I think you missed a subgroup, the dime store strategist. The proper responses to the Lts and Capts asking what they need to read on strategic thought, is why don’t you focus on being technically and tactically proficient for now.
I’ve had a similar conversation with some of my Marines and more than once, in 100% seriousness, I’ve said if I was Commandant (will never happen lol) I would ban social media accounts for every Marine. Full stop. The guys thought it was a joke but it wasn’t. I really believe we as a group have lost our privilege of using it. We can’t be trusted to act as a adults, enough of us have gone this route or done the MarinesUnited thing, etc etc that guess what? You broke it, you lost it. For our own good - tough love type of thing.
Now do an article on what happens to self-promoting Company Men military leaders after the combat starts. In the countries we don't like we call them purges. In the countries we do like we do it quietly and call it military necessity. Either way, it seems the effective leaders are only allowed to emerge in wartime. I know I am not the first person to have this thought. Harvard Business Review did an excellent story 10 years ago entitled "What Ever Happened to Accountability?" with many details on US flag officers being relieved in WWII and Korea and how that culture changed.
I retired from the Navy in 2005. Sure am glad social media wasn't a thing back then. I guess I'm so out of it when it comes to this crap my question of "Why are they allowed to do this stuff?" might seem foolish or naïve to younger folk. If I were the Commandant no officer would be allowed to participate in social media directly.
It bothers me tremendously some of the “senior leaders” who repeatedly post about leadership & war in their uniforms, often intentionally brandishing a CAR or other combat award. It painfully obvious when it is about them and the worst part of this is that they inspire a generation to chase some form of war glory that isn’t real. But it’s a fantastic brand sewn together by these Instagram “leaders” incessantly. I hope others see right through it. Example: have a quasi anonymous but not really anonymous Instagram account because you purely promote yourself, your books, and your story and your “non profit” that really seeks to profit you. Bogus.
These men will fight and die for foreign entanglements (put years in following weak leaders, ruin their familial relationships, ruin their mental health) but won't get pissed about their income being stolen, being given experimental gene therapy, being sent to fight in wars that don't keep them or their family safe, etc.... the cognitive dissociation is real.
You articulated the cringe and sadness I feel when I watch these guys.
I think you missed a subgroup, the dime store strategist. The proper responses to the Lts and Capts asking what they need to read on strategic thought, is why don’t you focus on being technically and tactically proficient for now.
I’ve had a similar conversation with some of my Marines and more than once, in 100% seriousness, I’ve said if I was Commandant (will never happen lol) I would ban social media accounts for every Marine. Full stop. The guys thought it was a joke but it wasn’t. I really believe we as a group have lost our privilege of using it. We can’t be trusted to act as a adults, enough of us have gone this route or done the MarinesUnited thing, etc etc that guess what? You broke it, you lost it. For our own good - tough love type of thing.
Well written…you can’t BS the troops as they can spot a phony a mile away. The term ranchhand is superb. Please carry on with more insights. Thanks
Now do an article on what happens to self-promoting Company Men military leaders after the combat starts. In the countries we don't like we call them purges. In the countries we do like we do it quietly and call it military necessity. Either way, it seems the effective leaders are only allowed to emerge in wartime. I know I am not the first person to have this thought. Harvard Business Review did an excellent story 10 years ago entitled "What Ever Happened to Accountability?" with many details on US flag officers being relieved in WWII and Korea and how that culture changed.
Excellent piece. Although focused on The Corps, this is undoubtedly and likely an issue across the force.
Prima donnas and self promoters have been with us forever, they’ve just got better tools now.
I retired from the Navy in 2005. Sure am glad social media wasn't a thing back then. I guess I'm so out of it when it comes to this crap my question of "Why are they allowed to do this stuff?" might seem foolish or naïve to younger folk. If I were the Commandant no officer would be allowed to participate in social media directly.
It bothers me tremendously some of the “senior leaders” who repeatedly post about leadership & war in their uniforms, often intentionally brandishing a CAR or other combat award. It painfully obvious when it is about them and the worst part of this is that they inspire a generation to chase some form of war glory that isn’t real. But it’s a fantastic brand sewn together by these Instagram “leaders” incessantly. I hope others see right through it. Example: have a quasi anonymous but not really anonymous Instagram account because you purely promote yourself, your books, and your story and your “non profit” that really seeks to profit you. Bogus.
These men will fight and die for foreign entanglements (put years in following weak leaders, ruin their familial relationships, ruin their mental health) but won't get pissed about their income being stolen, being given experimental gene therapy, being sent to fight in wars that don't keep them or their family safe, etc.... the cognitive dissociation is real.
Awesome work LC. Wish this would hit a larger audience, many need to hear it
Very well written article.
This hit hard and it hit home. 5/5 stars.