MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, visited Marines
with I Marine Expeditionary Force during his visit to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Oct. 5,
2015.
Neller spoke to elements of the 1st Marine Division, 1st
Marine Logistics Group and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, discussing information
about the future of the Corps and answering questions the Marines had about
policies, to include tattoo regulations, individual leadership and future
operations.
“As Marines we are going to set the best example that we
can,” Neller said. “We are going to make sure we take care of the gear we have and
take care of the Marines we have.”
Neller, who succeeded Gen. Joseph
Dunford, stressed the importance of constantly improving as leaders and reminded
the Marines to take time out of their day to get to know their junior Marines
and address any concerns and issues they might have.
“Whenever you have
a chance sit down with your Marines, get to know them, be a leader,” Neller said. “I
believe in a firm, but fair leadership style and that Marines should always be
treated with dignity and respect.”
He also spoke about what leadership
should expect from their Marines.
“Marines should always give 100 percent
to the mission,” said Neller. “We should always seek to overcome
adversity looking for solutions to our problems and never run away.”
The
Marines expressed their gratitude that the Commandant would take time to come
address any concerns they had.
“It meant a lot for Gen. Neller to come
out and visit our unit. This was my first opportunity to listen to what the
commandant had planned for the Marine Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Karen
Lopezvillareal, a personnel administration specialist with I MEF Headquarters
Group. “I took away the expectations the commandant had for me as a junior
Marine and the expectations I should have of my leadership.”
A veteran of
conflicts in Panama, Somalia and Iraq, Neller reminded the Marines of the
importance of being combat ready, staying physically and mentally fit, and
prepared for future conflicts and operations.
“As the nation’s crisis
response force and force-in-readiness, Marines remain forward deployed, ready to
fight and win,” Neller said. “However, we cannot rest on our past successes and our
current efforts because our nation’s enemies are continuously
adapting.”
The commandant concluded his speech by thanking the Marines
for their hard work and service.
“Our strength is the talent, skill and
discipline of our Marines and sailors,” Neller said. “Today we are ready and capable
because of patriotic Americans who are willing to step forward and take on the
challenge of being a Marine.”