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May 04, 2006
24/7 Marine Professionalism
Pfc. Andrew M. Kalwitz correspondent for the RotoVue at MCAS-New River, had this to say about Marine decorum, on and off duty:
Since we perform our duties as a service to the American people, it is essential to the Marine Corps existence that we have their support. In order to gain this support, Marines must conduct themselves professionally; on and off-base. When recruits get off the bus and stand on the renowned yellow footprints for the first time, they begin a 13 week indoctrination to become U.S. Marines. Their training will take them from the parade deck to the rifle range and from the gas chamber to the swim tank. They also attend numerous classes to learn the history of the corps, how to provide first aid, customs and courtesies and the appropriate behavior expected of a Marine. These things are not to be forgotten.One man who owns a business outside the New River gate, retired gunnery sergeant Anthony P. Waters, co-owner of Muddys Coffee House, said there has never been a problem inside the coffee house, but he is aware of the inappropriate conduct Marines have displayed elsewhere. "I have seen some pretty bad stuff," he said. The majority of Marines is very respectful. However, many Marines seem to have become much too comfortable with the use of profanity. It isn't unheard of for them to use inappropriate language in public places and around children, said Waters.
Waters said he recently witnessed a Marine wife speak to a master sergeant using profane language after her husband was corrected for wearing one of his green undershirts with his civilian attire. “The Marine did nothing to stop his wife,� he added. Waters said he also saw a private first class walk into a sitdown restaurant in his blue coveralls. But that doesn't qualify for the number one spot. “The worst thing was in Wal-Mart. It was a lance corporal and he was wearing his Alphas,� he started. “But they were unbuttoned and the belt was completely taken-off.�
In a military community like Jacksonville, where many retired and former Marines reside, there is a strong influence to ensure today's Marines maintain current standards. Retired Sgt. Maj. Ihor Sywanyk, owner of Sywanyks Scarlet and Gold Traditions night club, explained that Marines need to have a respectable appearance while in public. By dressing like a Marine, one is more likely to act like a Marine, he said. “I personally believe that when people dress better, they act better.� Sywanyks Scarlet and Gold Traditions is the only place in Jacksonville with a dress code, he said.
Aside from appearance, speaking professionally also says a lot about the Marine Corps as an organization.
"I ask all Marines to be aware of their own actions and to take charge of themselves," said Sgt. Maj. Lewis Summerville, Station sergeant major. "We have to stop setting the wrong example to those that we serve and protect. Every Marine has to remember that he or she is part of the Marine team and that team is much bigger than any individual." Many young Marines also agree that using profanity is unprofessional and tarnishes the Marine Corps' reputation with the surrounding communities. “We are Marines 24-seven and it is unprofessional,� said Lance Cpl. John D. Floyd III, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron weather observer. “We should be professional 24-seven.�Floyd explained why Marines need support from the community. “We need their support. We wouldn't be here without them,� said Floyd. “They pretty much put the money in our pockets.� Sometime after the proud moments that followed the graduation of basic training, many Marines lost some of the professionalism and pride that had been instilled in them. If it was worth working so hard to become a Marine, it is definitely worth the effort it takes to stay a Marine.
When my son is home on leave, he stays cleanshaven and his haircut is within regs. He wears a belt and his shirt is tucked in. Although, there was that one time when he had a two-day beard growout. I told him I'd wait for him to shave, but he didn't want to take time. So, I waited until we were in the Costco parking lot before acting. "Shane, is that Gunny Dukes?" He knew better than to take a chance on the senior recruiter for our region finding him in need of a shave. Nothing more painful than a dry shave with a dull razor in the front seat of Mom's car. And we bought an electric razor that same day with a car charger. No more excuses.
Posted by Deb at May 4, 2006 09:45 PM
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Comments
Wow, you've got a lot of great information on your site. Mothers of Marines gotta stick together, right? They've banded together so we should too!
Keep up the good work!
Gretchen
GretchenStahlman.blogspot.com
Posted by: Gretchen at May 5, 2006 06:48 AM
Eine interessant Dialog ist Wert kommentieren. Ich glaube, , die müssen schreiben mehr auf dieser Thema , es nicht ein Tabu subject werden jedoch Regel Menschen nicht ausreichender zu Diskussion auf solche Themen. Um die nächste.
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