Commander's Intent

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“Join or Die”- Benjamin Franklin 1
This quote relates to commander’s intent more than you might think; it has had a huge impact on the upcoming of our country as we know it today. This statement was used to allow the American colonists to make their own decision on how to unite together and achieve the same end goal. Commanders intent allows Marines to do the same; it helps provide consistency and unity on the battlefield. Decentralized leadership and commander’s intent fall hand in hand with each other. Without decentralized leadership, the commander’s intent will fail. Every unit in the United States Marine Corps has a commander’s intent published and readily accessible to all ranks. It can be found posted on an information board around …show more content…

This type of leadership consists of three key elements authority, responsibility, and accountability. Authority is very well outlined in all promotion warrants “I do strictly direct and require all personnel of lesser grade to render obedience to appropriate orders.”3 This statement directly reflects how your authority is viewed by all junior Marines. When you give a lawful order, it is now the junior Marines responsibility to get it done. Responsibility is important in this situation because everyone is responsible for the task at hand and how it affects others. Everyone should have obedience and sobriety when carrying out a mission or during everyday task. Neatness and attention to detail should also be considered during this time, so that it will be done to the best of you or your junior Marines ability. If the mission at hand has failed or has been accomplished superbly the Marines and the unit will be held …show more content…

Positive accountability can highly raise unit or individual moral and motivation. If a Marine never gets recognized for his or her outstanding work or attention to detail then they may never feel correct, and possibly lose their drive and motivation in their job. Negative feedback is also a good thing in some cases, it allows that Marine or group to know the weaknesses and seek self-improvement. If an individual is to fail or not withstand the Marine Corps standards they should be held accountable for their actions and proper justice should be made. All feedback will benefit the unit and individual Marines. As a leader, it is your job to manage your subordinates. Supervision is a key factor in leadership but it is also important not to micromanage. As NCO’s it is your responsibility to train and help your Marines without doing their job. The Marines designated to the task should be confident and competent in the job but if needed they should look to their peers for help by utilizing teamwork. If these factors are followed, then you will have smooth flowing mission with unit cohesion and highly motivated individuals ready to move up and take on the next rank and

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