CHARACTER

memorandum

SMMC MEMO 03-22

Character is defined as the complex mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person, group, or nation. For Marines, nothing should be more important to the nature of leadership than character. Individual skill or MOS performance should not supersede the character of the United States Marine Corps. As such, character, above skill, is more significant in the expectation of a United States Marine.

All too often, an individual's skill belies the nature of their character. Simply doing one's job exceptionally well should not be the leading factor in determining their worth to the unit, command, or the Corps. Doing so is dangerous to the culture of our Corps and places all Marines in jeopardy. What must be understood is that recognizing or identifying performance above character undermines understanding how we, as Marines, perceive those we serve with and for.

Here is the challenge: Marines within a unit know who the best are at their job. They work, train, and fight with the very best performers and can tell you immediately who they are. Likewise, Marines know those who do not live up to our core values and do not exhibit ethical behavior. Marines understand that these detrimental behaviors question the trust in leaders – leaders who should place character above skill performance when recognizing the overall performance of a Marine.

Bottom line: When we do not first consider ethical and moral character above all other aspects of performance and balance the decisions of who is retained, promoted, and recognized for performance, we create a command environment that obliviously promotes unethical and immoral behavior. In the end, the Marines within a unit, who know each other better than anyone, recognize this and lose confidence in the character of our Corps.

Skill, MOS proficiency, and the simple ability to fight and win are central to the success of our Corps. What must be realized is that character and culture associated with being known as the finest fighting force must prevail above all else. The character of those that are leaders must be beyond reproach.

Thus, the Marine Corps will continue to be associated with having the highest honor, most remarkable courage, and uncompromising commitment.

Semper Fidelis,

TROY E. BLACK

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps