Today I had meetings with Marines at various levels in a number of commands.  It was great to see that all of those I met were very much into their job and motivated to help their fellow Marines now and as well the ones that will start to relieve them months from now.

Of particular note was the executive officer (XO) of one of the battalions.  She assumed responsibility for over 100 Marines that were recalled and proved herself not only someone to complete the mission but COMPLETELY understood troop welfare.

Successful Marines live life by an unwritten ethos: Mission, Men, and Me.  Meaning complete the mission first, care about those in your trust second, and eventually take care of your own needs.  A good officer and staff non-commissioned officer knows that there are a few times when your Marines welfare must come before the mission. 

In this case, the XO recognized so many cases of Marines not being paid correctly, family back home not receiving the correct benefits, etc… that she actually stopped all the necessary grunt training they were mandated to complete and sent them all to the admin shop to get their personal lives in order.

Her ability to recognize the unnecessary stress and hardships her Marines and their families were having and to take immediate corrective action not only eased the minds of her warriors but positively effected morale, strengthened unit cohesion, and increased performance.  Now, almost every leadership position in her command is led by Marines who were recalled from their civilian life and doing an exemplary job.

She is certainly a Marine I would follow.

Semper Fi,

GySgt Jonathan Jenkins

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