Shortly after the 37th commandant took the helm of the Corps, Marines got a first look at his command priorities.
Gen. Robert Neller released a message to the Marines Corps Thursday outlining his immediate guidance and committing to maintain the "institutional momentum" of his predecessor, Gen. Joseph Dunford, whose year-long tenure as 36th commandant ended when he was named the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
While nothing in the release will come as a shock to Marines, it provides a good glimpse into the direction Neller intends to steer the Corps.
First and foremost, Neller called on Marines to know their enemies.
Marines must continue to adapt and overcome "new and different forms of warfare" in order to from the nation’s enemies, which will require staying abreast of these to maintain the an overwhelming tactical advantage.
"We must know how we will operationally apply our capabilities, but also study and be aware of how they will apply their capabilities against us," he Neller wrote in the statement.
He Neller also emphasized the expectations leaders and Marines must have of each other.
Every Marine should expect from their leaders: firm and fair leadership with dignity and respect; accountability; the highest professional and personal example; realistic and challenging training; cutting-edge technology in weapons and equipment; professional advancement; support for families and wounded; honesty, integrity and loyalty; and compassion.
Conversely, leaders should expect from their Marines: 100 percent dedication; technical and tactical proficiency; physical, moral and mental fitness; accountability; care for weapons and equipment; initiative to overcome adversity; truth; striving to reach set goals; and trust.
Neller also said that Marines can expect a fragmentary order, or FragO, to Dunford's planning guidance no later than the start of the new year.
He concluded the message the same way he accepted the battle colors at the passage of command Thursday morning at Marine Barracks Washington, with a motivating n emphatic "Let’s go!"
