, MSSG-31 supported the 31st MEU in various theater exercises in the Pacific region such as VALIANT USHER, COBRA GOLD, and FOAL EAGLE. In December 1998, 31st MEU was the theater reserve for OPERATION DESERT FOX where it conducted a non-combatant evacuation of 90 American citizens from Kuwait. In January 2000, MSSG-31 was part of the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) East Timor supporting the Australian-led International Forces in East Timor to the new United Nations Transitional Administration East Timor. From September 2004 to March 2005, MSSG-31 supported Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion 3rd Marines during combat operation in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM participating in Operation PHANTHOM FURY. In January 2006, MSSG-31 supported humanitarian relief efforts in Leyte, Philippines.
In October 2006, MSSG-31 was re-designated to its current moniker CLB-31. From May to June of 2008, CLB-31 responded to the post-cyclone relief efforts in Myanmar in Operation CARING RESPONSE. In 2010, CLB-31 provided disaster relief to Luzon, Philippines after Super Typhoon Megi. Then in 2011, while conducting an exercise in Malaysia, CLB-31 participated in Operation TOMODACHI in the relief efforts after the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Oshima Island, Japan.
In August 2015, elements of CLB-31 were redirected from an exercise in vicinity of Guam and Palau in order to perform Defense Support of Civilian Authorities (DSCA) operations, providing disaster relief to the island of Saipan following Typhoon Soudelor. While in Saipan, the battalion used organic water production equipment to produce 279,375 gallons of water. Combined with the water production capabilities of the USS Ashland (LSD-48), the battalion distributed a total of 366,200 gallons of potable water to the population of Saipan. In support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the American Red Cross, and other non-governmental organizations (NGO's), the battalion distributed 255 pallets of supplies, consisting of 47,040 meals, 16,625 gallons of packaged water, and additional supplies. The battalion ensured the uninterrupted operation of the island's emergency services communication network by delivering power generation to the communications tower at the highest point on the island.
CLB-31 recently completed the 31st MEU Summer Deployment 17.2 in September 2017. This deployment included the multinational exercise TALISMAN SABER in Australia, where the 31st MEU participated in an amphibious landing and conducted follow-on operations ashore alongside the US Navy, US Army, Royal Australian Army, and Royal Australian Navy.