Marine Corps Leadership Traits

Justice, judgement, decisiveness, integrity, dependability, tact, initiative, enthusiasm, bearing, unselfishness, courage, knowledge, loyalty and endurance – these 14 leadership traits serve as the foundation upon which every Marine will build themselves to be an astute and practical leader the Corps strives to cultivate. Developing these traits is a continuous process throughout our service. They serve as a guide through every situation, from the routine in garrison, to extensive and elaborate combat operations. As we reach the staff noncommissioned officer ranks, these traits have mostly become second nature in our daily undertakings. We commonly employ all traits cohesively to achieve the greatest possible result. However, could there

We cannot possess the courage to be unselfish, be decisive, and be tactful without knowledge, we cannot give loyalty without enthusiasm and endurance, and there is no integrity without courage. Equal devotion to the development of each trait is essential if our ambition is to successfully lead Marines. But, could this same uniqueness require staff noncommissioned officers to utilize fewer of the leadership traits more intensely? As I look back on my own experiences, I have determined that there are leadership traits which we must enhance in order to become more effective leaders during irregular threats. I am inclined to choose courage as one of the most important leadership traits to serve as the foundation of effective leadership during an imminent irregular threat. Courage, defined as the ability to face danger, difficulty, uncertainty, or pain without being overcome by fear or being deflected from a chosen course of action, is the most important trait. Marines can greatly develop this leadership trait through every day practice. Accepting all tasks, embracing each challenge with the desire to triumph is the hallmark of the legendary Marines we are inspired by each and every day. It does not take combat to denote courage. Likewise, the development and enhance of our courage will result in a keen ability to be