Packing for Deployment

I haven't been trying to neglect those of you who take your precious time to check out the blog. It's just been a busy week. The shortest day I saw was 12 hours. Thats in the office. Then throw in gym and PT(physical training) time and it gets really hard to take the time to post instead of sleeping.
Anyway. Its Saturday, and we worked yet again. However , we didn't have to work all day and I got about 12 hours of sleep last night, and I needed a break from the book Im reading so here I am.
In boot camp "Packing for deployment" was merely a nickname for a game drill instructors would play. It was silly and ridiculous. Yet one of those priceless treasures that drill instructors use to teach Marines Discipline- instant willing obedience to all orders, self-reliance, and teamwork. It went something like this...Piece by piece drill instructors had you put every piece of clothing you could on your body, from thermal long johns to gortex (rain gear) to flak jackets and kevlar helmets. Then you take everything else you own at boot camp and stuff it in a pack or seabag, and then throw those on your shoulders. Its chaos and it can get a little annoying, but so far it isn't all that different from spinning up for the real thing.
I got news down the pipe Im going to be deploying (for real this time) to Iraq in August. (the date I can't reveal for operational security) Not to mention it's a whirlwind of emotions there is a lot to be done. Aside from the 3 page gear list we have, (which of course means numerous and repetitive gear inspections) there is loads of leg work to be done on top of our everyday job to get self and the entire detatchment ready to rock and roll. Before heading for Disneyland in the sand I'll be going out to CAX- Combined Arms Exercises- a 3 week field training exercise at Twenty Nine Palms, California. It's three weeks in a desert that was declared "unfit for human life" by the Army. The Marine Corps quickly scooped up the land and it is now used as a warfare training site for thousands of Marines annually.
I have more to write on other topics...so check back soon

semper fi
joe

Elimination of Church and State?

Since around 1993 displaying the Ten Commandments in Federal Buildings, namely courthouses, has become about as popular with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) as UN Inspectors in Iraq. The ACLU has used high powered lawyers and its deep coffers to try and intimidate and coerce judges from exercising their first amendment right. The ACLU insist that opening court sessions with prayer and the acknowledgment of God unfairly forces religon on those present in the courtroom and violates the Constitution...They are about as accurate as grand jury testimony by Bill Clinton.
The first amendment states " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religon, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of spech, or of the press; or the right of the people to peacebly assemble, and to petition the government for a redess of grievances." The argument from the ACLU focuses on the begining clause, commonly known as the "Establishment Clause." The ACLU and many other legal minds contend that this is where the principle of absolute seperation of church and state is spelled out.
A little history behind the law may make it easier to see how bizarre the ACLU claim is. The colonials who established the Constitution and its' amendments had come from England. When Henry VIII was the king of England he longed for a divorce from his wife, Catherine of Aragon, because she failed to bear a male heir. The Catholic church refused to allow the divorce. Henry VIII proceeded to break break away from the church and establish his own church of which he was the head. Since then, the ruling monarch of the ruling family has been the head of the state and church. Authority over the church and state allowed the ruler to manipulate both the religeous and spiritual realm for his own personal gain, and it sucked the liberty out o the land. In order to prevent future abuse, the drafters of the Bill of Rights put the Establishment clause into the Constitution.
No where does the first amendment prevent the acknowledgment of God by public officials. George Washington's first act as president was a public prayer of thanks to God. Since 1789 judicial officials and the President have been ending their oath of office with "So Help Me God." Both Houses of Congress open everyday with prayer. Yet despite that this behavior is not only tolerated but allowed and even condoned by the Decleration of Independance the ACLU claims its illegal. How does the Decleration condone it?....One of the justifications for the break from England by the colonialist was the "laws of nature and nature's God." Furthermore the Decleration acknowledges that "all men, are endowed by their Creator (it is capitalized in the document, indicating a proper noun...a person) with certain inalienable rights. There are numerous Supreme Court cases that have resulted in opinions supporting the acknowledgement of God the political and judicial realm. Furthermore, if the ACLU did its' research they would see how many of the Founding Fathers had some kind of Judeo-Christian beliefs. It is impossible to deny the evidence. (If you want more than what's hear email me and I'll send plenty your way) Yet the ACLU still continues to file lawsuit after lawsuit to eliminate God and the Ten Commandments from America's courtroom. The sad irony is that the "laws of nature and nature's God" are the moral basis for America's legal code. Without them no law would exist in the US. Failure to acknowledge God does not expand religeous freedom, it eliminates it!
Whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, or whatever your religeous beliefs may be it is absolutely necessary that all Americans acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Creator God. Without Him and the laws of Nature He mandated man would be in a perpetual state of anarchism and lawlessness. The ACLU refuses to sleep. They continue to use intimidation and manipulation to get their case before liberal federal judges who are legislating illegally from the bench. We must not stand idly by and watch our freedom washed away by villanous schemsters who claim to protect us. The end result will be the washing away of the church and the destruction of the state. When the issue arises again stand up for truth...both legal and spiritual truth... it won't be easy, and may not be popular, but perserverance and persistance are stepping stones to sure victory.

Hate the Players, Not the Game

I had just walked in the door to the room in my barracks. It was as usual ridiculously hot. (because we are required to leave the shades on the window open during the workday) I walked in took off my blouse (that's military speak for a cammie top) and jumped on my laptop to check my email. Long before I could get to juno my attention was grabbed by the headline on Foxnews that the Jackson jury had reached a verdict. Just minutes before the verdict was read I flipped on the T.V. anxiously anticipating what the outcome would be. It was Tom vs. Tom. Sneddon vs. Mesereau. Jacko vs. a 14 year old accuser. This trial had all the dramatics--A has been superstar with tons of loyal fans despite the fact that he hasn't produced a good record in over a decade, a prosecutor whose been attempting to pin Jackson since about the same time his last good record came out, a tight fisted judge imposing a gag order tight enough to make the BTK Killer cringe, and a defendant who showed up in pajamas looking like Captain Crunch.
Jackson walked into the courtroom, himself looking like the scared 14 year old in the case, and it was time to get out the word. Slowly the verdicts came one by one. There were 10 counts in all. After each count was read the Clerk of Court said "Not Guilty."
Of course there was immediate and intense reaction on both sides. Many people believe Jackson got off because he was a celebrity, others say he got off because he never did anything. Personally, I don't see how a grown adult man admits to sleeping with boys, pays out millions to settle a previous case against him, and has no friends over the age of 15 could possibly be completly innocent, but that doesn't matter. Whether you agree with the jury or think they are a bunch of weak cowards, hate the players not the game.
Despite the fact that I believe Jackson is guilty I was proud to see the American justice system at work. Jackson had a fair trial. A fair and balanced judged that didn't give the trial away to the defense. If anything, the judge's one big decision to let in prior bad act evidence from 1993-94 case favored the prosecution. The State took their best shot. Jackson's defense team provided a vigorous defense and a verdict was reached. What a beautiful thing that we have a country where we have not only a chance, but the right to a fair, public, and speedy trial by a jury of our peers. In this case the justice system performed marvelously from the bench to the bar ot the jury box.
In the days to come every attorney and legal person on the face of the earth will try and point out where the prosecution went wrong. (like the mother's testimony on the stand or the way Jacko's attorney just dismantled any chance of believing the accusing family's testimony on cross examination...or just the fact that as in the OJ Simpson case, the evidence was there, but the prosecution blew it completly) Whether you like the verdict or not be thankful for the system we have. The outcome is up to the jury, but due process was afforded to both sides in the case. It stands as a triumph for the American way of justice in spite of the claims of countries around the world that we are a harsh and vicious country that is tragically unjust. Remember that although Jackson was aquitted does not mean he is not guilty. He may have molested children, he may have given alcohol to minors, he may have forced children to commit lewd acts on him....It still could have happened. Yes that means the justice system isn't perfect. It means guilty people go free, but it is better for 9 guilty men to go free than for one innocent man to go to prison. It's a risk, but it's calculated. It places the arm of action in the hands of the American people rather than in the evil clutches of a perverted bureacracy. It means we the people risk making a mistake, but thats ok because the biggest risk in life is not taking one at all.

One Shot...One Kill. It's a Marine Thing

"Every Marine a Rifleman" is one of those bedrock mantras that each individual who earns the elite title "Marine" has heard from his earliest days of boot camp. The theme that regardless of Military Occupational Specialty (MOS, or military speak for "job") every Marine will be able to fire a weapon is fundamental in the Corps. This past week as I arrived at the rifle range at Weapons Training Battallion at approximately 445am every morning I was greeted with a sign that reminded me of this age old Marine slogan. On one hand it was motivating and it pumped me up. On the other hand it was a sober reminder that no matter what we do, every Marine is equipped to sight in and put rounds on a target. It helped me focus. It helped me qualify as a rifle expert.
This ability is one of those things that sets us apart from other branches of service. Whether your a cook or a legal clerk you are still required to qualify every year with the rifle. The only exception is for those in the rank of Gunnery Sergeant or above who qualify with the 9mm Beretta pistol instead of the M16 rifle. One way or another every Marine has to shoot. The incentive to shoot well is multifold. How you shoot not only could save your life, but it affects your promotion to. The higher score you shoot the better set you are to get promoted. This makes Marines a rare breed. Regardless of rank or job Marines are warriors. Trained to fight, to survive, and to succeed in combat.
That all sounds nice, but you might be wondering is it really pragmatic? Has a financial clerk ever shot at someone in combat? The answer is yes. There are cooks in the US Marines who have Combat Action Ribbons for being in sustained firefights. Just recently a group of reservist in MOS's like admin clerk, supply clerk, and cook found themselves pinned down with no help. They proceeded to whip it on, using the instincts and basic skills every Marine has, and after several days of intense fighting they founght their way out of what seemed a hopeless situation. Today even as I write, several bases in Iraq have Marines guarding the base. These rifle companies aren't made up of infantry guys. They are composed of admin, supply, and computer guys. That doesn't make our bases unsafe either. It just means our infantry Marines can focus their time patrolling, going house to house, and doing what they do...Seek out, close with, and destroy the enemy through fire and manuever.
This principle in practice isn't the only things that results in the success the US Marines have, but every Marine being armed with ability to hit a man from 500 yards away with iron sights is an awesome capability. It isn't everything, but it is just another thing that for 230 years has made our name synonomous with the defense of freedom. It's just one of those things that make us the few, the proud, the US Marines.

Semper Fi
Joe

Leadership...A Credo

Scores of studies have been done on great leaders to attempt to discover the magic behind dynamic leaders. Thousands of books have been written on the most effective top dawgs in every profession from military generals to Fortune 500 CEO's. Despite very different organizations many of these leaders share common leadership traits that make them effective.
I think perhaps the greatest single common thread among effective leaders is accountability. Whether it is running a money making machine or leading young men into battle to give their lives for their country every great boss forces his employees at all levels to be accountable. The results are staggering. Forcing people to be accountable ensures them that they will not get away with a 50 percent effort. Instead of glossing over low performance leaders openly question those who are substandard. On the flip side accountability also recognizes those under you who are performing effectively and those who are shining above expectations. Combining the carrot and stick approach gives your subordinates something to strive for and motivates them so that they don't get called out or look bad in front of their peers. The result is that the company wins from inspired and motivated employees, and the workers benefit from the satisfaction of a job well done, and the recognition from management that they are doing a good job.
The men in the corner office also must be willing to make hard decisions. Fundamental to making tough decisions is a solid and developed leadership philosophy that is more than a verbose statement, but is a real life management creed. In no organization is life at the top a bed of roses, despite what is portrayed. One wrong decision could plummet a company into devestating losses for the quater or year, or it could cost a battallion of Marines their lives in a costly firefight. These decisions involve intense pressure and anxiety, but leaders make them, and then go hard with their decision. The flip side of this coin is that leaders also accept the consequences, whether it is elite triumph or stunning defeat.
Finally all great leaders maintain the morale of their subordinates. It isn't a science. There is no black and white. This is perhaps the most neglected aspect of many companies. Often times as long as profits are high, or reports are good leaders assume everyone is happy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Part of boosting morale revolves around recognizing your people for what they accomplish on a regular basis. Make them believe in the company or the system, and you as a leader. It may getting off early on Friday twice a month or a bonus for outstanding performance, or it maybe something as simple as recognition in front of peers for a job well done. It does not take huge acts to keep employees motivated. It only requires that you take time to consider their needs. Help them out when they are in need. Your faithfulness to them will be returned with their loyalty to the organization and to the leader.
This isn't a comprehensive credo, just somethings I have learned from reading about effective leaders from Sun Tzu to Rupert Murdoch. Whether your a student leading a college organization or in management in the professional world mandating accountability, being decisive on the hard issues, and maintaining the morale and welfare of your subordinates will derive fierce loyalty and productivity from your people. Applying and practicing effective leadership results in a healthy organization, a work environment where people actually enjoy their job, and management and employees that learn and benefit from each others' strengths.

I Have Been Blessed...

I Have Been Blessed…
Last Friday I was driving home from Camp LeJeune like I have done just about every other Friday for the last few months to spend the weekend at home and get away from the base. I stopped at the same Burger King I always stop at to grab some grub on the way back. As I was driving I heard a song on the radio and its title is the subject of my blog….”I Have Been Blessed.” I am horrible with singer’s names so I won’t even try to guess who it was, but the author of the song mentions all the little ways in life that she is blessed everyday, from the “kiss of the sun each morning” to “hearing my kids laugh down the hall.” She didn’t sing of anything that I would consider amazing or miraculous it was just life.
Little did I know hours later I would be nudged off the road, spin backwards, smash into a tree, and spin back around in the median of the interstate. It’s now been about 3 hours since that accident occurred. I’m sitting in a gas station waiting for my dad to come pick me and my car up. I have no idea what my insurance company will be willing to do as far as fixing the vehicle, although I do have full coverage. However, the slight impact from the other vehicle was on the back of the car, which is also the end that smashed into a tree so there was no clear evidence of another vehicle. Thankfully the officer noted that I was run off the road, but it’s up to the insurance company as to what they do with it.
As I was sitting here I was drawn back to the message of that song. I have been blessed. First of all the most obvious thing is that at this moment I am uninjured. Anytime your in a car accident that occurs at about 67 or so miles per hour, you hit a tree, and you can walk away… you get the point!...I was blessed that it was the rear end of the car that hit the tree and not my door or somewhere in front of me. I was blessed by the truck driver who stopped, gave me the number to highway patrol, and let me hang out in his truck to stay dry till the state trooper arrived. I was blessed that the trooper was willing to believe me and note that I was run off the road by another vehicle though no concrete evidence existed, and I am blessed that I have someone who can come get me, and tow my car home on his trailer so I can avoid an otherwise undoubtedly ridiculous towing bill.
But before that all occurred I was thinking, man I am blessed. Often times I’m asked if it bothers me that I’m out of college on active duty with the Marine Corps in the middle of my college career… Would it be nice to finish school? YES, and I will eventually. Does it bother me…NO. I am doing something I love, and that is being a Marine, serving my country. School will be there when I come home from this deployment. God has given me a strong body and strong mind able to do a lot physically and mentally. I am surrounded with a loving family and some incredible friends. I live in a free country where I can worship, write, and wish as I please. I am in a land where no government or agency sets the limit of my hopes and dreams. My hope is sure, my faith is certain. My future lies in the hands of the Creator of the Universe, my all loving, all knowing, all powerful Heavenly Father.
So after this weekend has a taken an unexpected turn of events (even into the median of an Interstate!) regardless of what happens to the car or from here, as I look at the sun, a fiery golden orb that lights and warms the entire globe, rise to its perch in the bright blue sky each morning, and descends to give way to the nightlight of the earth each evening I will observe the daily wonders of creation and the very awesome wonder of human life itself and all the sudden a little car accident or even something more serious pales in comparison to what I have been given. It just so easy to see that God has been amazingly good and gracious to me. He guides me and loves despite my wayward heart. It’s just so easy to see…I have been blessed.

God Bless You and May God bless America,

Joe