US Marine chess team for Australia?

From the U.S. Marine Corps Times, February 22: Corps seeks chess players for teams

The Corps announced today it’s looking for chess players to represent it in competitions worldwide. Corps-wide messages detailed the criteria for leathernecks to join the 2007 All-Marine Chess teams. Chess players vying for one of six spots on the All-Marine team have until April 16 to apply. Applicants must be registered with the United States Chess Federation, the message says.


We're not sure if the USMC Chess Team will be visiting Australia, but the cycling team, which was also recruiting in the same article will be coming:

Cyclists licensed by USA Cycling have until March 13 to apply for a spot on the Armed Forces Cycling Team; its international competition schedule begins in April in Australia. According to MarAdmin 119/07, cyclists will be selected based on their performance and teamwork

Maybe we could get the Marines to visit for the Sydney International Open in April.
But whether or not they visit these shores, it may result in a whole new verse for the Marine's Hymn:

They may play a Marshall Gambit
Or defend with the K.I.D;
They'll fight their country's chess gamesAt home or across the sea.
And they'll use no guns or bayonetsBut to keep their honour clean,
They'll need to win a lot of games
The United States Marines.