Old breed? New breed? There's not a damn bit of difference so long as it's the Marine breed.
Chesty PullerRead
In the Marine Corps, your buddy is not only your classmate or fellow officer, but he is also the Marine under your command. If you don't prepare yourself to properly train him, lead him, and support him on the battlefield, then you're going to let him down. That is unforgivable in the Marine Corps.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True leadership involves responsibility for the welfare and training of those you lead.
Chesty Puller's quote emphasizes the profound sense of duty that comes with leadership in the Marine Corps, highlighting that a leader's role extends beyond mere authority to encompass the responsibility for preparing and supporting their subordinates. Failing to adequately train or support those under your command is considered a serious dereliction of duty, reflecting the core values of commitment and accountability that are paramount in military service.
Themes
LeadershipResponsibilityTrainingSupportMilitary
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a leadership seminar to inspire accountability.
More from Chesty Puller
All quotes →I've always believed that no officer's life, regardless of rank, is of such great value to his country that he should seek safety in the rear... Officers should be forward with their men at the point of impact.
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