How to Become a Leader in the U.S. Marines
Leadership traits are at the core of the ideals and training encouraged and embodied by all members of the United States Marine Corps. Understanding and practicing leadership traits and abilities enhance a Marine's likelihood of promotion, safety in combat and ability to complete assigned objectives as directed. Leadership qualities benefit civilians and Marines; those who have not yet enlisted in the Marine Corps may research and practice effective leadership traits in the civilian world.
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Instructions
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Embody USMC Values and Join Organization
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Read, study and practice the United States Marine Corps' official leadership principles and traits (see References). Follow the guidelines for self-evaluation and practice. If you haven't yet joined the Marine Corps or a related organization such as ROTC, practice these basic principles and make them applicable to civilian life. The Marine Corps focuses on self-improvement and the ability to put the larger mission ahead of your personal goals.
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Join a youth-oriented organization focusing on leadership development. Examples of such organizations include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, JROTC, ROTC and Sea Cadets. Adults should consider participation in local government or organizations promoting leadership, such as Alpha Phi Omega, a coeducational service fraternity.
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Join the United States Marine Corps. You may accomplish this in two ways: Speak to a recruiter to enlist upon graduating high school (students under 18 can begin training under the supervision of a recruiter prior to graduation with parental permission), or complete a four-year undergraduate degree and apply for OCS (Officer Candidate School).
Training and Advancement
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Absorb leadership training in basic training. Both officers and enlisted personnel receive basic training.
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Exemplify specified leadership traits and positive conduct at all times and in all situations at home and abroad.
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Advance your rank. For enlisted Marines, the first few promotions are based on time served and good behavior. To proceed to the rank of corporal, enlisted Marines are evaluated by superior officers and must meet a rigid set of requirements as determined by a scoring system.
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Tips & Warnings
Leadership qualities are transferable from civilian life to the Marine Corps and vice versa. You can work on improving your leadership skills in a corporate, social or academic setting.
Not all Marine Corps leadership positions happen on the battlefield. Marines lead behind the scenes, too---as the head of a band or even as head chef in the kitchen.
Pretraining for the Marine Corps should be done under the supervision of a recruiter or an individual appointed by the recruiter.
Minors wishing to pursue a career in the Marines must receive parental permission to join related organizations or to receive training from a recruiter.
Lying on your enlistment papers is a violation of rules and leadership traits (integrity) and is considered grounds for immediate dismissal.
