The 8th Marines "Workhorse" Regiment
Leadership Philosophy & Command Methodology
Commander’s Intent: As America’s Shock Troops, the Marine Corps fills the gap between Special Operations and Heavy Land Forces by providing immediate response to crisis or contingency – We must be the most ready when the Nation is the least ready. Our two enduring priority objectives are (1) Prepare the Regiment to fight and (2) Prepare to fight as a Regiment. We will accomplish these objectives through leadership and command ensuring every Marine and Sailor understands our mission; knows their role; and believes they add value to this unit.
Leadership: Leadership is the art of empowering individuals by inspiring their will to excel beyond their own perceived performance limitations.
➢ We will not rely on a culture of heroics, rather we will motivate Marines and Sailors to perform their basic tasks routinely well – That is how we will measure success.
➢ Mastery of the basics is achieved through the supervised repetition of clearly defined performance standards through a talk, chalk, crawl, walk, run progression; refined by brutally honest assessments and feedback; reinforced by deliberate remediation measures.
➢ We must accelerate the personal and professional maturity of Marines and Sailors by developing their reaction control skills, ability to assess risk and make effective decisions.
➢ Ultimately, when we lead from purpose and not from fear we are empowered to do what is best and not what merely looks right (for ourselves, our Marines and Sailors, and our unit).
Command: Command is the science that seeks to integrate and synchronize the application of warfighting skills through directed action that is assessed by continuous feedback.
➢ Operationalize all activities and reduce the distinctions between how we conduct operations abroad and how we develop proficiency at home – We must strive for consistency across our Warfighting Functions, battle rhythm, planning, and decision-making processes.
➢ Individual readiness is both a mindset and a deliberate act of achieving spiritual, personal, professional, physical, and financial balance within our lives.
➢ Organizational readiness is the rate of return we achieve through the expenditure of resources expressed through our ability to accomplish assigned Mission Essential Tasks.
➢ Effective organizations maximize communication; emphasize cooperation; conduct coordination; leverage collaboration; and exercise consideration.
Role of the Commander: What you should expect from all those who possess command authority and responsibility - These tasks facilitate the performance of effective operations.
➢ Provide clear, concise, and complete vision, guidance and intent in order to achieve unity of effort, maintain organizational cohesion, and empower individual initiative.
➢ Preserve tactical tempo and operational speed through inspirational presence and decisive direction during complex actions or critical transition points.
➢ Prioritize contingency planning through categorization of risk to mission, force, or resources.
➢ Resource and support subordinate commanders relative to the complexity or importance of assigned tasks.
Expectations: What commanders expect from Marines and Sailors who add value to the team.
➢ Marines and Sailors do not lie, cheat, or steal.
➢ Marines and Sailors do not bully, belittle, bad-mouth, or backstab.
➢ Marines and Sailors are disciplined warrior-athletes dedicated to their profession.
➢ Marines and Sailors are physically fit, resilient, tactically sound, and technically proficient.
➢ Marines and Sailors inspire trust and confidence amongst seniors, peers, and subordinates.
➢ Concerned leaders know their Marines and Sailors as well as they know themselves.
➢ Committed leaders positively and productively influence the "Un-Governed 59."
➢ Team builders do not use I, me or mine, instead they use us, we, and our.
➢ Ultimately, be proud of yourself and be proud to be a United States Marine or Sailor.