MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marine Corps service members are known and respected for many things, from physical ability to mental toughness. One of their most recognized attributes, however, has nothing to do with roundhouse kicks or target practice and everything to do with the way they treat and relate to each other.
From the first time a Marine recruit steps on the yellow footprints at boot camp, they are taught that in order to survive the three-month initiation, they must count on one another.
Whether it’s getting into the building and “on line” before the end of a countdown or answering questions on Marine Corps knowledge, if one falls behind, all endure the consequences.
This “affects one, affects all” environment fosters cohesion, understanding and camaraderie amongst recruits, setting them up for success as they continue through their training armed with a unit mindset.
Once Marines hit the fleet, the need to build camaraderie amongst one another and mesh as a unit becomes even more important, as each unit works to achieve mission goals and requirements.
“History has shown us that individual Marines are tough, but in order for any unit to be successful, we must work effectively as a team,” said Gunnery Sgt. Trevor Barlow, acting company first sergeant for Headquarters & Services Co., Headquarters Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Though vital during work hours, the unit mindset must continue after hours in order to yield the overall desired effect.
Marines being able to work together effectively to accomplish the mission during the day is great, but it’s being able to interact with and account for one another while out of uniform that really establishes the Corps as one team that looks out for their own, said Barlow.
Taking accountability for a fellow Marine can be as simple as inquiring about their plans for the weekend or as drastic as reporting a Marine with a drug problem to the company’s substance abuse control officer.
A common misconception among young Marines is that looking out for their peers entails keeping secret or covering up issues that may eventually become detrimental, such as a drinking or drug problem.
This mentality couldn’t be farther from the correct way of thinking, said Seymour.
“As Marines, we are more than just fellow service members, we are brothers and sisters- a family,” said Master Sgt. Terence Seymour, an administration chief with MCB Camp Pendleton. “As a family, we are each responsible for making sure no one gets left behind.
Mentoring, informal group counseling sessions and periods of military instruction on the correct way to track accountability and deal with issues that may adversely affect Marines are just a few of the ways to educate service members on proper protocol.
The end result will be ensuring Marines are upholding the Marine Corps values of honor, courage and commitment 24/7, especially when it comes to relating to and looking out for their fellow Marines, be it at work or on liberty.
“Taking care of your fellow Marines means making tough decisions in the best interest of our Corps,” said Barlow. “We must ensure our loyalty is not misguided. “