Marine Seniors May Not Be Present for Commencement

Seniors in the Marine Platoon Leaders Corps program--including first Class Marshall David C. Skinner '51--will be prevented from attending Commencement June 21 unless their recently received orders to report for active duty June 20 are changed.

Captain Douglas V.G. Gladding, professor of Naval Science, said last night's that a letter asking for a delay has been sent to the Marine Commandant by Lt. Col. Alexander A. Elder, U.S.M.C., assistant professor of Naval Science. Gladding said that an answer is not expected for some time.

The form letter sent to Senior Platoon Leaders stated, "It is the intention of this Headquarters to order you to extended active duty in excess of 30 days." Seniors must report to Quantico, Virginia for an initial assignment of five months basic training. They will serve a maximum of 21 months unless enlistments are extended.

The Platoon Leader program consists of two six-week summer training periods leading to a second lieutenant commission upon receiving a diploma.