Marine Corps Aviation: Transformation is More Than Aircraft. A look at Leadership
Abstract
Squadron leadership is essential to developing good flight leadership in a squadron. A Marine Corps Gazette article, written by retired Colonel Barry Ford, stated that improved leadership in the aviation community would increase unit safety records, lower mishap records, and improve information sharing in the squadron. Colonel Ford has stated that to create a safer environment in Marine Corps aviation, aviation organization must be improved. To take this one step further, to improve the junior officer corps, ensure future dependable, professional senior leadership, and cement continuity of Marine Corps Values, aviation organization must improve. The current administrative organization highlights the dilemma in Marine Corps aviation. An HMM is not organized by its tactical mission. It is organized by its administrative tasks to accomplish its tactical mission. This organization has far-reaching effects for its officers, starting at the most junior level. The reorganization of a squadron by its tactical organization would provide for improved command and control, improved pride in ownership and development of new pilots, and most importantly, increased leadership opportunities for its officers. Colonel Ford offers the reorganization of the squadron along tactical lines vice administrative roles as a solution to the safety problem. He states that doing so would give section and flight leaders administrative authority as well as tactical authority and improve the squadron's safety performance. It is possible that a reorganization along tactical flights would also increase leadership development, combat readiness, and unit cohesiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 07, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA506973
Entities
People
- G. R. Bamford
Organizations
- Marine Corps University