thedrifter
08-08-04, 07:40 AM
August 6, 2004
Not Feeling Like a Marine Today?
by Master GySgt. Billy Stewart
Special to HH News
Have you ever woken up and not felt like a Marine? Your motivation was low, you were tired, and you just didn't feel the pride, esprit de corps, and desire to wear the uniform that day. This went on for a day, month, or maybe even a year. In fact, you may be struggling with these feelings right now. You cannot get going and you feel your career is stagnant. Maybe you are not currently deployed and feel left out. Rest assured, you are not alone and the feelings are fairly common. Welcome to the "slump."
We have all heard this word before, or have experienced it personally in other facets of our lives. A slump can cripple whatever it comes in contact with. These facets could be many things such as a hobby, sport, relationship, or our job. In the Marine Corps, it is understood that small slumps arise. However, as a force in readiness we cannot afford to have long-term personal slumps when it comes to being a Marine. Slumps destroy the very foundation of what we are. How can we fix it? Simply put, we need to keep our minds right and focused. The methods that I have used to get my "mind right" over the years have proven to be successful. The solutions for the "Marine Corps slump" are simple yet effective.
First and foremost, a slump may be a sign that you're in need of annual leave or some type of liberty. Our Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) often are extremely hectic as well as physically and mentally taxing. This is an understatement, especially true during this time of war. Leave and liberty not only provides an avenue for Marines to recharge their batteries, but it also will break the monotony that accompanies any job. Another point that many overlook is that Marines are away from their families and friends while serving. This can be especially stressful for those who have rarely been separated from loved ones. Leave not only provides an avenue to go "home," but ensures that family ties remain as strong as possible. I personally spoke to a father a few weekends ago concerning his son's service into the military. The father stated that he felt as though he and his son were best friends. I can only imagine the feeling of emptiness that accompanies their separation during these trying times. Both have said that they would attempt to plan annual leave around deer hunting season so they can spend quality time together as they had for so many years.
A second cause for a slump is that you may not be plugged into the proper source. What does that mean? Just as a great coach and teammates develop a great athlete, Marines must be around strong leaders and fellow Marines. Leathernecks of this caliber will by default bring out the best in any Marine and foster an atmosphere of motivation and esprit de corps. This will in turn motivate a Marine to just "be a Marine." If second-rate performance and standards surround a Marine, maintaining a high level of motivation will be challenging to say the least. It is hard to be a Marine when those around you do not set the stage to do so. My teachers used to tell me, if you hang around with trash, you'll end up at the garbage dump. This is a simple yet true statement that takes me into my next point. Always associate with good Marines. If you find yourself not feeling like a Marine, take a look at who you're hanging around with. You might find that they are not living up to Marine expectations. Remember dirt rubs off. Check what source you're plugged into and if need be, find a new outlet or wash the dirt off.
A third way of recharging the motivational batteries and beating your slump is to read or watch programs about great Marines, or visit a famous Marine Corps base/place. This is usually what attracted you to the Corps in the first place. It may have been done through the movies, maybe a book in your school library, or a story from a relative that proudly served. The Commandant of the Marine Corps' (CMC) Reading Program is incredible and will bring to life what being a Marine really means. I have read many books that have rejuvenated my desire to be a better Marine and leader while making myself more competitive for promotion. The base library has a great selection of these books. Sometimes I cannot put these books down. When you don't have the time to finish a book, I recommend popping in your favorite Marines Corps movie or documentary. I still get motivated when I see Jack Webb in the movie "The DI" or John Wayne in "The Sands of Iwo Jima." I have shown these movies during PME and you would be amazed at the attitude of the Marines as they are departing the pattern. Most are barking at each other and giving orders, while a couple will show up with spit-shined boots the next day. Whenever I am in San Diego, I always make it a point to stop by the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) to remember where it all begins. There is also a Marine Corps Museum there that is equally awesome. Being stationed in Washington, DC has afforded me the opportunity to visit many memorials. As I leave these places, I again feel the pride of being a part of America's finest. Besides receiving a great history lesson, visiting these places will dip your roots into the Marine Corps' "fountain of youth." No matter how many times I visit the Iwo Jima Memorial, it still affects me in a profound way.
My fourth and favorite way to wrestle my slump is through both an organized unit and personal physical fitness (PT) program. One of the best ways of causing individuals to feel like Marines is getting in shape. Many times our work hours are in conflict with PT time. We must make time and force ourselves to PT. It is not an option. General Hagee has established a regiment for all Marines to follow. Getting in shape is not always fun, but being in shape certainly is. It changes our attitude towards being a Marine. It brings Marines together and builds teamwork. I always feel great after my department works out together. If your shop is not doing organized PT, take charge and make a difference. You will be glad you did.
Finally, whenever times are rough and I really need to reevaluate, I do a couple of basic things. Sometimes I read my promotion warrant. While this may sound corny to some, it reminds me of who I am and what I represent. By reading the words aloud it takes me back to the beginning when things were new. Another special ritual that I can participate in daily is to step outside my hatch during morning or evening colors. I salute, listen, watch our flag, and remember the reason I am a Marine.
Are you going through a "Marine Corps slump?" Has some of the gold lost its glitter? Maybe you don't feel like you did on the morning of graduation as you left boot camp; I understand. However, the ways of overcoming your personal slump are endless and very similar. Each is related to getting back to basics and plugging into the power source. Make a list this week of all of the things that cause you to feel like a Marine. Post the list somewhere and do these things throughout the week. Be proud and be a Marine, you earned it. Semper Fi.
http://www.dc*************/marines/hendersonhall/9_30/commentary/30531-1.html
Ellie
Not Feeling Like a Marine Today?
by Master GySgt. Billy Stewart
Special to HH News
Have you ever woken up and not felt like a Marine? Your motivation was low, you were tired, and you just didn't feel the pride, esprit de corps, and desire to wear the uniform that day. This went on for a day, month, or maybe even a year. In fact, you may be struggling with these feelings right now. You cannot get going and you feel your career is stagnant. Maybe you are not currently deployed and feel left out. Rest assured, you are not alone and the feelings are fairly common. Welcome to the "slump."
We have all heard this word before, or have experienced it personally in other facets of our lives. A slump can cripple whatever it comes in contact with. These facets could be many things such as a hobby, sport, relationship, or our job. In the Marine Corps, it is understood that small slumps arise. However, as a force in readiness we cannot afford to have long-term personal slumps when it comes to being a Marine. Slumps destroy the very foundation of what we are. How can we fix it? Simply put, we need to keep our minds right and focused. The methods that I have used to get my "mind right" over the years have proven to be successful. The solutions for the "Marine Corps slump" are simple yet effective.
First and foremost, a slump may be a sign that you're in need of annual leave or some type of liberty. Our Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) often are extremely hectic as well as physically and mentally taxing. This is an understatement, especially true during this time of war. Leave and liberty not only provides an avenue for Marines to recharge their batteries, but it also will break the monotony that accompanies any job. Another point that many overlook is that Marines are away from their families and friends while serving. This can be especially stressful for those who have rarely been separated from loved ones. Leave not only provides an avenue to go "home," but ensures that family ties remain as strong as possible. I personally spoke to a father a few weekends ago concerning his son's service into the military. The father stated that he felt as though he and his son were best friends. I can only imagine the feeling of emptiness that accompanies their separation during these trying times. Both have said that they would attempt to plan annual leave around deer hunting season so they can spend quality time together as they had for so many years.
A second cause for a slump is that you may not be plugged into the proper source. What does that mean? Just as a great coach and teammates develop a great athlete, Marines must be around strong leaders and fellow Marines. Leathernecks of this caliber will by default bring out the best in any Marine and foster an atmosphere of motivation and esprit de corps. This will in turn motivate a Marine to just "be a Marine." If second-rate performance and standards surround a Marine, maintaining a high level of motivation will be challenging to say the least. It is hard to be a Marine when those around you do not set the stage to do so. My teachers used to tell me, if you hang around with trash, you'll end up at the garbage dump. This is a simple yet true statement that takes me into my next point. Always associate with good Marines. If you find yourself not feeling like a Marine, take a look at who you're hanging around with. You might find that they are not living up to Marine expectations. Remember dirt rubs off. Check what source you're plugged into and if need be, find a new outlet or wash the dirt off.
A third way of recharging the motivational batteries and beating your slump is to read or watch programs about great Marines, or visit a famous Marine Corps base/place. This is usually what attracted you to the Corps in the first place. It may have been done through the movies, maybe a book in your school library, or a story from a relative that proudly served. The Commandant of the Marine Corps' (CMC) Reading Program is incredible and will bring to life what being a Marine really means. I have read many books that have rejuvenated my desire to be a better Marine and leader while making myself more competitive for promotion. The base library has a great selection of these books. Sometimes I cannot put these books down. When you don't have the time to finish a book, I recommend popping in your favorite Marines Corps movie or documentary. I still get motivated when I see Jack Webb in the movie "The DI" or John Wayne in "The Sands of Iwo Jima." I have shown these movies during PME and you would be amazed at the attitude of the Marines as they are departing the pattern. Most are barking at each other and giving orders, while a couple will show up with spit-shined boots the next day. Whenever I am in San Diego, I always make it a point to stop by the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) to remember where it all begins. There is also a Marine Corps Museum there that is equally awesome. Being stationed in Washington, DC has afforded me the opportunity to visit many memorials. As I leave these places, I again feel the pride of being a part of America's finest. Besides receiving a great history lesson, visiting these places will dip your roots into the Marine Corps' "fountain of youth." No matter how many times I visit the Iwo Jima Memorial, it still affects me in a profound way.
My fourth and favorite way to wrestle my slump is through both an organized unit and personal physical fitness (PT) program. One of the best ways of causing individuals to feel like Marines is getting in shape. Many times our work hours are in conflict with PT time. We must make time and force ourselves to PT. It is not an option. General Hagee has established a regiment for all Marines to follow. Getting in shape is not always fun, but being in shape certainly is. It changes our attitude towards being a Marine. It brings Marines together and builds teamwork. I always feel great after my department works out together. If your shop is not doing organized PT, take charge and make a difference. You will be glad you did.
Finally, whenever times are rough and I really need to reevaluate, I do a couple of basic things. Sometimes I read my promotion warrant. While this may sound corny to some, it reminds me of who I am and what I represent. By reading the words aloud it takes me back to the beginning when things were new. Another special ritual that I can participate in daily is to step outside my hatch during morning or evening colors. I salute, listen, watch our flag, and remember the reason I am a Marine.
Are you going through a "Marine Corps slump?" Has some of the gold lost its glitter? Maybe you don't feel like you did on the morning of graduation as you left boot camp; I understand. However, the ways of overcoming your personal slump are endless and very similar. Each is related to getting back to basics and plugging into the power source. Make a list this week of all of the things that cause you to feel like a Marine. Post the list somewhere and do these things throughout the week. Be proud and be a Marine, you earned it. Semper Fi.
http://www.dc*************/marines/hendersonhall/9_30/commentary/30531-1.html
Ellie