Posted on Aug 25, 2015

Leadership Symbolism- Proud Traditions or Forgotten Folklore?

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In the Marine Corps there is a strong sense of pride when promoted to the rank of Corporal (Non-Commissioned Officer/NCO). Not only are you gaining more rank/pay, but the expectations of leadership as the "Backbone of the Corps" is also greatly increased. Symbolism of the increased expectation and responsibility is represented in the Corporal (and above) wearing the red stripe/"blood-stripe" on his/her trousers and the ability to carry the Non-Commissioned Officer Sword.
In the past I've heard stories of other services NCO traditions (i.e. Vietnam Era, WWII), and I know there are leadership traditions in other services for the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), but I am unaware of such traditions "today" for other service NCO ranks that are commensurate to the Marine Corps.
Our young leaders in all services are the foundation of our Armed Forces, and I look forward to hearing how this "foundation" is set for our sister services.

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Leadership Corporal %28cpl%29 e4

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PO2 SSgt

Edited >1 y ago

Posted >1 y ago

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Responses: 9

SSgt (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

CPT (Join to see) makes a valid point. GySgt John O'Donnell , do you think that when a Marine picks up Corporal he/she should have to recite the NCO creed the same way SNCOs need to swear in?

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GySgt John O'Donnell

>1 y

Cpl Christopher Bishop, though I understand what you are saying, learning about future expectations and acting the part is what individual Marine leaders do. We understand that you must first lead yourself to lead others, and you need to "believe" to achieve.

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Cpl Christopher Bishop

>1 y

I this it does a new Corporal some good to be unseen by his regular unit for a few weeks while in any form of NCO School, such that upon his return, he seems just a tad less "NOOBIE" as a Corporal.

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Cpl (Join to see)

>1 y

We do have to recite our creed upon picking up the rank of cpl or at least I did

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SSgt (Join to see)

>1 y

It Varys unit by unit. Most don't do anything like that.

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MSgt Steve Miller

Posted >1 y ago

I've been retired for 15 years, but I wish a person luck wiping that blood strip off a Marine!!! It is in fact an important tradition, and a stepping stone in leadership. Simper Fi!!!

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GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad

>1 y

Semper fi ...

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GySgt John O'Donnell

>1 y

For me it was one of the most significant moments in my career, and shaped my focus for the next 20 years of service. Semper Fi!

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Sgt Tom Cunnally

>1 y

When I was stationed at the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown MA, all of the Marine officers carried a swagger stick. They used it to return salutes, but don't recall seeing many swagger sticks at other Marine or Navy Bases.

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GySgt John O'Donnell

>1 y

Sgt Tom Cunnally - The swagger stick definitely symbolized leadership of Staff NCOs and Officers. I have seen the in USMC museums, and remember Jack Webb carrying one in "The DI". This is an excellent example of the proud, yet "forgotten folklore" of leadership symbolism.

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