POLICY LETTER 1-99

From: Commanding Officer

Subj: COMMAND GUIDANCE

1. Purpose. To publish general guidance from the Commanding Officer.

2. Application. This guidance applies to all Aviation Maintenance Squadron One personnel. The Administrative Section maintains copies of this letter and issues a copy to each staff member.

3. Guidance. Without guidance we operate by "assuming" the correct cause of action. The spirit and intent of this letter is to implement standards that will guide and effectively enhance mission accomplishment.

a. Sound mind. Sound Body. First term Marines are here with the mission of successfully completing MOS training with the long term goal of productive service in our Fleet Marine Forces. This is their first step in obtaining professional credibility. Marines will leave here as technically proficient as possible. In addition, they should be physically capable of serving on any battlefield, operating in "clime or place" and winning. This environment should foster a spirit of learning coupled with physical challenges to shape and mold, thus challenging the body and mind. End state being Marines leave this command mentally tough, physically hard and in grade, technically proficient.

b. Lead by example. Simple concept. This is a bottom up, top down, philosophy. I believe leadership comes in all forms. From the young Private who takes charge defusing a crisis situation during liberty to the immaculate and neatly groomed Staff Noncommissioned Officer that takes the podium to technically inspire Marines to excellence. Lead by setting high standards and excepting nothing less than accomplishment.

c. Stay within the box. The Marine Corps publishes orders and directives that guide us in our day to day duties. We will stay within those parameters and lead the Marines accordingly. Be honest, do the right thing and "stay within the box."

d. We are all on the same team. Every Marine within the command has a responsibility to prepare for service in the Fleet Marine Force. The team is the Marine Corps and we are a large cog in that system. The mission of preparing technically proficient Marines is great. The team counts on each Marine in this command.

e. Band of Brothers. Like my predecessor, I too have carried a Band of Brothers card. It was passed on to me by my first Platoon Sergeant. The card is old and tired. The lamination has cracked and peeled. The message, however, still burns bright. Remember that "brothers" and "brotherhood" refer to the eagle, globe, and anchor that we all wear, not what gender we possess.

(1) All Marines are entitled to dignity and respect as individuals, but must abide by common standards established by proper authority.

(2) A Marine should never lie, cheat, or steal from a fellow Marine or fail to come to his aid in time of need.

(3) All Marines should contribute 100% of their abilities to the unit's mission, any less effort by an individual passes the buck to someone else.

(4) A unit, regardless of size, is a disciplined family structure, with similar relationships based on mutual respect among members.

(5) It is essential that issues and problems which tend to lessen a unit's effectiveness be addressed and resolved.

(6) A blending of separate cultures, varying educational levels, and different social backgrounds is possible in an unselfish atmosphere of common goals, aspirations, and mutual understanding.

(7) Being the best requires common effort, hard work, and teamwork. Nothing worthwhile comes easy.

(8) Every Marine deserves job satisfaction, equal consideration, and recognition of his accomplishments.

(9) Knowing your fellow Marine well enables you to look at things "through his eyes", as well as your own.

(10) Issues detracting from the efficiency and sense of well-being of an individual should be surfaced and weighed against the impact on the unit as a whole .

(11) It must be recognized that a brotherhood concept depends on all members "belonging" -- being fully accepted by others within.

f. Every Marine is a rifleman. Training needs to remain focused on making Marines in grade technically proficient to support the Fleet Marine Force requirements. Additionally, emphasis needs to be placed on battle skills that enhances a Marines ability to successfully negotiate basic tactical skills. Make every attempt to incorporate hip pocket classes and challenge Marines on green side knowledge. It is not unrealistic to expect a fast paced maneuver battlefield where personnel and equipment are quickly displaced and moved. EAF's breaking down. FARP sites being quickly relocated. Marines will be expected to pitch in and help provide their own security regardless of MOS. This total Marine concept will in effect make the "team" strong.

R. S. HARPER