Leadership Traits
This trait means doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
What is integrity?
What phrase encapsulates the unspoken bond between Marines, reflecting loyalty, selflessness, and responsibility to one another — regardless of rank or generation?
What is “No better friend, no worse enemy” or “Once a Marine, always a Marine”?
Which core value is most closely tied to holding oneself accountable in the absence of supervision?
What is Honor?
Which leadership trait involves putting the welfare of your Marines before your own, and why is this essential in small unit leadership?
What is Unselfishness? It builds trust and shows Marines that their leader prioritizes them — which is vital in small units where cohesion can determine success or failure.
The ability to make sound decisions quickly and confidently
You're a junior Marine observing a peer making excuses during a unit-wide cleanup, expecting others to pick up the slack. Which part of the Marine Corps ethos does this behavior violate, and what action should you take?
What is a violation of mutual accountability and shared hardship? You should address the issue directly with the Marine, set the standard by continuing to work hard, and, if necessary, inform leadership without undermining unit cohesion
A Marine receives orders they believe are unethical but legal. Which core value do they rely on most in deciding how to proceed, and what’s the proper course of action?
What is Courage? The Marine should ask for clarification, seek guidance from a higher authority, or raise the issue through proper channels (e.g., chain of command or IG), while staying respectful.
You're a newly promoted Corporal tasked with leading former peers. What leadership principle is most critical here, and how would you apply it on day one?
What is: Set the example. Apply it by staying professional, being first to work and last to leave, maintaining appearance and bearing, and showing consistency — proving that rank hasn't gone to your head but that standards matter.
A Marine with this trait can remain calm and collected under pressure.
What is Bearing?
Contrast how the Marine Corps ethos applies differently in garrison versus a combat deployment. Give one example for each.
What is: In garrison, ethos appears as mentorship, attention to detail, and personal accountability (e.g., ensuring junior Marines are squared away). In combat, ethos appears as risking your life for fellow Marines or completing the mission despite personal danger (e.g., dragging a wounded Marine to safety under fire)
Two Marines are both committed to the mission, but one cuts corners to meet deadlines, while the other maintains integrity. Which core values are in conflict, and who better exemplifies them?
What is: One Marine prioritizes Commitment but lacks Honor, while the other balances Honor and Commitment. The Marine who maintains integrity better exemplifies the Corps’ values.
Explain how 'Decisiveness' can be both a strength and a liability in combat leadership. Provide an example.
What is: Strength — Allows for quick action under fire (e.g., reacting immediately to an ambush). Liability — Rushing decisions without intel can cause friendly fire or mission failure (e.g., charging without confirming enemy position).
Scenario: A Marine keeps cutting corners but says they're "just being efficient." what trait would help you correct this behavior professionally and maintain team respect?
What is Tact?
A former Marine states, “Once a Marine, always a Marine,” but regularly disrespects the Corps on social media. Analyze how this affects the perception of the Marine Corps ethos to civilians and active duty alike.
What is: It undermines the integrity and image of the Corps. Civilians may associate negative behavior with all Marines, and active duty Marines may feel betrayed, especially when ethos calls for lifelong pride and professionalism.
Your squad leader shows favoritism in assigning duties. Using the core values, how do you confront them in a way that demonstrates professionalism and leadership?
What is: Use Courage to respectfully address the issue, Honor to uphold fairness, and Commitment to the team’s morale. Example: “Respectfully, I’ve noticed some inconsistency in assignments. I believe equal distribution would help morale and performance.”
Two Corporals in different units handle the same issue with opposite outcomes. One relies on authority, the other on influence. Contrast their leadership approaches and outcomes.
What is: The first uses positional power, which can create compliance but not buy-in. The second uses influence and trust, leading to better morale and long-term effectiveness. Influence builds respect; authority only gets obedience.
Scenario: During a field op, your fire team leader freezes during a time-sensitive decision. You must act on the spot. What leadership trait do you most rely on in this moment, and why?
What is decisiveness? (Judgement or initiative partial credit)
You're leading a fire team in the field. Morale is low, but your mission continues. Using the Marine Corps ethos, explain how you'd inspire your Marines without relying on orders or authority. Be specific.
What is: Lead by example, stay positive, share hardship, remind them of the bigger purpose, or reference Marine legacy ("We’ve been through worse, and we’ll get through this together"). Also, recognize small wins, and connect performance to protecting each other.
Design a realistic scenario where all three core values are simultaneously tested. Then explain how a Marine should respond to uphold all three.
What is: Scenario — A Marine witnesses a safety violation by a peer who is a friend.
- Honor: Report truthfully.
- Courage: Confront your friend and notify leadership.
- Commitment: Prioritize the unit’s safety over personal relationships. Response: The Marine should tactfully correct the behavior, inform appropriate personnel, and reinforce standards.
Create a scenario involving poor unit cohesion. Identify which leadership principles must be applied to restore morale, effectiveness, and discipline — and how you would execute them.
What is: Scenario — Marines blame each other for poor inspection results.
Use:
- Know your Marines (address individual issues),
- Train your Marines as a team (reinforce teamwork),
- Set the example (show calm and professionalism),
- Ensure tasks are understood (clarify expectations). Execution: Conduct team-building exercises, enforce standards fairly, recognize improvements, and counsel privately when needed.