Candidates, this is a post in a series of leadership posts relating specifically to the Marine Corps Leadership traits–the most basic introduction to the Corps’ philosophies that you will learn about at OCS. Study the leadership traits and other lessons ahead of time on our academics page.
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.
Endurance comes from pushing yourself beyond physical or mental limits. Through many tests at OCS, candidates exceed what they thought they were capable of. However, endurance refers not only to pushing past these limits but also to finishing strong.
According to Midwest Marines recruiting:
In a leadership regard, the truest sense of ENDURANCE is found at the end of a Marine’s tour when they are tempted to “drop their pack” and really slack off. I’ve found myself guilty of this in the past and am working hard to stave off that temptation as I wind down my time on this duty. Looking myself in the mirror each day and reminding myself of my goals helps me keep going at a consistent pace.
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.
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See all leadership posts here, and check back often as there are many more to come!
References:
I went to OCS in Jan 2002 with a 75% Mustang class. I was 27 and had zero military bearing. What made up for my HUMA Syndrome (Head Up My A**) was my endurance. I was a 300 PFT’er and could run most into the ground and this got me through the tough times when I wasn’t excelling at drill, or boot polishing, calling cadence or making my rack. It was something I could hang my hat on early, which provided confidence in my ability to endure, but it also was something the Sergeant Instructors could hang my hat on too. To them, I wasn’t a nasty little thing, I just needed to learn how to be a Marine. Good luck and thanks to any of you out there looking to serve in the Corps. You can do it if you believe you can and if you can run the nasties into the dirt. Semper Fi.