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The Marine Corps’ 14 leadership traits – JUDGMENT

Marines Uncovered  //  March 11th, 2011  //  By Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas

We explored the leadership trait JUSTICE last week, and this week we’re going to look at the trait JUDGMENT, which is defined as, “… your ability to think about things clearly, calmly, and in an orderly fashion so that you can make good decisions.”

This is one of those traits that is learned over time through experience and can only really be helped along by a good experienced mentor. I do believe, however, that the uncommon virtue of common sense can help a young Marine leader when short of experience.

I’d be willing to bet every single Marine out there has experienced a lack of judgment some time throughout their time in the Corps. The good Marines learn from those experiences, don’t repeat them, and try to pass on some of that wisdom to their junior Marines.

One common display of poor judgment is when a married Marine goes out drinking and ends up going home with a female who is not his wife (or God forbid she’s the wife of a fellow Marine). This incredibly poor judgment is no doubt adversely affected by the alcohol, but nothing excuses the Marine from his actions.

Good judgment is exercised every single day by Marine commanders across the globe, but unfortunately, their good judgment is overshadowed by their fellow Marines’ poor judgment.

Young leaders looking to improve their judgment are encouraged to take their time in making important decisions and to use common sense. If at all possible, seek the advice and experience of a mentor who has been through the same or a similar situation.

  • Hasbeen

    Judgment; the excercise of making sound and reasonable decisions is paramount to being a complete Marine in all that we do. When we strive to ingrain this trait into our being both in and out of uniform in all that we do, it becoms part of ourselves to a point so thorough that it will become our posture. Just as its we train to be tactically and technically proficient this will serve us when we need it most making sound timely decisions flow as natural as spring water.

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