Leadership Defined
Leadership is the ability to influence, lead, or guide others so as to accomplish a mission in the
manner desired by providing purpose, direction, and motivation.
Purpose gives others a reason for why they should do something.
Direction gives others the “knowledge” to complete the task.
Motivation gives others the will to do what they are capable of doing.
Leadership Primary and Secondary Objectives
Primary- Accomplish the mission
Secondary- Troop welfare
Core Values – Honor, Courage, and Commitment
Honor is the quality that guides Marines to exemplify ethical and moral behavior.
Courage is a mental quality that recognizes fear of danger or criticism, but enables a leader to proceed in the face of it
with calmness and firmness.
Commitment means the dedication to carry out all unit tasks and to serve the values of the country, the MCJROTC, and
the unit.
Leadership Traits – (JJ DID TIE BUCKLE)
Judgment is the ability to consider all of the factors of a problem or situation. It is then up to the leader to make a correct
decision.
Justice is being fair and even in your decisions, and impartiality should be your watchword.
Dependability is being known to perform duties in a proper manner.
Initiative is the ability, or presence of mind, to take action in the absence of any clearly defined orders.
Decisiveness is that quality that allows an individual to take swift and firm action.
Tact is the ability to deal with others without creating offense.
Integrity is being honest and upright, truthful in actions and words.
Enthusiasm is showing interest and exuberance in the performance of duties.
Bearing is creating a favorable impression by your appearance. You should carry yourself well, and always act in a
manner becoming to an officer.
Unselfishness is putting the comfort and advancement of others ahead of your own.
Courage is that mental quality that allows you to face fear and to overcome it, physical or moral.
Knowledge is technical and tactical knowledge that will help accomplish tasks.
Loyalty is the quality of faithfulness to country, organizations, seniors, subordinates and peers.
Endurance is the ability to deal with hardships, both physical and mental.
Leadership Principles
Leadership Principles You Apply to Yourself
- Know yourself and seek self-improvement
- Make sound and timely decisions
- Set the example
- Be technically and tactically proficient
- Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions
Leadership Principles You Apply to Others
- Know your subordinates
- Keep your subordinates informed
- Train your subordinates as a team
- Develop a sense of responsibility among your subordinates
Leadership Principles You Apply to Group Functions
- Employ your command in accordance with its capabilities
- Ensure the task is understood, supervised, and accomplished
The Lamp of Learning device used in the cadet enlisted rank insignia signifies intensive study, a source of intellect, and
moral and spiritual illumination.
Components of the Marine Emblem – Eagle, Globe and Anchor.
Eagle: Symbol of our Nation
Globe: Worldwide Service
Anchor: Naval Traditions / Ties
Birthday – November 10, 1775
Birthplace of the Marine Corps – Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
First Commandant of the Marine Corps – Samuel Nicholas was the first officer commissioned in the Marine Corps and
is therefore given credit for being the first commandant; however, the first official commandant, appointed by President
John Adams was William Ward Burrows.
Name of the Marine Officer sword – The Mameluke Sword which was presented to Lt. Presley O’Bannon in 1805
during the Barbary Wars.
Significance of Lt. Presley O’Bannon – Led the charge against the Barbary Pirates fortress of Derna (Tripoli). After
taking the fort, he raised the American flag which was the first time the American flag was raised in the Old World.
“Grand Old Man of the Marine Corps” – Archibald Henderson who served the longest term as Commandant (1820 –
1859).
First Marine Amphibious landing – Capt Nicholas led the first landing party in 1776 at New Providence Island in the
Bahamas.
First Marine Aviator (aka. Father of Marine Corps Aviation) – Lt Alfred E. Cunningham
First Female Marine – Opha Mae Johnson enlisted in 1918.
First Marine Recruiter – Capt Robert Mullen
First Marine to receive the Medal of Honor – Cpl John Mackie
13th Commandant of the Marine Corps – General John A. Lejeune
Oldest Post in the Marine Corps – 8th & I
Origin of the term “Devil Dogs” – Belleau Wood was a World War I battle (1-26 Jun 1917) where Americans fought the
Germans at Bois de Belleau in France. The Marines attacked the German forces across an open wheat field. Casualties
were high and much of the fighting was hand to hand, but the Marines prevailed and secured Belleau Wood. The
Germans so respected the Marines for their tenacity in combat that they called them “Teufel hunden” or “Devil Dogs.”
Teufel hunden were the vicious, wild, and ferocious mountain dogs of Bavarian folklore.
Origin of the term “Leatherneck” – The nickname “Leatherneck” originated from the wide and stiff leather
neck-piece that was part of the Marine Corps uniform from 1798 until 1872. This leather collar, called the stock,
was roughly three inches high and had two purposes. In combat, it protected the neck and jugular vein from
being cut by the blades of enemy swords. On parade, it kept a Marine's head erect.
Origin of the Marine Blood stripe – During the Mexican-American War, the Marines attacked the hill of Fort
Chapultepec beginning on 13 Sept 1847. There was fierce hand to hand fighting while the Marines engaged Santa Anna’s
forces atop Chapultepec. (Chapultepec was 200 ft high and 600 ft long with a 12 foot wall around it. After defeating the
Mexican forces, the Marines attacked into Mexico City and took possession of the National Palace where once had stood
the Halls of Montezuma. This broke the back of the Mexican Army and only token resistance existed after that battle.
Since Marine officers and NCOs sustained an unusually high casualty rate during the battle, Marine Officers and
NCOs began wearing scarlet stripes on their dress pants to commemorate the Marine blood shed at Chapultepec and the
Halls of Montezuma.
Origin of the Quatrefoil on Marine Officer Barracks cover – Quatrefoil refers to a four-pointed decoration on the
top of a warrant or commissioned Marine officer's dress and service cover. The design was first used with
Marine officers on sailing ships so that Marine sharpshooters in the rigging did not shoot their own officers on
the deck during close-quarters gun battles (as when crews of opposing ships attempted to board each other's
ship). An official part of U.S. Marine Corps officer uniforms since 1859, the quatrefoil was initially crossed
pieces of rope sewn into officers' caps before becoming officially mandated as a uniform item.
Origin of the Marine Corps’ Fourragère – The 5th Marine Regiment and the 6th Marine Regiment of the
United States Marine Corps were awarded the fourragère for having earned the Croix de Guerre with palm leaf
three times during World War I. Marines originally earned this award as an individual decoration through their
heroism, bloodshed, and ultimate sacrifice on the fields of Belleau Wood, Soissons, and Champagne. 5th & 6th
Marine Regiments are the only two units still authorized to wear the fourragère.
Name of the Marine Corps Band –“The President’s Own”
Translation of the Marine Corps’ Motto “Semper Fidelis” – Latin for “Always Faithful”
Marine Corps Colors – Scarlet and Gold
Marine Corps Mascot – The English Bulldog. Current mascot is named Private First Class Chesty XIV.
Most Decorated Marine – Lieutenant General Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller. Earned (5) Navy Cross Medals
Two Marines that have been awarded the Medals of Honor twice – Sergeant Major Dan Daly received two Medals of
Honor; the first, as a Private during the Boxer Rebellion and the second as a Gunnery Sergeant during the Spanish
American War. Dan Daly also fought at Belleau Wood during World War I as a First Sergeant. The second Marine to
receive two Medals of Honor is Major General Smedley Butler. His first medal of honor was awarded for actions in Vera
Cruz, Mexico in 1914, and his second was for actions in Haiti in 1915.
USMC Uniform Types – 4 types of uniforms are Dress, Service, Utility and Physical Training.
Know your cadet uniform regulations (Wearing of cover, placement of rank, placement of ribbons, military alignment,
length of belt, length of trousers/skirt, lacing of boots/shoes)
Know the MCJROTC grooming standards (Male: haircut, mustache, fingernails; Female: hair styles, make-up, lipstick,
nail polish and length)
Chain of Command
President of the United States
(Commander in Chief)
Vice President of the United States
Secretary of Defense
Secret of the Navy
Commandant of the Marine Corps
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps
Director, Marine Corps Junior ROTC
Director, Marine Corps Junior ROTC Region 4
Senior Marine Instructor
Marine Instructor
District 6 Superintendent
Northridge High School Principal
The Honorable Mr. Barack Obama
The Honorable Mr. Joseph Biden
The Honorable Mr. Ash Carter
The Honorable Mr. Ray Mabus
General Neller
SgtMaj Green
Mr. Oltman
LtCol Carruth
Maj Kintzley
MGySgt Pickering
Dr. Pilch
Ms. Olson
General Orders
1. To take Charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place
within sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Officer, Officer
of the Day, and officers and non-commissioned officers of the guard only.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.
10. To salute all officers, and all colors and standards not cased.
11. To be especially watchful at night, and during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my
post, and allow no one to pass without proper authority.
The Role of the Non-Commissioned Officer (LE II-IV)
Five Purposes of the NCO
1. Decentralize Authority
2. Provide Links between commanders and enlisted
3. Provide a senior enlisted advisor for the commander
4. Afford avenues for advancement
5. Recognize and reward outstanding skills
The Role of the Officer (LE II-IV)
1. Always a leader
2. Perform as the decision-maker
3. Responsible for the actions of subordinates
Authority, Responsibility, Accountability (LE II-IV)
Authority- The legitimate power of a leader to direct individuals to take action with the scope of the leader’s position.
Responsibility- The obligation to act or to do a task that has been assigned. Cannot be delegated.
Accountability- The very cornerstone of leadership. Leaders must answer for their actions and accept the consequences.
Leadership Styles (LE III-IV)
1. Authoritarian- Leader tells subordinates what to do and how to do it without consulting others advice or ideas.
a. Time is of the essence
b. Inexperienced subordinates
c. Leader knows each team member’s strengths and weaknesses
d. Leader has the ability and knowledge carry out the task to successful completion
2. Participative- Leader involves the ideas and advice of others. Subordinates are involved in determining the plan.
a. Gives the group a voice in the decision-making process
b. Leader benefits from the ideas, attitudes, and opinions of the group
c. Instills value in subordinates and can positively influence morale
d. The decision will be made by the leader
3. Delegative- Decision-making authority is delegated to a subordinate.
a. Decision-making authority is delegated to a subordinate
b. Leader demonstrates confidence in the experience and judgment of a subordinate
c. Intimate knowledge of subordinate’s strength and weaknesses is critical
d. Leader is ultimately responsible for the accomplishment of the task
A Leader’s Role in Conflict Resolution (LE IV)
1. Be objective: Maintain stability in the group by quickly eliminating conflict in an objective and reasonable
manner.
2. Take Systematic Steps: A leader can take certain steps to deal with conflict.
a. Explanation- Listen objectively to both sides to determine if the conflict is created by misunderstanding.
b. Alternatives- Offer the parties an alternative method in handling the conflict.
c. Negotiation- Mediate negotiations to come up with a fair solution to which both sides can agree.
d. Counseling- Provide follow-on counseling to each party to ensure harmony is maintained.
e. Investigation- Investigate accusations or indicators that continue to imply that a persistent conflict exists
in a timely manner.
f. Authority- Maintain a position of authority over the parties and hold each side accountable for their
actions.
3. Maintain Self-control: The leader’s verbal and non-verbal communication influences how the parties accept
their authority over the conflict.
a. Verbal- Remain calm and communicate in a normal tone of voice using words that will help de-escalate
the conflict. Do not accuse or demean either party. Refrain from verbal communication that may indicate
you agree with one side and not the other.
b. Non-verbal- Maintain equal eye contact with each party. Maintain an open posture and do not cross your
arms or legs. Do not point your finger or make threatening facial or eye gestures to either party.
Rank Insignia
Cadet Enlisted Rank Insignia
Cadet
Private
Cadet
Private
First
Class
Cadet
Lance
Corporal
Cadet
Corporal
Cadet
Sergeant
Cadet
Staff
Sergeant
Cadet
Gunnery
Sergeant
Cadet 1st
Sergeant
Cadet
Sergeant
Major
Cadet Officer Rank Insignia
Cadet
Second
Lieutenant
Cadet First
Lieutenant
Cadet Captain
Cadet
Major
Cadet
Lieutenant
Colonel
Cadet Colonel
Marine Corps Enlisted Rank Insignia
Private
Private
First Class
Lance
Corporal
Corporal
Sergeant
Staff
Sergeant
(E-1)
(E-2)
(E-3)
(E-4)
(E-5)
(E-6)
Gunnery
Sergeant
Master
Sergeant
First
Sergeant
Master
Gunnery
Sergeant
Sergeant
Major
Sergeant
Major of
the Marine
Corps
(E-7)
(E-8)
(E-8)
(E-9)
(E-9)
(E-9)
Warrant Officer Rank Insignia
Warrant
Officer
Chief
Warrant
Officer 2
Chief
Warrant
Officer 3
Chief Warrant
Officer 4
Chief
Warrant
Officer 5
Marine Corps Officer Rank Insignia
Second
Lieutenant
First
Lieutenant
Captain
Major
Lieutenant
Colonel
Colonel
(O-1)
(O-2)
(O-3)
(O-4)
(O-5)
(O-6)
Brigadier
General
Major
General
Lieutenant General
General
(O-7)
(O-8)
(O-9)
(O-10)
Cadet Ribbon Chart ( LE II-IV)
RIBBON
AWARD
SELECTION CRITERIA
Have an MCJROTC class standing in the top
25 percent of their class to be considered.
Have a school academic class standing in the
top 25 percent of their class to be considered.
Have demonstrated exemplary military
leadership.
Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement
Have demonstrated academic leadership
(demonstrated qualities of leadership in
scholastic activities, student or organizations,
community activities, and interscholastic
athletic participation).
Nominees MUST be enrolled in MCJROTC
their senior year.
MCROA Outstanding Unit Award
Marine Corps Reserve Officer's Association
(MCROA) for Outstanding MCJROTC Unit.
Have an academic average earned on all
courses other than MCJROTC in the upper 10
percent of the class. Have grades in all
MCJROTC subjects within the top 25 percent
American Legion Bronze Medal for Scholastic Excellence of that unit. Have demonstrated qualities of
leadership. Have actively participated in
related student activities such as student
organizations, constructive activities, or
sports.
Cadet must be in the top 25 percent of the
Class in academic standing. Cadet must have
American Legion Bronze Medal for Military Excellence demonstrated outstanding qualities in military
leadership, discipline, character and
citizenship.
Awarded to a Junior Cadet who has exhibited
Sons of the American Revolution JROTC
the highest standards of leadership, bearing
Bronze Medal
and excellence.
Awarded to a Senior Cadet who is in the top
Daughters of the American Revolution JROTC Bronze
25 percent of class and has demonstrated
Medal
dependability, military discipline and
leadership. Selected by the SMI and principal.
Awarded at the end of the year to an
outstanding 1st year Cadet who excels in
military and scholastic activities during the
year. Be in good standing in all military and
Military Order of World Wars Bronze Medal
scholastic courses. Indicated by grades,
extracurricular activities, individual endeavor,
and desire to serve the United States.
Committed to continue in the MCJROTC
Program for the next school year.
Presented to a Cadet for outstanding
academic achievement. Be in top 10 % of the
Military Officer's Association of
class. Have an 'A' average in MCJROTC. Hold
America JROTC Medal
an officer billet. Be in the junior year of high
school.
Presented for leadership in and out of
uniform. Cadet must have a 'B' in MCJROTC
and 'C' overall. Must be involved in at least 1
Veteran of Foreign Wars JROTC Bronze Medal
extracurricular activity or club. 1 Senior,
junior and sophomore Cadet is chosen by the
SMI.
Daedalian JROTC Achievement Award
Women Marines Association for Outstanding Cadet
Noncommissioned Officers (NCOA) Association Medal
Military Order of the Purple Heart Medal
Navy League Youth Medal
Reserve Officers Association JROTC Medal
Naval Reserve Association
JROTC Medal
American Veterans JROTC Medal
National Sojourners Award
Scottish Rite JROTC Medal
Outstanding Cadet Award
N-3-2
Presented to a junior Cadet who has
demonstrated an understanding and
appreciation of patriotism, love of country
and service to nation. Ranked in top 10% of
MCJROTC, top 20% of junior class and looks
to pursue a military career.
Awarded to a 2nd year Cadet who has the
highest Leadership Education Grade in the
MCJROTC Unit
Awarded annually to the Most outstanding
Cadet NCO/SNCO. Cadet must have the best
military bearing, personal appearance,
deportment and leadership ability. Can be any
LE level.
Awarded to a deserving Cadet who has given
all for the MCJROTC Program. Combines both
military and scholastic excellence with strong
leadership skills.
Presented to an outstanding Cadet in
recognition of his/her professionalism,
academic excellence, and dedication to the
MCJROTC Program.
Presented to a deserving Cadet who has
demonstrated outstanding competence in
military skills and has contributed to the
common good of the school, community, and
nation.
Presented to a Cadet in recognition of his/her
outstanding service and dedication to the
MCJROTC program, academic excellence and
desire to serve the school, community and
nation.
Presented to a Cadet for diligence in the
discharge of duties and the willingness to
serve the school, community and nation.
Presented to Sophomore or Junior Cadet who
is in the top 25% of class, has demonstrated
the ideals of Americanism and is enrolled for
the next year.
Presented to a Cadet who has encouraged
and demonstrated Amercanism by deeds or
conduct through participation in extracurricular activities or unit sponsored
community service projects. Demonstrated
exceptional dependability, character, selfdiscipline, citizenship and patriotism.
One award a year to the Cadet who
demonstrates consistent superior
performance in all facets of the program, top
25% of the class in all subjects, and
exceptional qualities of leadership, discipline,
character, military bearing, and military
proficiency.
Student Leadership Award
N-3-8
Officer Leadership Award
N-3-5
NCO Leadership
N-3-4
Civic Service Award
N-4-4
Best Drill Cadet
N-3-1
Distinguished Scholastic Achievement Award N-1-6
Arts and Academics Award
N-1-9
Distinguished Military Training
N-1-2
Physical Achievement Award
N-2-9
Superior Marksmanship Award
N-2-1
Athletic Participation Award
N-1-8
Longevity/Fidelity N-4-1
Distinguished Conduct Award
N-3-9
Awarded to students who hold an elected
office in the student body.
Awarded once a year to the Cadet officer who
demonstrates exceptional leadership,
discipline, character, military bearing, and
proficiency.
Awarded once a year to the Cadet NCO who
demonstrates exceptional leadership,
discipline, character, military bearing, and
proficiency.
For outstanding community service or
noteworthy unit participation.
One awarded a year to the cadet who
performs best in Manual of Arms standing,
Manual of Arms marching, and military
bearing and appearance.
Annual to Cadets that maintain an "A"
average and or in the top 10 percent of their
class.
Awarded to Cadets who participate in
Interscholastic competions pertaining to
academics or the arts.
Presented to a Cadet who demonstrates
outstanding proficiency and achievement in
all facets of the MCJROTC program.
Awarded to any Cadet who scores 250 or
more points on the National Youth Physical
Fitness Program test sponsored by the Marine
Corps League.
Presented annually to Cadets who qualify as a
superior marksman, either by placing in
regional or national air rifle matches, or by
acheiving a score of 270 or better during the
MCJROTC Postal Match.
Presented to Cadets who participate in
Interscholastic athletics.
Presented to Cadets who have successully
participated in the MCJROTC program for two
years and have met all the requirements of
LEI and LEII.
Presented to any Cadet whose conduct and
demeanor are worthy of special recognition.
Have not received any adverse conduct
reports for the entire year.
MCROA Outstanding Unit Award
(2nd Place)
Unit Award
MCROA Outstanding Unit Award
(3rd Place)
Unit Award
Best Drill Squad Award
N-3-7
Color Guard Ribbon
N-3-3
Band w/Band device N-3-10
Awarded annually to the best drill squad of
the Drill Team.
Awarded to Cadets on the
Color Guard.
Awarded to Cadets of the school Band.
Rifle Team Award
Orienteering Team Award
Recruiting Award
Presented to those Cadets who distinguish
themselves on the unit's rifle team.
Presented to those Cadets who distinguish
themselves on the unit's orienteering team.
Presented to those Cadets who have taken an
active role in recruiting others into the
program.
Academic Award Devices
1st 2nd 3rd
Award Devices
1st 2nd 3rd
Award Devices
Military Awards Devices