WELL, MARINES, RECRUITING IS A TOUGH BUSINESS

WELL, MARINES, RECRUITING IS A TOUGH BUSINESS 

By Andy Weddington

Friday, 03 December 2021

I don't have credibility, I'm a comedian. - Dennis Miller

For a few days now I've been reflecting on a troubling talk radio segment about a United States Navy Sailor; transitioning from steaming to somewhat calm this afternoon.  

Active Duty for 11 years, he summarized for the program host the ongoing sickening consequences he's facing for refusing to accept Covid vaccines. 

His courage admirable. 

In short, from trained, high morale superb Sailor tagged for early promotion consideration to ostracized malcontent, solely for his decision, he is being discharged, not honorably, for what is being framed as "refusing a lawful order." 

Many an angle considered ... 

Technically, right. Morally, repulsive.

And he is not alone. Thousands, across the branches, face same fate.

I'll not bother getting into the exhausting argument about the safety or lack thereof of the Covid vaccines that require booster(s) with questionable effectiveness (I've known more people sick from vaccines and getting sick well past post-vaccine than I know who had the virus). That one vaccine was discontinued for deaths attributed directly to (it) is enough. And that data of new chronic health problems and deaths (far exceeding previous vaccines rigorously tested for years before FDA approval) caused by the other Covid vaccines is being kept from the public is damn angering. 

The Sailor's situation fits nicely into a recent public letter including plea authored by a Marine major general, on behalf of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, looking for help from the field (e.g., Marines not on duty and retired Marines) in recruiting.

The general's letter I read more than once. 

Relevant, weeks ago I heard from a trusted source the Marine Corps has missed recruiting and retention goals the last three years (the tidbit came to me when expressing opinion the new relaxed tattoo policies had to be recruiting driven). Rather common sense. 

Not two weeks ago I read the Commandant is driving the Marine Corps redesign to align with new societal values. Those values not specified.  

The only values I know are those on which I was raised (based on the Ten Commandments) and of the Naval Services - Core Values: Honor. Courage. Commitment.

What societal values? 

What new societal values?

In recent years, distracted with demanding family duties and therefore only occasionally engaging with things Marine, I have not been terribly impressed by what I have seen, read, and heard about what's going on in the Marine Corps. All topics for future commentary, if time. 

Suffice to say today I, as many Marines (retired or not) my age, do not recognize - from recruit training to composition to combat power to uniforms (which the word "uniform" means one standard without deviation) - the Marine Corps I proudly claimed membership in going back 42 years with 26+ years in uniform. 

So, I, like many, cannot in good conscience, and will not, promote much less sell anything of which I do not know. 

It's not a matter of mere disagreement (though there is some of that) nor animus. It is absolutely a matter of self-respect and preserving credibility. 

Which takes me back to the pending discharge process of that Sailor.

There are Marines, lots of them - fine Marines, facing his fate. 

Please explain, generals, the headwork of discharge and recruiting. 

It simply does not square. 

And falling back on the defense of just following orders is nonsense.

Every single leadership principle and trait comes to mind as in play. Are those still relevant? What about Core Values? Is Semper Fidelis still a way of life?

Those objecting to vaccination are not enemies. 

They are Americans! Hell, I want them on my side. 

America's best, in fact, from an ever-shrinking pool of patriots willing to sacrifice everything, including life, to selflessly serve country. 

I remember a Corps committed to returning a Marine to their community a better citizen. Punishing Marines, especially in what can only be politely described as bizarre times, from the onset of ending their service rather defeats the objective does it not? And don't fault the Marines.

How do you fix recruiting (and retention)?

Start with an Honorable Discharge for those not willing to roll the dice on their long-term health and possibly life - thereby sending a positive message to those you're trying to entice. 

For why would anyone from our best volunteer to serve with the distinct possibility of facing similar harsh consequences because of some other issue amok for lack of courage in senior leadership? 

Alas, 42 years ago it was "free healthcare for you and your family for life, if you serve a career." I did that. Medicare looms - at significantly higher costs and reduced care. What a deal. Today that seems petty compared to the Covid vaccination debacle.

To close, generals, a fireteam of thoughts ...

1. First Law of Holes pertains;

2. Do the morally right thing;

3. It sure seems red bug juice was replaced with blue Kool-Aid;

4. Reflect.   

Dennis Miller is not a Marine general - yet.