AST Digital Magazine April 2017 April 2017 | Page 51

Volume 11
the fact that he is still presiding over Marines in a shooting war .
No different than the blatant disrespect demonstrated by the Marines at the center of the controversy , Senator Gillibrand and others echoing her narrative underscore an obvious level of disdain for the Marine Corps and gives added attention to the wrongful view that Marines are nothing more than a group of uncontrollable misfits .
Something they ’ re not .
During a Senate hearing this week , Senator Gillibrand lambasted the Commandant as if he himself sanctioned the wrongful behavior of the Marines who posted photos or even encouraged it by virtue of his leadership .
April 2017 Edition
for his Marines and ensuring they ’ re the most effective fighting force in the world .
But he has his own distinct qualities and attributes , and it ’ s safe to say that no Commandant has ever rivaled his dedication to the creation of a diverse Marine Corps .
In fact , it was the Commandant who led a diversity task force under previous leadership and his takeaways from that experience are no doubt informing his efforts today .
His leadership team is no less committed . Sitting behind the Commandant during this week ’ s hearing was General David Furness — a true patriot with over 30 years of service .
Never mind the fact that the Commandant has taken ownership of the problem and vowed to expend all resources to continue addressing a challenge that is neither easily nor immediately solvable .
General Lori Reynolds
So too was General Lori Reynolds , also with 30 years of service to the Marine Corps .
New York Democrat Senator Kristen Gillibrand
What should give Senator Gillibrand hope is that the Commandant is leading the charge and if there is anybody in the Marine Corps who can make a difference , it ’ s him .
This Commandant is like his predecessors in so many ways , especially when it comes to caring
Lambasting the Commandant might be good for appearances , but doing so not only undercuts his effectiveness , it also calls into question the ability of his team to set things straight .
What Senator Gillibrand fails to understand is that when she targets the Commandant as she did , there ’ s a cascade effect that gives others the courage to take even more drastic steps , among them calls for the Commandant ’ s resignation .
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