Cpl Maxfield, Nathan W. CLB-26 Comm.

Det 0621/0087

THE MODERN NCO. THE EMBODIMENT of HISTORY and TRADITION.

One. It is a number. By itself it is nothing. It can be insignificant in a sea of billions, hardly worth a second glance or it could be the most important factor, the difference between life and death. The Marine NCO is that One. He is the One that brings change. He is the One who teaches us what to know to make it through the night. He is the One who is always leading us forward into the future, while stopping to reflect on the lessons of the past. He is the modern embodiment of the Corps history and traditions. The modern NCO is the trail blazer of his time. He steps with a sense of confidence into the unknown always ready for what it has to offer. He takes what he knows and applies it the best way he knows how. When the time comes can step back and share what he has learned. It is his reasonability to train those who follow and prepare them to take their own step. Everyday NCOs are making new paths. From Corporals leading patrols in Afghanistan to those recruiting. They are taking their experiences and laying down the foundation, so that future generations may walk with easy. Like those who came before us, NCOs pave the way for the future. As they say, We must know where weve been to know where we are going. As long as there has been a Marine Corps there has been Marine NCOs leading from the front. Corporal Hershel W Williams on February 21st 1945, while attached to 1st Battalion 21st Marines. During the Battle for Iwo Jima earned the Medal of Honor. He fought for four hours with a flame thrower, destroying pill boxes and mines. So that he could open a lane for his fellow infantryman. Returning frequently to his lines, so he could resupply. From that day on Cpl Williams H. W. showed that NCOs have a direct affect on the battlefield. That One marine saved countless lives and tipped the battle even further in their favor. We would not be able to claim the proud heritage of an NCO if it wasnt for actions like those of Cpl Williams H. W. and would not be the strong willed NCO we are today. We honor those who have fallen by remembering then and upholding our traditions. But what are traditions? Traditions are what sets us apart. They make us who we are, how we act. Without them we are no better than those who walk the streets to no end. As humans and Marines we tend to forget what has happened in the past and focused on the now. But what happens when we forget? If we didnt have the Marine Corps Hymn would we remember Tripoli? If we didnt have formations would we remember the Marines of the Civil War? Without these things can we even call

ourselves marines without remembering why we are the way we are. As an NCO it is our job to pass these traditions on to the next generation. They need understand why we do the things we do so that when they call themselves a United States Marine they can take pride in knowing why they are the best of the best. Along with passing our traditions it is also our duty to make our own. To take a part of ourselves and imbed it into the Marine Corps. Its said that you may die and but the Marine Corps will live forever therefore you will live forever. All it takes is that One NCO to have an impact on those he leads. When he is gone, those marines will take what they learned and teach it to their marines so forth and so on until the end of time. There by carrying on the NCOs traditions, making them immortal. A modern NCO, he is the embodiment of the Corps history and traditions. He is a product of those who came before him. He learns from those marines from the past Like Cpl Williams H. W and carries the on traditions like the Marine Corps Ball. He is the One patrolling in Afghanistan, paving the ways to fight a new kind of war, or the One serving on a Naval vessel carrying on the proud traditions of a maritime force. A modern NCO is every Corporal or Sergeant in the Marine Corps past or present. We are the example. We are always pushing headlong to where ever they will need us next, laying down the foundation so future generations can follow and emulate us the Modern NCO.