Friday, August 2, 2013

The Problem is Leadership

This article very clearly demonstrates how current leadership, from the highest levels down, is being perceived, and it is deadly to the idea of "good order and discipline" in a military environment. 
This Marine officer makes it clear that he considers the problem one of leadership. The tone of leadership is set at the very top and travels down to the lowest element. The Marine Corps, more than any other military service, has empowered low level leadership to the max. But if the tone of leadership is confusing, not clear, seemingly hypocritical, the exercise of leadership at every level will emulate that. The only exception is that stellar individual who refuses to allow his or her personal commitment to leadership to be dumbed down by what is going on around them.
The Biblical writer James, in chapter 4, verse 17 knew what he was talking about when he wrote: "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."  Too many of we who know better are sitting on the sidelines silently watching the finest fighting force in the world being confused and disarmed ethically and morally. That's a sin.

Slide into mediocrity rocks Marines to corps

Thomas E. Ricks

Why are we getting out? It’s about the low standards.
We joined because we wanted to be part of an elite organization dedicated to doing amazing things in defense of our nation. We wanted to make a contribution to something great, to be able to look back at a decisive chapter in American history and say “yeah, I was part of that.” We joined the Corps because if we were going in to the fight, we wanted to serve with the best. …..(see link for rest of article)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Marines Should Care?

by Ed Evans, MGySgt., USMC (Ret.)


     While few are headlining it, I don't believe anyone of any true military experience believes this latest move by SecDef Panetta and Gen. Dempsey -- excising the ban on females in combat -- is anyone less than a continuing attempt to de-militarized the most effective military on the planet, the military with the most experienced and most recently blooded troops.  The goal is surely a benign group of peaceful men and women on whom you need not spend much money.  
     The U.S. Marine Corps, I submit, will forever be the problem in accomplishing that end.  Everything about Marine Corps training is aimed at producing warriors who break things and kill people.  Unless things have radically changed, even cooks and law clerks are taught hands-on tactics and how to call in an air and artillery strikes.  Individual leadership will forever chafe against the socialists' commune military.
     While both Panetta and Dempsey may feel this is a paradigm-breaking decision, it merely shows how out of touch they actually are with the American military and the U.S. Marine Corps in particular.
     There were several occasions when I was in Iraq 2003-2004 as a federal civilian with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when we were under the protection of uniformed U.S. Army, several times including and often led by female soldiers. We usually traveled with contracted protection, but because our group included an Army one-star, it was often active duty Army.
     On one occasion a convoy got hit in weather which meant no air support. The senior soldier was a female Sergeant who took charge, deployed her troops, counter-attacked and drove them off.
     The one that sticks in my mind is riding in the back seat of a Humvee accompanying the one-star, with a female infantry in the front seat by the driver, she had an M-4. I'm talking with her about her home life, husband, kids, she's softened a bit and talking about home when suddenly a sedan of all males swung up close on her side. Without missing a beat she hung halfway out the window, stuck that M-4 up the driver's nose and in language a Marine would have understood told him where the bear did it in the woods. He swung off and stopped, she sat back down in her seat and picked right back up talking about home, hubby and kids.
     Point being, if you're well-trained, your training kicks in when you need it, no matter the gender.
     But it goes back further than that.  I wish I could remember which Marine Corps Commandant was involved, but at some point the Commandant was "reminded" by the Secretary of Defense that women were not to be assigned to the battlefield.  Seems to me it was either Gen. Louis H. Wilson, Jr., or Gen. Paul X. Kelley.  But their response was to "remind" the Secretary of Defense that at no time had any women Marines been assigned duty beyond the Final Protective Line, but that it was CMC's prerogative to decide exactly where that FPL was located.  I don't see this latest SecDef decision usurping anymore of the Marine Commandant's authority now than it did then.  
     As much as the current crop of social experimenters are concerned, they would like to see a kinder, gentler military; Marine Corps in particular.  But I submit that the rear rank Private's opinion remains golden.  That is that when the discussion is about anything beyond the Marine's mission, Marines really don't give a sh*t.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Statement of a United States Marine (Retired)


STATEMENT OF A UNITED STATES MARINE (RETIRED)

I read the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Diversity Quote, the Background, and the Talking Points (below) with a bitter taste in my mouth, the bitter taste of being abandoned by my Marine Corps leadership, the bitter taste of moral and ethical ground won in blood being walked away from for political expediencies.

Perhaps I will be the first to say it outright, but I am ashamed of my Commandant of the Marine Corps.  I am ashamed of all those who having received orders from senior leadership that they know in their heart and soul are not right, having bowed their heads down and joined in the abandonment.

This will lose me some valued friends, but even more with whom I have shed blood, and shared a lifetime of upholding the dignity of mankind, they will understand.  You don't leave fellow Marines behind, but I now stand with those Marines left behind in favor of upholding political agendas that support selfish sexual malcontents and a lack of moral discipline.  History teaches us that upon such lapses are the death of nations and their cultures based.

Better, gentlemen, that you had stood with your Marines of old, on behalf of those now in the ranks, upholding those precepts and traditions that would have protected America and the Constitution you are still sworn to uphold.  I am ashamed of you.  In the great scheme of things my single opinion matters little.  The future of the Corps matters a great deal.  God help us.
-- Edward M. Evans, MGySgt. of Marines, USMC (Ret.)

DIVERSITY
QUOTE

"We're changing our entire approach. And you might ask, 'Are you going to
change your standards?' The answer is 'Hell no.'" - Gen James F. Amos,
Commandant of the Marine Corps

BACKGROUND

Diversity is the aggregate of the varied cultures, backgrounds, talents,
skills and abilities among Marines that (1) ensures our connectedness and
special relationship with the American public, (2) leverages America's
varied pool of skills and abilities, and (3) maximizes individual
differences as a force multiplier.1 Our 35th Commandant says clearly in his
Planning Guidance that we will "improve diversity representation throughout
our Corps."

To that end, Marine Corps Recruiting Command (MCRC) has an integral role at
the accession point. During FY12, MCRC is engaging potential officer
applicants, centers of influence and members of society at large in order to
create awareness of opportunities within Marine Corps Officer and Enlisted
programs and to remain connected with the American public.

These engagement events build lasting relationships among diverse
communities, dispel common misconceptions about the Marine Corps, and
increase overall diversity accessions.2 Our survival, status and reputation
depend on our special relationship with the American people. Diversity
broadens the base of support with the most stakeholders and demonstrates
inclusiveness in an ever changing demographic.3 The strategic end-state of
the Marines Corps' Diversity Program is to strengthen our connectedness with
the American people.4

TALKING POINTS

* The effort to improve diversity is rooted in our core values of honor,
courage and commitment. These same values that compel Marines to respect
others, act with moral, mental and physical bravery while embracing a spirit
of determination and dedication also guide our efforts to improve diversity.

* Success in diversity related endeavors will ensure our ability to maximize
the total capabilities of the Marine Corps by leveraging the unique
strengths of all Marines. (If they are not the best and the brightest - what
are their "unique strengths?)

* Rapidly changing demographics will continue to propel diversity forward as
a strategic issue. Support from leaders at every level is key, as it is the
catalyst required to ensure the Marine Corps continues to be ready, relevant
and representative of the nation it serves.

* Five broad goals illustrate the direction in which the Marine Corps will
move in order to confront challenges with diversity. The Marine Corps will:

- Institutionalize diversity and inclusive policies and practices across the
Marine Corps.

- Maximize the positive effects of the total Marine Corps command climate.

- Communicate the Marine Corps diversity mission through expanded community
engagement, outreach and marketing.

- Ensure each Marine is provided equitable opportunities for professional
development and career progression.

- Develop training and education packages to increase the Marine Corps'
knowledge and understanding of diversity.

* The CMC intends for the Corps to remain true to its forward-looking
mindset by setting the expeditionary example for raising mission capability
through diversity. The Corps will make a cultural change through policies of
inclusion, increasing its institutional knowledge of diversity and, where
practical, adopting best practices from other leading organizations.

* The strategic end-state of the Marine Corps' Diversity Program is to
strengthen our connectedness with the American people.

* The Marine Corps is committed to making concerted efforts to attract,
mentor and retain the most talented men and women who bring a diversity of
background, culture and skill in service to our nation.

* The Marine Corps has reinforced its high priority on minority officer
recruiting and candidate mentoring in our recruiting efforts. The goal of
diversity recruiting is to create a situation in which diverse populations
are well informed about opportunities within Marine Officer and Enlisted
programs, making them more familiar with and receptive to the Marine Corps
thus generating more leads for both Officer Selection Officers (OSO) and
Enlisted Recruiters.

* The Marine Corps' diversity campaign plan is now in the staffing process.
The plan will help the Corps focus its diversity effort in areas where
improvement is most needed. Its purpose is to map out a coordinated approach
to diversity that will sustain the successes realized throughout the
enlisted ranks while laying the foundation to address shortfalls in the
officer corps.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Secession? by Pastor Ed Evans


For those who may be concerned that his old Pastor is applauding the 32 and growing petitions to secede from the Union, I would explain myself.  I won't apologize, because John Wayne said in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," that one should never apologize, it's a sign of weakness.  But I would explain.  For those who know me know I have counseled against the division that has beset us this electoral season, raged against the feckless accusations of "hater" and "racist" used by all sides.  So why would I now support those growing numbers of secession petitions?
First, many people are angry enough that they are serious about secession.  I am not.  I see these petitions as a plan of action to say to our recalcitrant Congress and Senate, and our newly reelected President, that it is We the People who give them their power, and We the People still have several Constitutional tools of redress at our disposal.
You are probably familiar, from your high school days, with the words, " We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."  A seminal statement on human rights.
But how about this statement from that same Constitution, "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."   That is the introduction to our Constitution, a statement of great import, dated that July 4th in 1776.
We are  today beset with the reports about bloody Benghazi where four Americans (that we know of, CIA is not talking about how many of their operatives were lost) were apparently abandoned, their calls for rescue ignored, and a pretty obvious cover up is in action.  Now the principles involved are refusing to appear before a Congressional investigative committee.  Senior military officers are being relieved of duty without explanation in key positions around the globe and even the CIA and the FBI seem beset with ethical scandals.
Many of those appointed by our President are known to have not paid their income taxes, and seem intent on forcing into law social experiments of which the majority of people do not approve and do not wish to live under.
Our President has gone around Congress and Senate and used his Executive signature to give millions to people it turns out were already known to him so they could set up "green" alternative energy businesses, which have not declared bankruptcy.  Where did all that money go?
Our President bailed out a long list of business, rather than allowing the free market system to work, and many of those bailed out business have now moved their jobs to China and South America and elsewhere.
America's credit rating has been lowered, twice, we are trillions in debt to the point that every man woman and child in America owes more than $59,000 worth of that debt.  Much of that debt is owed to China and other countries.  And now comes word that the President intends to spend several trillions more.  And he pushes the idea that increasing taxes on the more wealthy, who would otherwise invest in more jobs for Americans, to solve our debt problem.  And jobs?  The President who promised jobs programs in both elections has yet to come up with one.  Nor has his Democratically-controlled Senate come up with a federal budget in the entire four years of his first term.
Then there is this recent national election.  At least late night talk show host Jay Leno has some sense of humor about what everyone can now see has happened".  He said, "President Obama easily won his home state of Illinois. In fact, in Chicago Obama got 120 percent of the vote."
For it has now been reported that in Pennsylvania 59 voting precincts had not one vote, not one, for Romney. Has that ever happened in so close an election? And in St. Lucie County, Florida, post election figures show 139.9% of the registered electorate voted. I'm no mathematician, but that appears to be fraud. And now Ohio comes up on line and admits they have instances of voter fraud. The news media only this morning is beginning to report what people have been talking about for days, that there has been massive voting fraud.  
So should We the People simply shut up and sit down and allow this fraudulent election to stand? In fact, State Governors must certify this election by December. Now is the time to let it be known that We the People will recall any Governor who certifies this embarrassingly fraudulent election.
No, our federal government has turned a deaf ear to We the People concerning the disruptive social experiments of the Obama regime, a deaf ear to the murders involved on both sides of our U.S.-Mexico border because of the abortive Justice Department gun running known as "Fast and Furious," has ignored "secret" talks with Iran that cut out our Israeli allies but were admitted to by the Swiss, and the list of indiscretions and embarrasing faux pas just goes on and on.
So I say yes, let the federal government know, remind them, where their power comes from.  The final portion of Russell D. Longcore's copyrighted (used here with permission) article "Secession: Here is How to Secede from the Union," carries these words:
"Isn’t the process of secession much like writing this short note to end a relationship?

"Dear Washington: It’s over. We’re leaving. We ain’t asking your permission to leave. We ain’t asking for a legal divorce. We’re just ending this relationship right here and now. We’re rescinding the authority we gave you in 1788. Leave us alone. Goodbye.

"In conclusion, try to envision yourself and your family in a new nation created by secession. All the people you meet are excited and breathless in their anticipation of the future. The general opinion of the populace is pure unbridled optimism. The new nation’s economy is booming, the money is backed by gold and silver, and there is no inflation. “Now Hiring” signs are in all the shop windows. The newspaper’s “Help Wanted” ads are packed full. Prices for goods and services are low, and the stores are loaded with goods. Manufacturers are streaming into the new nation to take advantage of the rare pro-business atmosphere. Wages are climbing steadily in manufacturing jobs as companies compete for the best and brightest for their employees. New businesses are being created at a fever pace. Residential and commercial construction is at a high level to meet the demand of the new residents.

"All because one state recognized this historic opportunity and realized the dream of liberty through the process of state secession."

So I say yes, load that secession weapon, but don't be too quick on the trigger.  Allow bigger government to recognize that without the States, they have no power, they no longer exist.  Even a blind dog will find a bone now and then.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

15 States Including Texas File to Secede from the U.S.


As of Saturday November 10, 2012, 15 States have petitioned the Obama Administration for withdrawal from the United States of America in order to create its own government.
States following this action include: Louisiana, Texas, Montana, North Dakota, Indiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Colorado, Oregon and New York. These States have requested that the Obama Administration grant a peaceful withdrawal from the United States.
Judge Andrew Napolitano on Texas Succession
(Dynamite video.)

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Disarming America in the Fight for Its Life


It seems, curiously, that we are busy disarming America's best warriors in the middle of battle.  We are shooting our own even as the global terrorist enemy continues to advance.  Whose agenda is this?  Why does this continue in the midst of what should be competent military and civilian leadership in America?

General David Petraeus, a most effective warrior against global terrorism, goes down.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2012/11/09/petraeus-mcchrystal-fallon/1695827/

LtGen. Mark P. Hertling, commanding all U.S. European forces retires suddenly and quietly
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/11/09/hertling-leaves-usareur-without-fanfare-retires.html?comp=700001075741&rank=3

U.S. Army General Carter Ham removed early from command of U.S. Africa Command over Benghazi?
http://www.beaufortobserver.net/Articles-NEWS-and-COMMENTARY-c-2012-11-03-263599.112112-Gen-Hams-retirement.html
http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/11/general_ham_is_still_commander_of_us_africa_command.html

U.S. Navy's Mid-East Strike Force Commander Removed
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/navy-replaces-admiral-of-mideast-strike-group-allegations-of-inappropriate-judgment-cited/2012/10/27/39ef9662-203e-11e2-8817-41b9a7aaabc7_story.html

Friday, November 9, 2012

Calling for Prayer -- The Battle is ON!

by Pastor and MGySgt. (USMC - Ret.) Ed Evans


This is chilling. Chilling.
Just as Obama's top adviser, Valerie Jarrett, said very publicly, that after the election they would exact revenge on those who opposed them, that almost within hours of Obama winning reelection the members of SEAL Team Six -- who gave the lie to Obama's public and constant claim that he was responsible for the death of Osama bin Laden -- have been charged with violating the rules of classified information. And yet this is exactly what Obama did in bringing in Hollywood production members and identifying SEAL Team Six, so that the enemy was able to blow their aircraft out of the air, killing them in Afghanistan.
Chilling.
Michael Yon says, "SEALs, etc.: GET Ready for Political Payback time!"  Another commentator says, "They should have demanded a trial. Discovery would be damning. . ." Michael continued, "You could smell this coming a mile away. The special operations community (parts of it) campaign against Obama, with the commercials and OpEds and all else, were dependent on success.  Obama is still in power. And now it is in the administration's best interest to show that the community is not perfect, and in fact that many of them are seeking their own glory. It is in the best interest of the administration to see some SEALs, etc., prosecuted for the same OPSEC violations that the administration was blamed for. Fight's on!" 
Again, within hours of reelection the Obama regime has charged members of Seal Team Six with the very violations of classified information that Obama himself enacted by bringing in members of a Hollywood production team, actions which led to the identification of who killed Osama bin Laden, and ostensibly to their death at the hands of our enemies in Afghanistan. 
Obama's senior adviser, Iranian-born Valerie Jarrett, very publicly threatened to exact revenge on those who opposed them, after the election.  Active and retired members of SEAL Team Six publicly opposed the reelection of Barack Hussein Obama.  Make no mistake, there is reason to believe this Obama regime will protect itself with the same determination that King Herod went after the birth of a new king threatening his own rule.
Pray, and pray with fervor and passion, men and women of God, for the protection of the men and the families of SEAL Team Six.