Earning the rank of NCO in the Marine Corps is a difficult feat and it is the mentor’s job to guide his mentees on a path that would have them attain not only the next rank but also any goals they may have set out for themselves. No one can put the mentorship program in any better words than Gen John A. Lejeune himself.
He once said “One must put himself in the place of those whom he would lead; he must have a full understanding of their thoughts, their attitude, their emotions, their aspirations, and their ideals; and he must embody in his/her own character the virtues which he would instill into the hearts of his/her followers.”. Which in my interpretation I believe him to be saying Not only does the Marine NCO lead and instruct younger Marines, he also jumps in the trenches with them, and instructs through example, not just advice.A Marine NCO in my eyes is characterized by being a leader, hard worker and well disciplined individual.
The Marine Corps NCO is the embodiment of history and tradition and should be someone a junior Marine strives to model themselves after. To be a Marine NCO demands a strong stature in order to keep subordinates in check and uphold the standards set by the NCO’s that came before you. As a leader it is important not to give orders you would not follow yourself, and to have your junior Marines accomplish the mission not just because you told them too but because they want too.The NCO’s that have inspired me since I have joined the Marine Corps taught me about my job and leadership. They have instilled in me the fundamentals for a great foundation to build myself up from.
They have always had a plan for every action or mission that needed to be accomplished, and have not hesitated to encourage and congratulate Marines on their effort or a job well done. They have taught me to walk with a purpose, head held high, and shoulders back, no matter what is presented before me, because no matter what all eyes rest upon the Marine NCO as the backbone of the Marine Corps. I have learned a great deal from the Corporals and Sergeants who were in charge of me, and I want to be able to instill the same motivation and hope in my junior Marines.A previous leader of mine once told me that a good man learns from his mistakes, but a great man learns from the mistakes of others. I would like to add to that by saying I do believe you should learn from others, but I also think what makes a great man is teaching others about the mistakes you have made.
God knows I have made plenty of mistakes in my career and life, but I have learned from each one of those mistakes, and that is what has made me the man I have become today.In conclusion, the Marine NCO is to provide guidance, display courage, and influence Marines, young and old. As a Sergeant of Marines I am the liaison between junior Marines and my SNCOs, the Sergeants task is greater than that of any in shaping young Marines. Not only does a Sergeant have to hold himself to the highest standard possible, he must also hold his Marines responsible, because after all he is charged with guiding those Marines not only professionally but also through day to day life. If there is anyone in the Corps you can turn to for advice, guidance, or hard work and determination, it should be the Marine NCO.
