14 Marine Corps Leadership Traits

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When operating against irregular threats, successful application of the 14 Marine Corps

leadership traits can be a key element that produces positive results during war. All 14 leadership

traits are equally important and can all tie into one another, none of these traits take prominence

during irregular warfare. Initially instilled into Marines during basic training, these traits are

further developed with annual training and experiences, both good and bad, throughout a

Marines time in service.

The 14 Marine Corps leadership traits are all equally important. The 14 Marine Corps leadership

traits are justice, judgment, dependability, initiative, decisiveness, tact, integrity, endurance,

bearing, unselfishness, courage, knowledge,
…show more content…
Irregular threats are complex and combating

these threats require strength in every aspect of Marine Corps leadership.

When operating against irregular threats, our enemies will try to demoralize our resolve. The

enemy can use a Marines lack of leadership traits against us in the form of propaganda. A lack of

judgment can lead to an immoral act which the enemy can use against us to distract the world

from our positive impacts or recruit people to their cause. A lack of dependability or endurance

makes us look non-committed and can be used to turn the local population against us. A lack of

bearing, tact or unselfishness can lead to miscommunication or an unfavorable impression with

the locals, they may feel like we are not treating them with dignity. A lack of courage is seen as a

major weakness in all warrior cultures. These are just a few examples but an absence of any one of the

14 leadership traits can leave us open to attack in some form. Propaganda is a powerful tool the enemy

can use to control the local population and exploit our weaknesses. A Marine must possess all of

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