MCL_1113_cvr1 Every U.S. Marine has three birthdays—their first, the day they earned the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and the birthday of their beloved Corps on 10 November. And the November/December 2013 issue of Semper Fi, the Magazine of the Marine Corps League, sends a birthday greeting to all Devil Dogs, with this cover photo of Lance Corporal Chesty XIV, the USMC’s official mascot.

The issue also contains birthday greetings from General James F. Amos, the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Marines have always had a reputation of traveling fast and light, and in the 21st century, the Corps is working hard to reduce its needs for energy, water and resupply. In “Power Play,” contributor Otto Kreisher looks at ways Marines are increasingly using solar energy and local resources to remain in the field longer without resupply. It’s a life-saving as well as environmental concern, since supply lines can be cut, and lives are at risk convoying necessities like fuel and water to forward deployed Marines.

The issue also reports on the Marine Corps League-sponsored Modern Day Marine Expo held in late September at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The Expo brings Marines and manufacturers together to critique existing equipment and brainstorm improvements and totally new equipment. Always thrifty, Marines will keenly feel the brunt of defense spending cuts in the coming years.

But as Marines always have done, they will make do.