thedrifter
08-09-06, 09:54 AM
Given to me by hubby...fontman
Thanks Mark
Ellie
LETTER TO THE ARMY TIMES(MARINES DON'T DO THAT)
Letters
Wear your pride on your sleeve
There is no question that while this nation is involved in the war on terrorism, the men and women of our armed forces are working harder, longer and more intensely then ever before.
As a retired chief master sergeant, I am proud that our military is the best trained, most motivated and most capable fighting force in the world.
That pride is re-enforced every time I see a service member in uniform. To me, the uniform is the single most visual symbol of the dedication and commitment our service members make on a daily basis to ensure our national security.
But at a time when the appearance of the uniform in public should be at its highest, there is a disappointing trend to the contrary.
In areas such as the Washington capital area, where there are significant numbers of service members commuting and working in civilian facilities, the military uniform is rarely seen.
Instead, one sees troops in battle dress uniforms. BDUs and flight suits were designed for specific training and combat tasks — not administrative tasks.
More importantly, general public recognition is nil. I recently observed a major general walking around downtown D.C. in a flight suit. It was difficult to distinguish this senior officer from the Metro mechanic working nearby on a stalled bus.
I also recently observed a young Marine sergeant in a Class A uniform emerging from a Metro station. Everyone noticed him, and I could see the pride in everyone’s smile. Many strangers came up to him and thanked him for his service.
Although these two examples are at the opposite ends of the spectrum, it appears to me the military services are missing a great opportunity to visually express the pride I know they have to the public.
BDUs and flight suits are meaningless to the public. At a time of recruiting challenges and a public need to recognize our men and women for all that they do, wearing the uniform is a no-cost option.
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Peter M. Steffes (ret.)
Vice president for government policy,
National Defense Industrial Association
Arlington, Va.
Marines Don't Do That
By: L. F. Chapman, Jr. - Commandant
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: All General Officers and All Commanding Officers - Active and Reserve
Subj: Marines Don't Do That
1. Early this month I received the following note from a distinguished friend:
General Chapman:
"Recently I was in an air terminal......(Most people there presented a pretty sloppy appearance) - coats unbuttoned, ties loosened, etc. There was a Marine Corporal (in uniform) who was just the opposite. I spoke to the Marine and pointed out the difference to him. I asked him why it was so? His answer was: 'The Marines don't do that.'"
"Regards,"
2. "The Marines don't do that." A simple statement of fact which leaves no question in the mind of the listener.
3.
Marines don't - wear a scruffy uniform.
Marines don't - slouch around with their hands in their pockets. Marines don't - wear long hair.
Marines don't - fail to respond with a "Yes, or No, Sir" when speaking with a senior. Marines don't - render a half-hearted or sloppy salute to the Stars and Stripes or to their seniors. Marines don't - gang up on each other.
Marines don't - question lawful orders.
Marines don't - lie or cheat or break their word.
Marines don't - abandon a fellow Marine in time of need.
Marines don't - let down their fellow Marines by succumbing to drug temptation.
Marines don't - meet problems with "It can't be done" or questions with the easy answer "No."
Marines don't - knock the system without recommending appropriate change. Marines don't - (the list is all but endless).
4. Marines don't do that. But why not? Because they are a breed apart. They are not the run of the mill; they are but a few good men. They are proud members of an elite Corps. They are as well trained as-if not better than-any military outfit, anywhere. They have led the way, in war and peace, for 196 years. And they know that today they are ready-combat ready-to move out, any time, with the Navy, go anywhere, take on anybody, fight and win.
We must keep our balance, raise our quality, maintain our standards, and be ready to serve our Country. Marines do that!
/s/ L. F. Chapman, Jr.
Commandant
Thanks Mark
Ellie
LETTER TO THE ARMY TIMES(MARINES DON'T DO THAT)
Letters
Wear your pride on your sleeve
There is no question that while this nation is involved in the war on terrorism, the men and women of our armed forces are working harder, longer and more intensely then ever before.
As a retired chief master sergeant, I am proud that our military is the best trained, most motivated and most capable fighting force in the world.
That pride is re-enforced every time I see a service member in uniform. To me, the uniform is the single most visual symbol of the dedication and commitment our service members make on a daily basis to ensure our national security.
But at a time when the appearance of the uniform in public should be at its highest, there is a disappointing trend to the contrary.
In areas such as the Washington capital area, where there are significant numbers of service members commuting and working in civilian facilities, the military uniform is rarely seen.
Instead, one sees troops in battle dress uniforms. BDUs and flight suits were designed for specific training and combat tasks — not administrative tasks.
More importantly, general public recognition is nil. I recently observed a major general walking around downtown D.C. in a flight suit. It was difficult to distinguish this senior officer from the Metro mechanic working nearby on a stalled bus.
I also recently observed a young Marine sergeant in a Class A uniform emerging from a Metro station. Everyone noticed him, and I could see the pride in everyone’s smile. Many strangers came up to him and thanked him for his service.
Although these two examples are at the opposite ends of the spectrum, it appears to me the military services are missing a great opportunity to visually express the pride I know they have to the public.
BDUs and flight suits are meaningless to the public. At a time of recruiting challenges and a public need to recognize our men and women for all that they do, wearing the uniform is a no-cost option.
Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Peter M. Steffes (ret.)
Vice president for government policy,
National Defense Industrial Association
Arlington, Va.
Marines Don't Do That
By: L. F. Chapman, Jr. - Commandant
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20380
From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: All General Officers and All Commanding Officers - Active and Reserve
Subj: Marines Don't Do That
1. Early this month I received the following note from a distinguished friend:
General Chapman:
"Recently I was in an air terminal......(Most people there presented a pretty sloppy appearance) - coats unbuttoned, ties loosened, etc. There was a Marine Corporal (in uniform) who was just the opposite. I spoke to the Marine and pointed out the difference to him. I asked him why it was so? His answer was: 'The Marines don't do that.'"
"Regards,"
2. "The Marines don't do that." A simple statement of fact which leaves no question in the mind of the listener.
3.
Marines don't - wear a scruffy uniform.
Marines don't - slouch around with their hands in their pockets. Marines don't - wear long hair.
Marines don't - fail to respond with a "Yes, or No, Sir" when speaking with a senior. Marines don't - render a half-hearted or sloppy salute to the Stars and Stripes or to their seniors. Marines don't - gang up on each other.
Marines don't - question lawful orders.
Marines don't - lie or cheat or break their word.
Marines don't - abandon a fellow Marine in time of need.
Marines don't - let down their fellow Marines by succumbing to drug temptation.
Marines don't - meet problems with "It can't be done" or questions with the easy answer "No."
Marines don't - knock the system without recommending appropriate change. Marines don't - (the list is all but endless).
4. Marines don't do that. But why not? Because they are a breed apart. They are not the run of the mill; they are but a few good men. They are proud members of an elite Corps. They are as well trained as-if not better than-any military outfit, anywhere. They have led the way, in war and peace, for 196 years. And they know that today they are ready-combat ready-to move out, any time, with the Navy, go anywhere, take on anybody, fight and win.
We must keep our balance, raise our quality, maintain our standards, and be ready to serve our Country. Marines do that!
/s/ L. F. Chapman, Jr.
Commandant