1. UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
COMPANY G
BATTALION LANDING TEAM 2/4
31 MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT
BOX 89001
FPO AP 96610-0100
24 May 16
Subj: The Staff Non-Commissioned Officer-Commissioned Officer Team
Encl: (1) Col Zinni’s letter to SNCOs & Officers of 9th Marine Regiment
titled “The Staff Non-Commissioned Officer”
Since the birth of our Marine Corps, many hard learned lessons have been won
both in combat and in peace. One of the greatest lessons that we continue to
benefit from is the continual mentorship that Staff Non-Commissioned Officers
provide, to both Enlisted and Officer Marines. Looking back on our cumulative
29 years of service, it can easily be said that our successes are due to the
outstanding SNCOs that were there to guide us. They were there for us as we
developed experience and upheld the responsibilities of our positions. The
mentorship that SNCOs give is priceless.
The attached letter was written by then Col Zinni, Commanding Officer of the
9th Marine Regiment; in it he echoes many of the sentiments that we share.
SNCOs are in a unique position, as they are truly the backbone of the Marine
Corps. They provide guidance to Marines that have just entered the Corps,
NCOs that serve as our small unit leaders, and Marine Corps Officers, with
whom they are teamed. All SNCOs should have a personal mission to lead their
assigned Enlisted Marines with the utmost integrity, respectfulness, and
professionalism. To their partnered Officer, they owe their best advice on
training and control, as their experience cannot be replaced by any other in
their unit. SNCOs set the example through their dedication to self-
improvement, currency in training, continual professional development, and
interest in advances in technology and concepts.
SNCOs are the stabilizing component of a unit. They make or break the
functionality and morale of all the Marines that they work with, and this
responsibility cannot be duplicated by the NCOs or the Officer. Daily, SNCOs
demonstrate physical, mental, and ethical strength. When coupled with the
Officer; whose excitement to command and whose own physical, mental, and
ethical strengths were carefully evaluated prior to commissioning; they form
a leadership team that is unbreakable. Together, this team unites the unit.
This is the imperative, and it is the foundation that forms the fraternity of
our Marine Corps.
As a SNCO-Officer team, we will lead you and your team by example. We will
provide our experience, mentorship, guidance, and leadership.
Semper Fidelis,
Capt Robert Knecht 1stSgt Mario Aguero
Commanding Officer Company First Sergeant
