This two-star Marine general has turned micromanagement into an art form

I believe that this General is trying to set the standards that should be, but we all have seen a huge decline. So he is taking charge to get his troops back to the basics. As he said, if his leaders will not do it, he will insure it is done. He is leading from the front. As soon as he sees going back to having disciplined Soldiers, he will "get out of their business".

If a Major General is observing the things he said he is observing then multiple levels/layers of leadership are not leading and getting the job done. I cannot tell you if he observations are real, significant or simply one offs etc. Poor haircuts and shaves, weeds growing around the buildings are signs that junior leaders are not doing their jobs correctly. If they have unserviceable uniforms and equipment, who is inspecting and correcting this? Unsat liberty attire is easy to correct, why isn't it being done already?

His schedule sounds pretty much like a normal, daily, garrison schedule. Units breakdown when basic discipline breaks down. Haircuts, shaves, uniforms, living areas being dirty are all signs of discipline issues not just in the ranks but of possibly lazy NCO's, staff NCO's and junior officers.

He is setting the expectation of his unit. He is not walking around inspecting and correcting every Marine/Sailor but his is calling BS on the BS. You don't want to be the NCO that has him stop one of your men in the PX with an unsat haircut/shave or screwed up uniform.

With regard to the MG's letter, I'd regard it as a warning. I agree that general officers aren't supposed to be micro-managing, but the next time the general walks around 2nd MarDiv and catches some Marine or sailor without a shave or haircut, or of sloppy appearance, or sees a unit area unpoliced, then he will find out who the CO of that troop or area is and start relieving people. The first battalion or company commander that gets relieved because of this will get the attention of the others, and things will tighten up accordingly. The first SNCO that gets busted will get the attention of the others. Same thing with sergeants and corporals. And how about that unit Duty NCO that doesn't enforce discipline or lets his/her area go to hell? Making examples of a few people. Works every time.