The Marine Corps' top general spent last week watching Marines do what they do best – shoot stuff, blow things up – and then celebrating the service's 241st birthday.
Here is a brief snapshot of what Gen. Robert Neller has been up to as part of our semi-regular series "Keeping up with the Commandant."
1. A devotee of the teachings of Genghis Khan, Neller watches Marines practice giving the enemy a very bad day during his visit to Twentynine Palms, California.
Gen. Robert Neller observes a training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 7.
Photo Credit: Cpl. Samantha K. Braun.
2. The commandant throws a Marine a rugby ball. Rugby is typically played by people who don't find American football violent enough.
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller throws a rugby ball to a Marine at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Nov. 7.
Photo Credit: Cpl. Samantha K. Braun.
3. Throughout history, young warriors have paid tribute to their elders. Here Neller gives a slice of cake to Staff Sgt. Charles G. Manuel, Jr., 93, the oldest Marine present at a Nov. 9 ceremony marking the Marine Corps' 241st birthday.
Gen. Robert Neller presents a slice of cake to retired Staff Sgt. Charles G. Manuel, Jr., during a cake cutting ceremony in observance of the Marine Corps' birthday, Arlington, Va., Nov. 9.
Photo Credit: Cpl. Samantha K. Braun.
4. Toughness doesn't age. Neller takes a knee alongside two Marine Corps veterans at a Veterans Day ceremony at Quantico, Virginia.
Gen. Robert Neller poses U.S. Marine Corps veterans after the 35th Annual Veteran's Day Ceremony at Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Va., Nov. 11.
Photo Credit: Cpl. Samantha K. Braun.
5. Speaking to Betty Sims, 97, the oldest Marine present at this year's Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball, this photo is proof that Gen. Neller can smile.
Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller, speaks to Betty Sims, 97, oldest Marine present at the Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Nov. 12,
