The General said:Yes, through strict discipline, but there is a reason. When you are under attack like I just seen on the news shortly ago where 4 young Marines were killed In Iraq a day or so ago during an ambush, there can be no time to debate or argue of what is right and wrong and what to do. There is a commander and he is the leader. You do as he says (Right Now, No hesitation) and right down the chain of command is your leader until the last man standing is a private.
The General said:I could not agree more. I was in the Marines from Sept 16, 1987 thru Oct 16, 1991, serving in disbursing (Finance, travel, and accounting). I was ordered home from Japan by the Red Cross when my father in-law passed away in 91' and took an honorable discharge so I could handle the crops and cattle for my mother in-law who passed away 2 weeks ago today of cancer. A few years later my wife gave me the boot and I was left with no career and I wish very much that I had stayed in the military. I, as well, enjoyed the comradery very much.
Good luck Sir
The General said:I did like the article. Close order drill is one of the biggest contrinutors to Marine Corps discipline. You move when ordered and you stand tall. Let the bugs bite, I will stand tall in the night. We all used to yell cadence. It was very motivating and believe it or not, the Close Order Drill is the biggest concern for the Senior drill instructor as it is the last thing we do before graduation into the fleet in front of the Generals and Families. Great pride in Drill competing against other platoons.
BTW, I would love to have about 4 of those M16 grenade launchers.