United States Marine Corps

A military leave is an established amount of time, in which, a Marine will be absent from headquarters and/or duties. The following are requirements for going on leave:

Create a new topic titled with the departing and arriving dates of you leave. If you do not have a definitive arrival date place a "?" where the date would go. A question mark will expire 1 month from the day of the leave.
Example 1: 1 Feb 11 - 8 Feb 11
Example 2: 1 Feb 11 - ?

On the thread you can choose to elaborate on the reason for your leave, or state you are taking a leave for personal reason. DO NOT LEAVE THIS BLANK.
You are required to post a reply to your leave thread within 24 hours of the declared arriving date. Failure to do so will deem you AWOL (absent without leave), and result in a desertion.
You will get NO PROMOTION while on your leave. Your PROMOTION TIME will be increased to count for your leave. Meaning you will get a promotion at a later date.
Only Marines that are the rank of Corporal (E-4) or higher may post a leave.
If you're a Corporal (E-4) or a Sergeant (E-5), you must have an expected absence of at least four (4+) days.
If you're a Staff Sergeant (E-6) or above, you must have an expected absence of at least seven days (7+) days.
When wanting to change your "coming back" date, either extending or putting it to an earlier date, post instead of modifying your original post.
Posting a Leave does not automatically excuse you from your MOS duties. You must always clear any Leave you are taking with the Commanding Officers of whatever MOS you are in. Failure to notify your Commanding Officers will result in whatever punishment your Commanding Officers deem necessary.

MARINE CORPS ORDER W005

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: ALMARs

Subj: Leadership Principles


These 11 principles form the foundation of leadership in the Marine Corps. Living by these principles will make you a better
officer. Together, they form the traits and values that define your character as a leader. Adopting these principles will guide your actions with your Marines and your unit, and provide direction throughout your career. The skills you learn now will stay with you long after you've finished training.

The principles are also an important tool for self-evaluation. As you progress, you can use them to identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and seek self-improvement.

BE TECHNICALLY AND TACTICALLY PROFICIENT

Maintain a high level of competence in your Military Occupational Specialty. Your proficiency will earn the respect of your Marines.


KNOW YOURSELF AND SEEK SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Use the leadership traits to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses. An accurate and clear understanding of yourself and a comprehension of group behavior will help you determine the best way to deal with any given situation.

KNOW YOUR MARINES AND LOOK OUT FOR THEIR WELFARE

You should know your Marines and how they react to different situations. This knowledge can save lives. Knowledge of your Marines' personalities will enable you, as the leader, to decide how best to employ each Marine.

KEEP YOUR MARINES INFORMED

Informed Marines perform better and, if knowledgeable of the situation, can carry on without your personal supervision. Providing information can inspire initiative.

SET THE EXAMPLE

Set the standards for your Marines by personal example. The Marines in your unit all watch your appearance, attitude, physical fitness and personal example. If your personal standards are high, then you can rightfully demand the same of your Marines.

ENSURE THE TASK IS UNDERSTOOD, SUPERVISED AND ACCOMPLISHED

Before you can expect your Marines to perform, they need to know what is expected from them. Communicate your instructions in a clear, concise manner, and allow your Marines a chance to ask questions. Check progress periodically to confirm the assigned task is properly accomplished.

TRAIN YOUR MARINES AS A TEAM

Train your Marines with a purpose and emphasize the essential elements of teamwork and realism. Teach your unit to train, play and operate as a team. Be sure that all Marines know their positions and responsibilities within the team framework.

MAKE SOUND AND TIMELY DECISIONS

Rapidly estimate a situation and make a sound decision based on that estimation. There's no room for reluctance to make a decision, revise it. Marines respect the leader who corrects mistakes immediately.

DEVELOP A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN YOUR SUBORDINATES

Show your Marines you are interested in their welfare by giving them the opportunity for professional development. Assigning tasks and delegating authority promotes mutual confidence and respect between the leader and the team.

EMPLOY YOUR UNIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS CAPABILITIES

Successful completion of a task depends upon how well you know your unit's capabilities. Seek out challenging tasks for your unit, but be sure your unit is prepared for and has the ability to successfully complete the mission.

SEEK RESPONSIBILITY AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS

Actively seek out challenging assignments for your professional development. Seeking responsibilities also means that you take the responsibility for your actions. You are responsible for all your unit does or fails to do. Stick by your convictions and be willing to accept justified and constructive criticism.

MARINE CORPS ORDER W003

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps
To: ALMARs

Subj: Forum Rules & Regulations

No real life topics.
ABSOLUTELY NO real life pictures and or videos.
No flaming, trashing, racism or hate speech of ANY type.
Information, pictures must be kept on a PG-13 rating
Do not post Skylarking related threads in the U.S. Marine Corps Discussion.
If a Service Member retires or quits, comments regarding what he/she are doing currently (if they went to a new military) are encouraged to be posted, but keep your comments clean and no trashing.
No double posting, may result in a demotion
Excessive use of foul language is strictly prohibited.
No forum signature bigger then 600 x 250. If your signature is bigger then the indicated size, it will be removed. If you are a repeat offender, you will face a demotion or possible termination.
.GIF's in a signature cannot flash more than one image per second.
On the Skylarking board do not start pointless threads. (Eg; counting)

Failure to abide to these rules could result in a demotion or possible termination.

MARINE CORPS ORDER W001

From: Commandant of the Marine Corps

To: ALMARs

Subj: Leadership Traits

JUSTICE
Definition: Justice is defined as the practice of being fair and consistent. A just person gives consideration to each side of a situation and bases rewards or punishments on merit.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about why you make a particular decision. Avoid favoritism. Try to be fair at all times and treat all things and people in an equal manner.

JUDGEMENT
Definition: Judgment is your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can improve your judgment if you avoid making rash decisions. Approach problems with a common sense attitude.

DEPENDABILITY
Definition: Dependability means that you can be relied upon to perform your duties properly. It means that you can be trusted to complete a job. It is the willing and voluntary support of the policies and orders of the chain of command. Dependability also means consistently putting forth your best effort in an attempt to achieve the highest standards of performance.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can increase your dependability by forming the habit of being where you're supposed to be on time, by not making excuses and by carrying out every task to the best of your ability regardless of whether you like it or agree with it.

INITIATIVE
Definition: Initiative is taking action even though you haven't been given orders. It means meeting new and unexpected situations with prompt action. It includes using resourcefulness to get something done without the normal material or methods being available to you.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your initiative, work on staying mentally and physically alert. Be aware of things that need to be done and then to do them without having to be told.

DECISIVENESS
Definition: Decisiveness means that you are able to make good decisions without delay. Get all the facts and weight them against each other. By acting calmly and quickly, you should arrive at a sound decision. You announce your decisions in a clear, firm, professional manner.
Suggestions for Improvement: Practice being positive in your actions instead of acting half-heartedly or changing your mind on an issue.

TACT
Definition: Tact means that you can deal with people in a manner that will maintain good relations and avoid problems. It means that you are polite, calm, and firm.
Suggestions for Improvement: Begin to develop your tact by trying to be courteous and cheerful at all times. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

INTEGRITY
Definition: Integrity means that you are honest and truthful in what you say or do. You put honesty, sense of duty, and sound moral principles above all else.
Suggestions for Improvement: Be absolutely honest and truthful at all times. Stand up for what you believe to be right.

ENTHUSIASM
Definition: Enthusiasm is defined as a sincere interest and exuberance in the performance of your duties. If you are enthusiastic, you are optimistic, cheerful, and willing to accept the challenges.
Suggestions for Improvement: Understanding and belief in your mission will add to your enthusiasm for your job. Try to understand why even uninteresting jobs must be done.

BEARING
Definition: Bearing is the way you conduct and carry yourself. Your manner should reflect alertness, competence, confidence, and control.
Suggestions for Improvement: To develop bearing, you should hold yourself to the highest standards of personal conduct. Never be content with meeting only the minimum requirements.

UNSELFISHNESS
Definition: Unselfishness means that you avoid making yourself comfortable at the expense of others. Be considerate of others. Give credit to those who deserve it.
Suggestions for Improvement: Avoid using your position or rank for personal gain, safety, or pleasure at the expensive of others. Be considerate of others.

COURAGE
Definition: Courage is what allows you to remain calm while recognizing fear. Moral courage means having the inner strength to stand up for what is right and to accept blame when something is your fault. Physical courage means that you can continue to function effectively when there is physical danger present.
Suggestions for Improvement: You can begin to control fear by practicing self-discipline and calmness. If you fear doing certain things required in your daily life, force yourself to do them until you can control your reaction.

KNOWLEDGE
Definition: Knowledge is the understanding of a science or art. Knowledge means that you have acquired information and that you understand people. Your knowledge should be broad, and in addition to knowing your job, you should know your unit's policies and keep up with current events.
Suggestions for Improvement: Increase your knowledge by remaining alert. Listen, observe, and find out about things you don't understand. Study field manuals and other military literature.

LOYALTY
Definition: Loyalty means that you are devoted to your country, the Corps, and to your seniors, peers, and subordinates. The motto of our Corps is Semper Fidelis!, (Always Faithful). You owe unwavering loyalty up and down the chain of command, to seniors, subordinates, and peers.
Suggestions for Improvement: To improve your loyalty you should show your loyalty by never discussing the problems of the Marine Corps or your unit with outsiders. Never talk about seniors unfavorably in front of your subordinates. Once a decision is made and the order is given to execute it, carry out that order willingly as if it were your own.

ENDURANCE
Definition: Endurance is the mental and physical stamina that is measured by your ability to withstand pain, fatigue, stress, and hardship. For example, enduring pain during a conditioning march in order to improve stamina is crucial in the development of leadership.
Suggestions for Improvement: Develop your endurance by engaging in physical training that will strengthen your body. Finish every task to the best of your ability by forcing yourself to continue when you are physically tired and your mind is sluggish.