How can the Marine Corps Ethos inspire American Society?

2017-01-18T09:59:06-05:00

There is a new book / documentary project, "Generals and Grunts" by Cindy Gonzalez (http://walkingwith.net) that is supported by General Jim Mattis (CENTCOM, ret.), Lt.Gen. Frank Libutti (MARFORPAC, ret.), B.Gen. Matt Brodrick (24th MEU, ret.), and Sergeants Major Bryan Battaglia (SEAC, ret.), Jim Kuiken (MARFORPAC, ret.), and Ron Himsworth (II MEF and 2nd MarDiv, ret.), among others.

This project "explores the United States Marine Corps ethos and how it can save the American spirit that is spiraling out of control, and looks at the deep-seated determination that drives the modern day Spartan to go full-force and leave no man behind. How can we gain strength and insight from an organization that stands firm in “Retreat, hell, we just got here!”? How when applying the Corps training of mind, body, and spirit, can we revive the Spirit of 1776 and the citizen driven government and humanity?"

"If you had one piece of advice for our Participation Trophy culture and 10 Second Media Sound Bite Society, what would that be? Well if you’re a Marine, it just might be, “Quit your whining, and suck it up…ma’am!” (read more about the project here - (http://walkingwith.net) to see why these Generals and SgtsMaj. are supporting this project.

What are your thoughts? Can our warrior ethos be an inspiration to general society, or are we too far separated?

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jan 18 at 2017 10:02 AM

2017-01-18T10:02:31-05:00

Sadly,there are few who would even try.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 10:03 AM

2017-01-18T10:03:14-05:00

We operate to a standard, a high standard. We take care of our own and reserve judgement. A broher or sister needs help, we are quick to help without requiring anything in return.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 10:24 AM

2017-01-18T10:24:43-05:00

There are those that this ethos would reach and make a difference, but the majority I think this would be lost on them and then they would feel insulted and need a safe place with coloring books.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 11:24 AM

2017-01-18T11:24:24-05:00

Good morning SgtMaj,

I think the ethos should be an inspiration and give some sort of guidelines to those that need them, but in reality, I think that the population has been dumbed down, demotivated, pussified that I'm not sure how it would pan out. When I say population, I mean as a collective, not everyone - there are some squared away people out there, but like with current events, they might not be a majority, but silent - doing their own thing, not standing out. What I said could be misconstrued as me being pessimistic or not giving enough credit to, but I approach issues like this with criticism in order to either make it better or observed through inherent obstacles. Some youth are lost - being in the center of weak-minded individuals, they accept the environment and variables around them, for one or the other reason.

I don't want to be pessimistic, but I see more problem pointers than problem solvers, under a shroud and pressure of political correctness. Seems to me our modern society, through what is said in the media at least, wants politeness, acceptance of others over difference of opinion and the truth, so to speak...

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2017 4:16 PM

2017-01-18T16:16:52-05:00

If everyone could do it, it would not be the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps way of life is not for everyone. I would say that 200 years ago, perhaps; today totally different society. Our society has evolved from those with self determination and drive to accomplish great things and defend their own; to a self absorbed, over protected, not allowed to fail former shadow of itself.

Maybe we should, as a society, start small like, agreeing that we are all Americans with no other qualifier. Until we can agree that we are all one society, how do we improve the society we have forged?

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Jan 21 at 2017 7:42 PM

2017-01-21T19:42:25-05:00

They treat you like a man and they expect you to act like one. How novel.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Aug 8 at 2019 4:00 AM

2019-08-08T04:00:18-04:00

Yes and no. This is not Sparta. We need a well rounded society that shares a culture for good. Evil does exist and it must be fought; however, people are basically good and they need the opportunity to try, fail and or succeed. Key to this line of thinking is individual liberty and accountability.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 14 at 2019 8:45 PM

2019-08-14T20:45:08-04:00

To die for what one believes!