Marines' general defines leadership

The nation needs to understand the true nature of the threat from terrorism and the vital work of the U.S. military overseas in that fight, the head of the Marine Corps said Thursday.

"Let me tell you that they (terrorists) absolutely hate you," Gen. James T. Conway said. "There's no doubt in my mind if they could come into your home tonight, they would kill every man, woman and child. That's the nature of the enemy that we're fighting right now."

Conway, who spoke at The Citadel's 2010 Principled Leadership Symposium, tempered his warning with reassurance. "You don't have to worry about that too much right now because standing between you and them is the military of the United States and other nations as well."

He said, however, that freedom always is one generation from extinction. "It must be preserved and sometimes fought for by those who hold it dear."

Conway, the Marine Corps commandant since 2006, offered a mix of wisdom, inspiration and insight in remarks to an audience consisting mostly of members of the Corps of Cadets at McAlister Field House.

Fifteen years ago, he and others military leaders were concerned that the Internet and cable TV generation might be too soft to make effective soldiers. But, in Iraq and Afghanistan, that has proven to be an unfounded worry.

"This is an incredible generation. I have seen that in combat. Our armed forces, our country is going to be in great shape for a long time to come."

Less than 1 percent of the U.S. population wears a military uniform. "They are the warrior class. They have agreed to step forward at a time when the country is in crisis."

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He extended an invitation to the Corps of Cadets. "If you join us, we will welcome you with open arms. We will train you, we will educate you, we probably will send you to war. But the fact is for the rest of your life, when you walk into a theater, bar or restaurant, you will be a little different from the rest of the people in that room. You can walk with your head held high because you chose to defend this great nation."

Marine Corps leadership includes integrity, being prepared for the unexpected by remaining responsive to constantly changing conditions, and bold, aggressive, smart action, Conway said. "Do the right thing, even when no one is looking."

Quoting Teddy Roosevelt, he urged the cadets not to be just thinkers, talkers or people on the sidelines. "I would encourage you all to be doers. Teddy Roosevelt was a man of action."

Reach Prentiss Findlay at 937-5711 or pfindlay@postandcourier.com.