thedrifter
07-23-04, 10:52 AM
Expectations of Perfection
by Master GySgt. Billy Stewart
Special to HH News
Throughout the daily journey of mentoring young Marines, I consistently see frustrated Marine leaders. They are aggravated in their quest to develop, motivate, and discipline young Marines. In their quest, many leaders expect a great deal from each of their Marines. This is both inspirational, reassuring, and should continue to remain paramount in our lives as Marines. We as Marines must maintain the highest standards possible and hold each other accountable for our actions. However, there are times that we as leaders expect too much of Marines. Before you wad this paper up, and throw it in the trashcan, hear me out. I am by no means saying that we as Marines should lower our standards. Instead, I am implying that our expectations and methods of dealing with shortcomings, mistakes, and violations could use somewhat of a facelift.
In the opinion of many Marines, in the past five to ten years, charge sheets have taken place of extra military instruction (EMI), while Page 11 entries have replaced the infamous life altering butt chewing session. This has tied the hands of our commanding officers. I have always viewed Non-judicial Punishment (NJP)/Courts Martial recommendations as my way of telling my commander that I have exhausted every means available to get a Marine on track. Don't get me wrong, there are Marines that should stand in front of the commander. However, I do think that the number should be reduced significantly through other means of discipline.
Like many of you, I could have had numerous charges brought against me during my "maturing" years. However, I always had a great leader to put me in check through some sort of EMI or counseling session that I would hate immensely and never forget. Believe me, these sessions corrected my deficiencies expeditiously. The same concept holds true for the leaders of 2004. Before writing that charge sheet or sending something up line, leaders should ensure that all means available have been exhausted to correct wayward behavior. To correct the behavior, we have to reflect on the reasons for this behavior. I always feel it's best to start at the beginning, so let us examine the Marine after "Boot Camp," and his/her overall maturity level.
When a Marine graduates from Recruit Training, the Corps receives a "basically trained Marine." The Marine Corps Recruit Depots are in the business of laying a foundation for our enlisted Leathernecks and beginning the transformation phase of each of their young lives (make a note of "young lives"). This is a transformation that climbs the stairs of maturity as the Marine develops professionally, technically, physically, morally, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The average recruit is between the ages of 18 to 21 years of age. Take a moment to imagine yourself at that age. I don't know about you, but I was stumbling around from the after effects of liberty at those ages and devising my own definition of the word maturity. The fact remains that at these ages, Marines are still growing up, finding themselves, and developing their personal character through trial and error. As leaders, we must keep them on the straight and narrow, but at the same time allow them to make mistakes and grow as Marines. The best way to stay compassionate and empathize with our young Marines is to take a look in the mirror and remember that not so long ago, we were wearing the same shoes. Take a walk down memory lane.
No matter what rank you currently hold, I can guarantee that you experienced growing pains at one point in your career. In addition, you probably have made some pretty poor judgment calls. If you didn't, you are the minority. Ask any Marine about their bonehead follies growing up in the Marine Corps. In fact, somebody probably has saved or will save your bacon a few times by steering you down the right path using good ole fashioned leadership. These methods are accomplished through authorized EMI, a stern counseling, securing liberty in a foreign port, a letter of caution, or a charge sheet that stays secured in the Sergeant Major's desk until you transfer.
We all make mistakes and fall short of the mark. Great character and decision-making skills are not issued at MCRD. It takes a great deal of hard work and involvement on the part of Marines and their leaders to ensure that a successful transformation takes place. Usually, the older we get, the more mature we become. Our decisions become sound and well thought over time. As time progresses, leaders often develop great qualities for junior Marines to emulate. However, the sad fact remains that these great leaders occasionally forget their own past shortcomings and array of second chances that were issued to them once upon a time. "Holier than thou" attitudes infest the Marine Corps and destroy morale. Show me a Marine that says they have never committed a mistake that warranted NJP or a Page 11 per the UCMJ, and I'll show you a Marine that is less than honest. We as leaders, must always be conscious that young Marines will make mistakes and will not always view life's issues through your experienced eyes. Expect responsible behavior from your Marines, but don't expect miracles laced with perfect behavior.
The line between mentoring and disciplining is a fine one and often times can be confusing. Formal disciplinary action must be utilized when the Marine has given you no other choice. There is no getting around the fact that many Marines need to be formally disciplined. However, the Corps is filled with Marines that stood on the carpet due to a hasty decision, or a lack of concerned leadership to take corrective action at the lower level. The quest for sound leadership is both challenging and time consuming. You will spend much more time personally mentoring a Marine than charging one. Always remember your own past shortcomings and use them to influence your Marines to better themselves. Anyone can write a charge sheet, but that is the easy way out. Why not take the challenge of mentoring your Marines first? They might just remind you of someone you used to know.
http://www.dc*************/marines/hendersonhall/9_29/commentary/30263-1.html
Ellie
by Master GySgt. Billy Stewart
Special to HH News
Throughout the daily journey of mentoring young Marines, I consistently see frustrated Marine leaders. They are aggravated in their quest to develop, motivate, and discipline young Marines. In their quest, many leaders expect a great deal from each of their Marines. This is both inspirational, reassuring, and should continue to remain paramount in our lives as Marines. We as Marines must maintain the highest standards possible and hold each other accountable for our actions. However, there are times that we as leaders expect too much of Marines. Before you wad this paper up, and throw it in the trashcan, hear me out. I am by no means saying that we as Marines should lower our standards. Instead, I am implying that our expectations and methods of dealing with shortcomings, mistakes, and violations could use somewhat of a facelift.
In the opinion of many Marines, in the past five to ten years, charge sheets have taken place of extra military instruction (EMI), while Page 11 entries have replaced the infamous life altering butt chewing session. This has tied the hands of our commanding officers. I have always viewed Non-judicial Punishment (NJP)/Courts Martial recommendations as my way of telling my commander that I have exhausted every means available to get a Marine on track. Don't get me wrong, there are Marines that should stand in front of the commander. However, I do think that the number should be reduced significantly through other means of discipline.
Like many of you, I could have had numerous charges brought against me during my "maturing" years. However, I always had a great leader to put me in check through some sort of EMI or counseling session that I would hate immensely and never forget. Believe me, these sessions corrected my deficiencies expeditiously. The same concept holds true for the leaders of 2004. Before writing that charge sheet or sending something up line, leaders should ensure that all means available have been exhausted to correct wayward behavior. To correct the behavior, we have to reflect on the reasons for this behavior. I always feel it's best to start at the beginning, so let us examine the Marine after "Boot Camp," and his/her overall maturity level.
When a Marine graduates from Recruit Training, the Corps receives a "basically trained Marine." The Marine Corps Recruit Depots are in the business of laying a foundation for our enlisted Leathernecks and beginning the transformation phase of each of their young lives (make a note of "young lives"). This is a transformation that climbs the stairs of maturity as the Marine develops professionally, technically, physically, morally, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The average recruit is between the ages of 18 to 21 years of age. Take a moment to imagine yourself at that age. I don't know about you, but I was stumbling around from the after effects of liberty at those ages and devising my own definition of the word maturity. The fact remains that at these ages, Marines are still growing up, finding themselves, and developing their personal character through trial and error. As leaders, we must keep them on the straight and narrow, but at the same time allow them to make mistakes and grow as Marines. The best way to stay compassionate and empathize with our young Marines is to take a look in the mirror and remember that not so long ago, we were wearing the same shoes. Take a walk down memory lane.
No matter what rank you currently hold, I can guarantee that you experienced growing pains at one point in your career. In addition, you probably have made some pretty poor judgment calls. If you didn't, you are the minority. Ask any Marine about their bonehead follies growing up in the Marine Corps. In fact, somebody probably has saved or will save your bacon a few times by steering you down the right path using good ole fashioned leadership. These methods are accomplished through authorized EMI, a stern counseling, securing liberty in a foreign port, a letter of caution, or a charge sheet that stays secured in the Sergeant Major's desk until you transfer.
We all make mistakes and fall short of the mark. Great character and decision-making skills are not issued at MCRD. It takes a great deal of hard work and involvement on the part of Marines and their leaders to ensure that a successful transformation takes place. Usually, the older we get, the more mature we become. Our decisions become sound and well thought over time. As time progresses, leaders often develop great qualities for junior Marines to emulate. However, the sad fact remains that these great leaders occasionally forget their own past shortcomings and array of second chances that were issued to them once upon a time. "Holier than thou" attitudes infest the Marine Corps and destroy morale. Show me a Marine that says they have never committed a mistake that warranted NJP or a Page 11 per the UCMJ, and I'll show you a Marine that is less than honest. We as leaders, must always be conscious that young Marines will make mistakes and will not always view life's issues through your experienced eyes. Expect responsible behavior from your Marines, but don't expect miracles laced with perfect behavior.
The line between mentoring and disciplining is a fine one and often times can be confusing. Formal disciplinary action must be utilized when the Marine has given you no other choice. There is no getting around the fact that many Marines need to be formally disciplined. However, the Corps is filled with Marines that stood on the carpet due to a hasty decision, or a lack of concerned leadership to take corrective action at the lower level. The quest for sound leadership is both challenging and time consuming. You will spend much more time personally mentoring a Marine than charging one. Always remember your own past shortcomings and use them to influence your Marines to better themselves. Anyone can write a charge sheet, but that is the easy way out. Why not take the challenge of mentoring your Marines first? They might just remind you of someone you used to know.
http://www.dc*************/marines/hendersonhall/9_29/commentary/30263-1.html
Ellie