Navy Community - discussions, photos, video - Navy Times

Letters

Estrada’s comments

On reading your editorial in the May 7 issue [“Estrada’s tenure marked by caring and tenacity”], I was somewhat dismayed at the comments by the outgoing sergeant major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. John Estrada — specifically the perspective and professionalism, or lack of it, embodied in those comments.

His version of the debate on senior enlisted advisers (sergeants major and first sergeants) and their military occupational specialty credibility — or lack of it — in positions that they were not MOS-qualified to fulfill is still poorly conceived.

The issue remains: What is the value of placing senior enlisted Marines in positions of influence without the requisite experience, and MOS proficiency, as they attempt to advise on subjects they do not know about?

Estrada’s perspective was that Marine gunners who voiced this important concern made him feel “insulted.” Bringing professional questions to fellow professionals shouldn’t insult anyone, and I applaud those gunners for what I believe was “steel on target” in their comments.

On the other hand, I was personally insulted by Estrada’s unwillingness to entertain a civil discussion on the subject and his lack of presence and professional stature, which one would expect from the sergeant major of the Marine Corps. I watched and listened for some useful feedback on the issue from Estrada, but to the best of my knowledge, nothing consequential came from him on the subject or any subject that went beyond mere character assassination, chest beating and self-promotion.

Furthermore, what more important issues do we as staff noncommissioned officers have than the training and staffing of our combat units? Also, if this issue was “the worst moment in his tenure,” Estrada must have had a very sheltered tenure.

Conversely, I have discussed this issue on a couple of occasions with our new sergeant major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, and even though we do not necessarily agree on all subjects, he certainly can articulate his differences intelligently and treat one with the respect and dignity you would expect from a professional and peer.

Master Gunnery Sgt. Barry L. Walker

Quantico, Va.

More on ‘Combat hunter’

In response to Sgt. Ramsey K. Gregory’s letter [“‘Combat Hunter’ statement,” May 14], I believe taking Col. Clarke Lethin’s paraphrased statement about tapping “into skills certain Marines may already have learned growing up in rural hunting areas and urban areas, such as inner cities” to mean that Marines raised in inner cities are experts in killing each other, misses the point.

A Marine who was raised hunting small game may know how to identify a good “hide,” but is less likely to identify where a mugger or attacker might be hiding. Marines who grow up in urban environments learn how to recognize “ambush situations” in an urban environment much better than someone who was raised in a rural environment.

If the Marine Corps can refine these rural and urban skill sets and teach them to every Marine, we may see increased effectiveness and decreased casualties.

Maj. David H. Bohn

Oceanside, Calif.

I wish to respond to Sgt. Ramsey K. Gregory’s letter in the May 14 edition. I agree with Col. Clarke Lethin’s statement. Perhaps this young sergeant is not aware of the Battle of Hue City during the Tet Offensive. I am sure if he studied the battle he would learn invaluable knowledge — provided by urban/inner-city Marines during the battle.

Some of those Marines once were gang members or just grew up in rough neighborhoods; they were able to provide their young and inexperienced officers and fellow Marines a better understanding of fighting in an urban environment.

We are fighting an asymmetrical war. Any commander would be wise to enlist the advice, knowledge and understanding of his fellow and subordinate Marines. The terrorists are changing tactics daily. We need Marines who are willing and able to adapt also.

As an African-American, former urban/inner-city Marine and current police officer, I would gladly offer my skills and knowledge to save the lives of my fellow Marines.

This country is at war; this is not the time to attempt to be politically correct in verbiage.

Reserve Gunnery Sgt. Gregory Radcliff

Jacksonville, N.C.

Whiskey story on target

I have to disagree with Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Michele Brown’s letter in the May 14 edition [“Whiskey story tasteless”]. The story she takes offense to isn’t glamorizing or glorifying over-indulgence in alcohol [“A spirited adventure,” Lifelines, May 7]. It’s doing just the opposite — in her own words, showcasing how to “use alcohol responsibly.”

It discusses the history and all the things that the majority of people don’t know about the “Whiskey Trail.” It’s not about buying large amounts of whiskey and passing out, or about driving around wasted. It’s about the good things behind it.

Lance Cpl. Tom Williams

San Diego

Teaching decision-making

Nearly two decades have passed in my career as a Marine. Needless to say, many things have changed in 20 years.

Marines by nature are decision-makers. From boot camp to retirement, we’re taught to make decisions that enable us to accomplish the mission. It seems to me that this fundamental ethos is rapidly changing.

It’s been my experience of late that young Marines are becoming passive in the decision-making process. Young Marines need to be allowed to make decisions based on their experience. And if they make the wrong decision, they need to be held accountable.

Good decision-makers are fine-tuned by two things. One, they made that mistake before and learned from it. Or two, they learned from other people’s mistakes.

In my opinion, junior Marines are being taught to avoid making a decision. I’m not advocating allowing all Marines to make any decision they feel necessary, but I am concerned that Marines may not pull the trigger when it’s time to pull the trigger.

Two statements that I hear daily are “err on the side of safety” and “train like we fight.” But it seems to me that they are a contradiction in guidance, sending mixed signals to Marines.

While in garrison, we need to be more cautious in our training but not so cautious that we cripple our Marines from making decisions. The gunny, captain or commanding officer may not always be there to make the decision for them. We don’t want Marines to hesitate when faced with a decision.

Unfortunately, we hear more about the bad decisions Marines make than the good ones. We cannot allow bad decisions to go unchecked, however. There is accountability for your actions. If you hold Marines accountable for their actions, they will be better Marines, better decision-makers and better leaders.

Sometimes, you have to make an example of a Marine. Other times, it may be a slap on the wrist. How do you choose which one if you never had to make a decision?

Gunnery Sgt. Samuel C. Dunn

Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif.