Leading Marines Chapters 2 & 3

Chapter 2: Foundations of Marine Corps Leadership

• Marine leaders must prioritize the mental, moral, and physical welfare of their personnel.
• Leadership traits include morale, discipline, setting an example, taking charge, physical courage, and moral courage.

Chapter 3: Leading Marines

• Addresses the moral and physical challenges faced in leadership.
• Emphasizes adaptability and innovation.
• Decentralization is crucial for effective leadership.
• Focus on indomitable will to win and the application of combat power.

Transformation Phases

• Recruitment is the first phase of transformation.
• Recruit training fosters initial cohesion among Marines.
• Sustainment is necessary to maintain unit effectiveness.
• Citizenship refers to the responsibilities of Marines in society.

Factors Contributing to Erosion

• Erosion stems from issues like lack of order, discipline, and accountability.
• Poor physical fitness and personal appearance negatively impact unit integrity.

Other Erosion Factors

• Fraternization undermines unit cohesion.
• Sexual harassment and assault are serious breaches of conduct.
• Hazing and substance abuse are detrimental to morale and discipline.

Four Pillars of Marine Transformation

• Education is essential for developing competent leaders.
• NCO development focuses on training non-commissioned officers effectively.
• Ownership promotes responsibility and accountability.
• Establishment and maintenance of standards ensure consistency and readiness.

Five Dimensions of Cohesion

• Individual morale affects overall unit efficiency.
• Confidence in the unit's combat capabilities is built through rigorous training.
• Trust in unit leaders enhances operational performance.
• Horizontal cohesion strengthens peer relationships.
• Vertical cohesion fosters strong bonds between superiors and subordinates.

Tactical Tenets

• AGBACE: Achieving Decisions, Gaining Advantage, Being Faster.
• Importance of adapting to the battlefield and cooperating with allies.
• Exploiting success reinforces victories and enhances morale.

Achieving Decision

• Military judgment is developed through wisdom and experience.
• Understanding the enemy's perspective is crucial (METT-T).
• Acting decisively involves identifying critical vulnerabilities and exercising boldness and ruthlessness in decision-making.