Marine Corps' Top General Orders Confederate Symbols to Be Removed From All Bases

The highest-ranking officer in the US Marine Corps has ordered Confederate-related paraphernalia to be removed from all Marine installations https://t.co/LUEDsO8UQq

— CNN (@CNN) February 28, 2020

As states continue to grapple with the passionate debate over whether to display statues and other tributes to Confederate leaders, Marines have been told the materials won't be tolerated on any of the Corps' installations.

Commandant Gen. David Berger last week instructed top Marine leaders to remove Confederate-related paraphernalia from the service's bases worldwide. The directive is one of several forward-leaning initiatives Berger said he is "prioritizing for immediate execution."

In his memo, a copy of which was obtained by Military.com, Berger also ordered leaders to find ways to move more women into combat jobs, to review the possibility of yearlong maternity leave for female Marines, and to extend parental leave policies to same-sex partners.

The commandant's order came about a week after a congressional hearing on the rise of extremism in the ranks. A recent survey of active-duty troops by the independent Military Times also found signs of white supremacy are on the rise.

Today marks 75 years since Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi. @AP photographer Joe Rosenthal was there to capture the image which remains indelible to generations of Americans. However, the fierce battle for Iwo Jima would continue for more than 30 days. pic.twitter.com/SCXE5dGs6u

— David H. Berger (@CMC_MarineCorps) February 23, 2020

Honored to participate in a ceremony today to remember the hard fought battle of Iwo Jima at the Marine Corps War Memorial. Sharing that moment with Marines and families of all generations was priceless. A generation of grateful Americans thanks our WWII Vets. pic.twitter.com/soo90BwJaS

— David H. Berger (@CMC_MarineCorps) February 28, 2020