By Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Our Commandant directed all leaders to shoulder the responsibilities of resetting our legendary high standards of discipline and strong sense of accountability.
To accomplish this we must establish the same high degree of leadership in combat we have displayed so well over the past 10 years in our "new normal."
This requires committed and engaged leaders, most importantly among our noncommissioned officers.
Our NCOs are the very important people (VIPs) in this "Reawakening."
Professional leadership development is an overarching process that will sustain our high standards.
I ask all commanders to inspire and empower our leaders and to ignite the passion for excellence in all we do.
Keep the dialogue vibrant with your Marines and continue to create ways to ignite, inspire, and illuminate.
Don't be satisfied with old methods when new ideas may be needed; so keep the ideas coming.
The goal is for all Marines to understand "who we are." We are Marines and we are disciplined, true to the right standards and always accountable for our actions.
Semper Fidelis!
EDITOR'S NOTE: The author is the commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force located in Camp Pendleton, Ca.