The USCGC Campbell (WMEC-909) intercepts a rustic vessel of Cuban migrants about 65 miles south of Marathon, Florida. As the Coast Guard’s missions continue to expand, the service must abandon its scarcity culture in favor of one that cultivates each service member’s success.

Do Less with Less

To be more effective, the Coast Guard must reevaluate its culture.

Lieutenant (junior grade) Elizabeth E. Nixon, U.S. Coast Guard
December 2023
A second-class petty officer on board the USCGC Hamilton (WMSL-753) trains a fire-attack team after a damage control exercise. Leadership training earlier in the training pipeline would net more petty officers who are self-reflective leaders, capable of performing high-risk evolutions with increased autonomy.

Petty Officers Are Leaders, Too

The Coast Guard must begin championing the leadership development of its petty officers.

Ensign Logan James Tobias, U.S. Coast Guard
October 2023
Demographics are an easy way for the Navy to measure diversity, but diversity of thoughts, education, experience, and opinions—most often cultivated by different life experiences—can be a force multiplier on the battlefield.

Diversity Is More Than Demographics

Diversity & inclusion Essay Contest—Second Prize, Sponsored by Raytheon Technologies. Diversity has been key to U.S. victory throughout history.

Lieutenant Commander Michelle Kingsland, U.S. Navy
September 2023
The USCGC Richard Snyder (WPC-1127)

Take Down Toxic Leadership for Good

The Coast Guard must combine training, command responsibility, and incentives to eliminate toxic leadership for good.

Lieutenant Lindsay C. Duplessis, U.S. Coast Guard
August 2023

Aides Are More Than Bag Carriers

Ring! Monitor: Hey Lauren, it’s the monitor. A monitor in the Marine Corps—like a detailer in the Navy—is the person who manages assignments. Monitor: I know you aren’t due for ...

July 2023
Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael M. Gilday attaches the aiguillette to the shoulder of Major Lauren Serrano at the beginning of her tour as his Marine aide-de-camp.

Aides Are More than Bag Carriers

Here are a few reflections on what I learned about leadership at the highest level, especially for junior officers who may find themselves with an opportunity to be an aide.

Major Lauren Serrano, U.S. Marine Corps
July 2023
marines

Trust: An Asymmetric Advantage

The Navy and Marine Corps have one significant advantage over their adversaries: trust—and the speed and decentralization of action it enables.

May 2023
U.S. Navy SEALs

Why We Need Junior Officers

Leadership Essay Contest—First Prize. A JO takes an oath that sailors can trust him or her, from day one, with interpreting what supporting and defending the Constitution looks like.

Lieutenant Christopher Knight, U.S. Navy
May 2023