The primary Marine leadership traits: loudness and meanness


Oh, this is just a picture of an Iraqi riding a donkey.

Anyway, about leadership, Gary explains in a number of places the differences between Marine first sergeants & sergeants major (leadership track) and master sergeants & master gunnery sergeants (technical/too dorky track).     

All first sergeants act like assholes; only some really are. Gunnies can become master sergeants, first sergeants, or (about half) neither. Some gunnies pull their names, desiring to retire, or knowing they’re uncompetitive. Some want master sergeant, though it’s less prestigious. Tankers might want to stay as such and avoid the headaches first sergeants endure.
Promotable gunnies requesting 1stSgt are ranked for the primary Marine leadership traits: loudness and meanness. Those excelling at both become first sergeants. Those excelling at neither become master sergeants. Mixed cases can go either way.

But remember: Gary (who is neither loud nor mean) admits that he's a poor leader. Loudness and meanness in proper measure are leadership traits. Enlisted Marines regard Eileen with awe because of her officer bearing:

I snuck into the hangar before formation and unfurled my big ears:
“…forced into an arranged marriage, but soon she chained him up, and caned him or burned him with an iron if he spoke.”
“Didn’t he get hungry while she was at OCS?”
“If she told me not to move for ten weeks, I wouldn’t.”
“Did they ever…”
“No, and that did him in. She caught him with a hooker and put a 1" group through his forehead with her .45. When they found him, the only thing missing was his nut sack. Cops were so terrified that they never pressed charges.”
Not Gospel, but it works.


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