United States Marine Corps’ Post

We need lively debate within the Marine Corps, not what's been going on for the last few years. 'The Marine Corps is being undermined by a corporate approach to personnel management where civilian “best practices” are replacing our traditional values of the “needs of the service” and by a narrowly defined focus on long-range rockets and missiles to win future battles. Some of the changes have been directed by elected and appointed officials. However, most of the injuries to our glorious Corps have been self-inflicted, such as the unnecessary discarding of tanks and the deep and harmful cuts in cannon artillery.' #usmc #marinecorps #marines #forcedesign2030 National Review https://lnkd.in/g8MedVXa

What the Navy can learn from civilians. My friend Jonathan Russo alerted me to the fascinating story of the building of the Empire State, and we wrote this article together for the Manhattan Institute’s City Journal. We believe that despite the significant differences between warships and commercial vessels, the Navy can still learn some important lessons from the private sector. You can read the piece here: https://lnkd.in/eXMf2Tkm

The below quote from four-star General and former Secretary of Defense Mattis is not only true for senior leaders…but all leaders. It is difficult to improve without reflection on your actions, those of the personnel you lead and your organization. Reflection provides perspective and clarity…which aid decision-making and future actions.

This was a topic of discussion at work the other day in regards to lessons learned. Too often a hot wash or after action are treated as a check in the box and filed away never to be seen or heard from again. We need to take the time to reflect on what we learned and take steps to apply the lesson going forward. Leaders need to be held accountable, and hold subordinates accountable, for how an idea or plan overcomes the missed opportunities, failures and yes, successes, from previous attempts. #continuousprocessimprovement #alwayslearning #knowledgemanagement

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Compass Points is an independent resource library focused on the Marine Corps and national security. The goal of Compass Points is to be an independent voice for a stronger Marine Corps. Compass Points - Mahan, Marines, and MPF Marine Power and Sea Power Go Together MARINE CORPS COMPASS POINTS SEP 15 READ IN APP Compass Points - Mahan, Marines, and MPF Marine Power and Sea Power Go Together September 14, 2023 Marine Corps Compass Points Broader Thinking, Deeper Understanding, and Better Decisions, for a Stronger Marine Corps =============================== NOTICE An error in the Substack software gateway yesterday prevented Compass Points from posting. Substack has stated the error is resolved. Compass Points regrets the delay in posting. Yesterday’s post is pasted in below. — Compass Points ================================== When the American naval officer and historian, Alfred Thayer Mahan, was President of the Naval War College, he published his powerful and influential book, "The Influence of Sea Power upon History: 1660–1783." The book is still venerated by naval warfare scholars. Compass Points reader, Polarbear, has contributed a comment expressing the view that Mahan, Marines, and MPF are all an important part of US combat power. Compass Points appreciates all reader input and thanks Polarbear for his insightul comment (comment edited for length and content). ================== Polarbear “In the matter of preparation for war…This idea is that, however defensive in origin or in political character war may be, the assumption of a simple defensive in war is ruin. War, once declared, must be waged offensively, aggressively. The enemy must not be fended off, but smitten down. You may then spare him every exaction, relinquish every gain, but till down he must be struck incessantly and remorselessly.” -- Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, Mahan on Naval Warfare; Dover Publications, Inc. Mineola, NY, p. 128.

Reflection, or perhaps more accurately time for self-reflection is key to developing understanding and learning. Both are key prerequisites to enable decision-making and planning.

Our Navy — the best in the world! Inspiring the #nextgen Sailor and protecting our nation across the globe. Are you serving or hope to join someday? We would love to hear your story! Comment below or send us a message. #nextgeneration #sailor #navylife

Military Thoughts: From Israel, to Europe and the United States January 25, 2024 Join Victor Davis Hanson and cohost Jack Fowler in a conversation on the two-state solution in Israel, old and new urban warfare, generals Robert E. Lee, William T. Sherman and Lloyd Austin, the needs of our modern military, Europe needs to prepare for war, and the hysterical style of our politics.