Leadership Training
Staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs) and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) attend professional military education (PME) courses, designed to promote Marine leadership skills regardless of military occupational specialty. This training is critical to ensuring all Marines are not only prepared, but also prepared to lead.
Every Marine is a leader
Leadership is found throughout the ranks and at every level of the Marine Corps. Every Marine is trained to act instinctively and effectively, regardless of the situation.
Leaders in battle and at home
Principles such as "lead by example" and "make sound and timely decisions" are lessons Marines continue to apply at home, in the community and in the business world. Values and traits like courage, resourcefulness, flexibility and the ability to inspire, set Marines apart as leaders. See Marine leadership in the community.
Commander's intent
To ensure every Marine has the ability—and the authority—to make important decisions in the midst of chaos, or in the absence of specific orders, Marines operate according to the philosophy of "Commander's Intent." Essentially, this means that when a subordinate leader finds himself in a situation where he needs to make an immediate decision, he has the bias for action that allows him to make the decision that best supports his commander's desired end state.
