One Week to Go...

Well, I'm entering the last full week of training here at Camp LeJeune. There have been highs and lows, but as a whole I think I've enjoyed it. I've made some new friends and feel I've become a better Marine for some of the training I've received, whether that training was intentional or simply as a consequence of working with younger Marines and other NCOs.

I'm encouraged by the younger Marines under my charge. Granted, they're very young and routinely make poor decisions, but the majority are learning quickly and have developed enough discipline and self-control that I believe they will be very good Marines if someone continues to mentor them. Of course, there are others who just make me shake my head. They're smart and know what they are supposed to do, yet all too often, they just keep doing the wrong things. Perhaps with more time they'll develop into solid Marines, but the learning curve here is steep, and more likely than not they'll be crushed under the heavy-hand of a careless NCO.

My fellow NCOs have taught me a lot also, though it is more of what I want to avoid than anything else. We're to be keeping our class on task and ensuring they study the appropriate material, but when other NCOs are walking around and distracting them, I feel as though my efforts are in vain. Its frustrating to try and set a good example when other people of the same rank - or greater - undermine your efforts through their actions.

The higher chain of command causes me mixed feelings as well. Our platoon adviser, a Staff Sergeant, is a spectacular Marine, as are all of our instructors. They are physically fit, intelligent, and hard working. They are the ones that I hope the younger Marines aspire to be like. There is a Gunnary Sergeant who works in a different section that I find to be motivating as well. (For those of you unfamiliar with the Marine Corps, calling someone "motivating" is pretty much the highest honor that one can bestow.) He has been in for a long time and has been involved in numerous campaigns and conflicts. While my first encounter with him was not favorable (his can be condescending and very nit-picky regarding interpretation of rules and regulations), I found that to drive me to becoming a more squared away Marine. I made sure my uniforms would stand under his scrutiny and I made every effort to avoid further correction. Unfortunately, the two NCOs I work with did not choose this direction and have received further "correction" from him.

The reason I say I have mixed feelings about the higher ranking Marines is that their intentions seem largely misguided. A different Gunnary Sergeant is in charge of making sure the barracks are clean and well-maintained. However, the standards and expectations he holds are almost unreachable, especially for a collection of Marines who have not yet learned how to work as a team. My suspicion is that he is simply trying to keep them out of trouble. By keeping them on base cleaning, they don't have the opportunity to do something that will damage their service record and undermine their career. Of course, the downside is that every time they truly work hard and are still unable to achieve success, their morale plummets. Ultimately, they will reach that state of apathy where it will be impossible to motivate them to do anything.

The only advice I've been able to give with a clear conscience is to tell my younger Marines to find a Marine that they respect and try to emulate them. Then, regarding the higher ranking Marines, if they receive unjust punishment or improper treatment, to take their licks now without complaint - even if they are unwarranted - but then to promise NEVER to make that same mistake with their Marines later in their careers. Become better Marines than those who have come before.

I hope they are listening.