Q & A

National Museum of the Marine Corps’ Operations Officer – Lt. Col. Scott Yost

Many people have contributed to the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ creation, and now that it’s done, one has gone out of his way to accommodate Mariznes magazine.

From tours during the museum’s conception stages and up to its completion, Lt. Col. Scott Yost is the man who knows the master plan. While he has explained the museum in previous pages, we thought we’d pick the operations officer’s brain a bit more.

As the all-knowing man of the museum, could you throw out some stats surrounding its construction?
The actual construction began in April 2004. It currently covers about 120,000 square feet. The stainless steel-covered spire rises 210 feet above the ground and is surrounded with about a quarter-acre of glass. The cost of the museum is approximately $100 million.

What is an average day like for a Prior Service Recruiter? Is it a standard 0730 to 1630 type of job?
I would have to respond that there is no average day, and it is definitely much more than an eight-hour work day. We tailor our workday to the individual situations of each prospect, from physicals to position placement assistance. Our day is very much decided by the needs of the Marines that we come in contact with.

How did the museum come about?
In 1996, Col. Jerry Thomas and Col. Gerry Turley came up with the idea of combining the entire historical program of the Marine Corps into a central campus of facilities that would include a national museum as its centerpiece.

Is there one display that stands out from the rest of the museum?
In one exhibit, you go into a recreation of Toktong Pass and watch Capt. William Barber and his company of Marines defend against a Chinese nighttime assault. This immersive exhibit features lighting effects, sounds and a 10-degree drop in temperature.

If everything was put up for auction, what item would probably make the most money?
That depends on what you would be interested in. It could be one of the two Corsairs or the LVT-1 we have in the central gallery, Dan Daly’s Medals of Honor or the flag raised over Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. That’s just a sampling of the unique, rare and priceless artifacts on display.

Are there any interesting stories behind how certain themes or designs were selected?
Deputy director Joe Long thought up the idea of constructing a Vietnam “hot landing zone.” This eventually became one of our other immersive exhibits, Hill 881 South.

Do you think visiting the museum will become something of a sacred pilgrimage for Marines after its dedication?
Absolutely!

I hear there are plans to expand the museum in the future. What will eventually make its way inside?
Initially we open with era galleries covering World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. As the museum expands, we’ll be filling in the period from 1940 to 1775. Also, in the new section that’ll cover an additional 80,000-plus square feet, we’ll have the sections dealing with the post-Vietnam era, the Global War on Terrorism, the Combat Art section, an armory and a large format theater. Of these, I’m most looking forward to seeing how we create the immersive exhibit for Belleau Wood.

Are there any interesting stories behind how certain themes or designs were selected?
Deputy director Joe Long thought up the idea of constructing a Vietnam “hot landing zone.” This eventually became one of our other immersive exhibits, Hill 881 South.

Let’s say I wanted to help out by volunteering or donating money to the museum. How could I get on that?
For volunteering as a museum guide, you can contact the administrative office at 703-784-6115. Monetary donations can be arranged by contacting the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation at 800-397-7585.