Bracing the Infantry's Backbone for 21st Century Operations
Abstract
This paper aims to suggest ways in which the Marine Corps can meet the operational imperative to select, train and retain the type of infantry non-commissioned officer (NCO) that will thrive in the complex fights of the future. We must select those men who have an aptitude for leadership and the maturity to act responsibly in complex environments. To do so, we must challenge our current acceptance of a "young force." For far too long, the Corps has embraced the notion that the vigor of youth is preferable to age and wisdom in its junior enlisted infantrymen. Once selected, we must train and broadly educate our NCOs to act decisively in morally ambiguous, physically demanding, mentally stressful situations. Our NCOs must possess the type of rock-solid judgment that is grounded in experience, education and cultural attunement. Once trained, our NCOs must be. aggressively encouraged to remain in the Marine Corps. Retention of top-quality NCOs must become a leading priority for the Corps. To achieve this end, we must change our approaches to pay, promotion and retention in order to retain our best and brightest.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA600499
Entities
People
- Thomas D. Wood
Organizations
- Marine Corps University