Train Your Marines as a Team:

Teamwork is the key to successful operations.

Teamwork is essential from the smallest unit up to the entire Marine Corps.  As a Marine NCO, you must insist on teamwork from your Marines.  Train, play, and operate as a team.  Be sure that each Marine knows his or her position and responsibilities within the team framework.  When team spirit is in evidence, the most difficult tasks become much easier to accomplish.  Teamwork is a two-way street.  Individual Marines give their best, and in return the team provided the Marine with security, recognition, and a sense of accomplishment.  To develop the techniques of this principle you should:

• Encourage unit participation in recreational and military events.

• Never publicly blame an individual for the team's failure nor praise one individual for the team's success.

• Provide the best available facilities for unit training and make maximum use of teamwork.

• Insure that all training is meaningful and that its purpose is clear to all members of the command.

• Acquaint each Marine of your unit with the capabilities and limitations of all other units, thereby developing mutual trust and understanding.

• Ensure that each junior leader understands the mechanics of tactical control for the unit.

• Base team training on realistic current and probable conditions.

• Insist that each leader knows the functions of the other members of the team.

• Seek opportunities to train with other units.

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