According to Military defense links, only one percent of the population in the United States is in the military. Of that one percent, those who choose to join the military are second and third generation military personal who have had family members who have selflessly served this great nation. The young Marines in the corps today are a select and unique breed.
Many reading this were probably teenagers when we began the current contingency against our enemy’s foreign and domestic. For some reason, you decided that it would be your destiny- to serve in the greatest force in the world. It is true that the Marine Corps is a force of the few and the proud; no service holds the distinction or the reputation that we do. Thus it is imperative that the Marines in the 4th CAG maintain and uphold the highest standards and traditions of our predecessor’s. We must not take for granted those that fought and sacrificed before us. Every day that you put on the eagle, globe and anchor you represent the high standards of the USMC. Even when you’re not in uniform, you are a Marine, a quasi ambassador, for the civilians that you encounter every day. When you suit up for your civilian job, you may be the only chapter your coworkers see of the Marine Corps history book. Make sure that you present yourself in a way that would make your first drill instructor proud.
As many know, the most coveted position for any Marine is to lead the stellar young men and women of the Corps. It is a position of utmost responsibility for the USMC’s greatest asset, the Marines, one that is not taken lightly.
Presently the Marine Corps strategic responsibility is to be an expeditionary force in readiness. As Operational reservist it is our duty to be organized to deploy at a moment’s notice and to be proficient in our current MOS. Currently, the focus of Main effort for OEF the present contingency is Civil Military Operations.
That is why it is imperative that I make sure we continue to systematically train the Marines in the 4th CAG even though the Civil Affairs MOS is a secondary one. Each of you brings a special skill to this unique mission. Your civilian occupations make you even more valuable to the cause that we must undergo, not to mention the primary MOS that you hold.
As the commander of the 4th CAG it is my responsibility to ensure that this unit is a force ready to deploy at any moment with the resident knowledge and skills required of a civil affairs expert. To prepare the Marines of this unit, for the “two fisted” fight, I will ensure that each of you will be equipped to accomplish this task in the following ways:
- You will be provided with the most relevant training, from basic marksmanship to complicated civil military operations, steeped in Governance, Economics, Education, development and interaction with interagency departments.
- You will be physically fit and current in annual training requirements, and exposed to vignettes that demonstrate real life Civil Affairs activities including role players.
- Through military instruction, lectures, round table discussions and presentations, you will be exposed to interagency experts in the field, such as DOS, USAID, and NGO’s.
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You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge in Civil Affairs and Civil Military Operations by participating in training events, and role playing vignettes and by providing briefings.
Of the 14 Marine Corps Leadership traits, those that I deem most critical to a cohesive and successful unit are:
- As a leader:
- I will demonstrate JUSTICE by being fair and consistent with all Marines because I can’t expect my Marines to do what I will not do myself.
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- I will display DECIVENESS by making good decisions without delay.
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- I will be TACTFUL when I deal with people, exhibiting a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems.
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- I will demonstrate UNSELFISHNESS by avoiding making myself comfortable at the expense of my Marines.
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- I expect myself and the Marines in my unit to:
- Reveal INTEGRITY by being honest and truthful in what we say and do.
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- Maintain BEARING in how we conduct and carry ourselves. This reflects alertness, competence, confidence, and control. We should hold ourselves to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements. .
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- Display COURAGE in combat and in non-combat situations in which we should demonstrate the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is our fault.
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- Show INITIATIVE by taking action even though we haven't been given orders Express LOYALTY devoted to family, country, the Corps.
The 4th CAG is one of the most deployed units in the Marine Corps. The operational tempo is challenging, yet the Marines continue to take the call. The performance of our young and seasoned professionals has been remarkable and honorable. I am humbled by the opportunity to lead and serve with such esteemed warriors- the future leaders of our Corps and the heart of America.
- Semper Fidelis,
- Colonel H.G. Pratt