Self-Sacrifice Can Equal Self-Destruction: Why the US Marine Corps Needs a Meritorious Sabbatical Leave Program

摘要

Marines loyal to the Marine Corps should not be forced to leave the service to recharge themselves, but that is exactly what happens today. Operating force deployment schedules in support of the Global War on Terror have drastically stressed the United States Marine Corps (USMC). General Conway's decision to increase the force to 202,000 troops is a positive step toward increasing dwell time between deployments. However, tangible results from increased force levels will not be realized until the end of 2009. The Supporting Establishment special duty assignment tours offer little respite either. If one randomly interviews any Marine with a recruiting tour in his or her past, he or she will discover how stressful that duty can be. Tales of six to seven day workweeks with the Marines working over 12-hour days will be common. Marines are bred from boot camp and officer candidate's school to sacrifice self for the benefit of the whole. Marine culture rewards its members for their ability to endure hardship. Nevertheless, in some cases, self- sacrifice is self-destructive. The United States Marine Corps should establish a meritorious sabbatical leave program for career Marines to refresh and retain the best and brightest quality Marines.