Knee Deep in the Hooah!

I wrote most of the following while drinking Devil Dog Brew Yankee Doodle.

My friends and relatives have asked me on occasion how much my time in the Marine Corps has influenced me as a husband and a father. Quite frankly there’s more than a close parallel. When I ask my children to make their beds they understand Commander’s Intent. They understand that implicit in my instruction is the requirement to clean their rooms and that I would be disappointed if they didn’t also pick up their clothes, put away their things, and do a respectable job tidying up.

When I first took command I published my Command Philosophy and reviewed it with the approximately 200 Marines of my Company. What I said was mostly second nature to them. As I spoke, I used both language they were familiar with and language that would brand it as uniquely mine. I would ask Marines what moral congruency meant. This concept in particular and the ability, or lack thereof, of a young man or woman to articulate a cogent response was a useful metric. I’ve kept my Command Philosophy on file and have referred to in on occasion in part to review and check its relevancy through the years.

From: Commanding Officer
To: Company A

Quite often we face an environment that is violent, uncertain, chaotic, and ambiguous. Commander’s Intent helps us face these conditions. Regardless of the environment around us, we should strive to accomplish the mission that we have been given. We do this by technical competence and expertise, training, and looking out for the welfare of our Marines. When possible I will personally be present to positively influence the outcome of our endeavors. At the very least I will ensure responsible individuals are empowered with the means to act decisively according to my intent. I believe uncertainty should be embraced. This suggests that often you will be required to think and act independently within the constraints of my intent.

Moral congruency is a core attribute of my command. Moral congruency is defined by linking the actions of what we say, do and think. Moral congruency holds to the Marine Corps’ Leadership Traits* and Principles**, which are inculcated at Boot Camp and The Basic School. The strength of these traits and principles is not in their independent and separate function but in their unity. The single aspect of these I most adhere to is integrity. Integrity is the cornerstone of all that we do as Marines. Integrity allows us to have open and frank discussions and trust. Our leadership traits and principles, coupled with our core values of honor, courage, and commitment, are what we strive to reflect. Adhere to these in your daily life, and you will be successful under my command.

With Utmost Respect ~ Semper Fi, Hank

Used by permission KDH Copyright © 2009 Sniper’s Brew All Rights Reserved.

*Marine Corps Leadership Traits

Judgment
Justice
Dependability
Initiative
Decisiveness
Tact
Integrity
Endurance
Bearing
Unselfishness
Courage
Knowledge
Loyalty
Enthusiasm

[JJ DID TIE BUCKLE was how I learned to remember the 14 traits in bootcamp]

**Marine Corps Leadership Principles

Know yourself and seek self-improvement.
Be technically and tactically proficient.
Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates.
Make sound and timely decisions.
Set the example.
Know your Marines and look out for their welfare.
Keep your Marines informed.
Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
Ensure assigned tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished.
Train your Marines as a team.
Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities.