The Synergy of the MCMAP Mindset
Abstract
The United States Marine Corps has been a martial culture since its inception. A standard definition of the word "martial" sounds like a Marine Corps recruiting slogan that would attract young Americans seeking to live the life of a true warrior. Simply put, martial is defined as "relating to, or suggestive of war. Relating to or connected with the armed forces or the profession of arms. Characteristic or befitting a warrior." When viewed in this aspect, it is readily apparent that Marines are members of a sub-culture skilled in the application of a "martial" profession. All of the training and preparation is geared toward success on the battlefield. From the moment young recruits arrive on the famed "yellow footprints" until end of active service as Marines, their primary focus is on executing the profession of arms in defense of the Constitution. There is both a science and an art to this chosen profession. It takes years of research and development to procure and field technologically advanced weapons systems that will give us an advantage America's enemies. There are complex mathematical equations that correlate to the trajectories of ordinance and ensure its effective delivery. This is an example of the science portion. The art however, is much less concrete, and it is not easily identified. The human dimension of leadership, the complexities of interacting with and coordinating human behaviors during times of duress, and how they relate to mission accomplishment are examples of the art.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 20, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA517776
Entities
People
- James C. Fuller
Organizations
- Marine Corps Combat Development Command