phrogpilot73
Well-Known Member
I was just thinking about my Dad, and how much he misses the military. He retired in '92 after 29 years, and he lives vicariously through me. There's nothing better than to come back from Iraq, and be greeted by your Dad with a beer and a map of Iraq, wanting to hear all the details! Although he didn't have a "need to know", he's got a TS to my Secret, and Lockheed reads him in on more than I'll ever know. So, why not take the old guy back to what he loves and misses, so I filled him in on the nitty gritty... But I digress.
Some of the best advice I ever received about being an officer came from Dad. I figured I'd share it with everyone, and see what other advice people have received. If nothing else, maybe it will help the next generation!
"I know the Marine Corps says the first priority of leadership is mission accomplishment, and the second priority is troop welfare. Let me tell you, you'll never get mission accomplishment if you don't put troop welfare first."
"Listen to your SNCO's. They know more than you. It's their job. Your job is to use your bars to ensure they can do theirs."
"Don't think you can't learn from your SNCO's. They've been there, done that, and you haven't. If a SNCO is not willing to develop you as an officer, than he's not a good SNCO."
"Take care of your Marines, and they'll take care of you." - this was actually after telling me a story about when he was a young Ensign, and he wrapped his car around a tree (while drunk) in front of the main gate. Luckily, his Chief was on Shore Patrol that night, and made sure he got back safe, and the Chief handled the cops.
"No matter what anyone says, put your family first. You'll be in the Marine Corps for however many years, but your family will be with you for life."
"Regardless of rank, if you can look in the mirror in the mornings and say "I did right by my Marines", than you've had a successful career."
"If you EVER put your welfare ahead of your Marines, don't forget - your "old" Dad can still kick your ass."
"When you're not having fun, it's time to get out."
Some of the best advice I ever received about being an officer came from Dad. I figured I'd share it with everyone, and see what other advice people have received. If nothing else, maybe it will help the next generation!
"I know the Marine Corps says the first priority of leadership is mission accomplishment, and the second priority is troop welfare. Let me tell you, you'll never get mission accomplishment if you don't put troop welfare first."
"Listen to your SNCO's. They know more than you. It's their job. Your job is to use your bars to ensure they can do theirs."
"Don't think you can't learn from your SNCO's. They've been there, done that, and you haven't. If a SNCO is not willing to develop you as an officer, than he's not a good SNCO."
"Take care of your Marines, and they'll take care of you." - this was actually after telling me a story about when he was a young Ensign, and he wrapped his car around a tree (while drunk) in front of the main gate. Luckily, his Chief was on Shore Patrol that night, and made sure he got back safe, and the Chief handled the cops.
"No matter what anyone says, put your family first. You'll be in the Marine Corps for however many years, but your family will be with you for life."
"Regardless of rank, if you can look in the mirror in the mornings and say "I did right by my Marines", than you've had a successful career."
"If you EVER put your welfare ahead of your Marines, don't forget - your "old" Dad can still kick your ass."
"When you're not having fun, it's time to get out."
