Don't Judge

   During my tour of duty in the Marines in the Nineties, my opinion was that it was best to learn and experience the traditions of the Corps, as Vietnam Marines cherished and believed in traditions and purpose. I was blessed to have a few Vietnam Marines that were on their way towards retirement and were placed in instructor positions for the remaining year or two they had left. Thank God for them. I truly believe I survived several missions, all due to their valuable insight and guidance on how to survive in multiple combat environments, including any environmental terrain and conditions. This is true of the Marines who have had combat experience; no matter how short the exposure, there is always some sort of information you gain from a hostile environment that is critical and most valuable to pass on to the younger generation of Marines, and the same goes for any branch of service.

    Make no mistake! When I was at the School of Infantry located in North Carolina, I remember my fellow Marines would joke around about the older Marines (Vietnam) and how strange and a little weird they appeared. I remember one Staff NCO who was demoted several times throughout his career, and he would ride a bicycle around base, and every time he passed a training barracks, he would ring the bell attached to his handlebars. We laughed, and we all looked at each other in shock. What is the old man doing, and is he sane enough to wear the uniform? How things turned out in the field and engaged in combat simulations, and boy, how the Vietnam Marines always prevailed and beat the younger Marines to any task with a 100 percent success rate. Whether you are a non-combat or combat-experienced Marine or Soldier, we must not dismiss another by appearance, as it will always lead to your demise. More so, embrace their knowledge, skills, and stories, as these are invaluable to success. 

    I felt it was important to stress the basics, which at times we forget, especially if you are heading into or already in a rabbit hole. Remember, if and when you are having challenges with a situation, always revert to the basics and work your way up the ladder. It was one of many invaluable lessons I learned from a Vietnam Marine, and it saved me countless times. This is the reason that no matter your rank, always keep a journal of your training and operations. And to document during the process of any situation. A good way to pass valuable information to subordinates and new warriors that will eventually take your spot among the ranks.

    As a warrior, there is no such thing as pride, and it will destroy you, your team, and anyone under your command. Pride is a serpant of death and falsehood. There is only right or wrong, and if you are doing it wrong, then you are wrong, period! Find a way to improve your flaws, improve your knowledge, and enhance your skills to be the best warrior and leader as possible. Focus on forward progression in all that you and your team do. 

Be the example, be their beacon, and be their inspiration!

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Semper Fidelis

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