Be Technically and Tactically Proficient:

     Before you can lead, you must be able to do the job; the first principle is to know your job.  As a Marine NCO, you must demonstrate ability to accomplish the mission; to do this you must be able to answer questions and demonstrate competence in your MOS.  Respect is the reward of the Marine NCO who shows competence.  Tactical and technical competence can be learned from books and from on-the-job training.  To develop this leadership principle of being technically and tactically proficient, you should:

• Seek a well-rounded military education by attending service schools; by doing independent reading and research; by taking correspondence courses from MCI, colleges, or correspondence schools; and by off-duty education.

• Seek out and associate with capable leaders.  Observe and study their actions.

• Broaden your knowledge through association with members of other branches of the U.S. armed services.

• Seek opportunities to apply knowledge through the exercise of command.  Good leadership is acquired only through practice.

• Prepare yourself for the job of leader at the next higher rank.

REFERENCE:  Marine Corps Values and Leadership User's Guide for Discussion Leaders