The USCGC Tern (WPB-87343), shown here patrolling in front of Alcatraz Island, is one of the Coast Guard’s 65 87-foot Marine Protector–class cutters. While in command of this ship, the author and his crew conducted a dangerous rescue mission that shook his faith in his gut instincts.

Follow Your Gut?

Leadership Essay Contest—First Prize, Sponsored by Drs. Jack and Jennifer London Charitable Foundation. Leaders are at their best when they maintain autonomy for appropriate decision-making.

Lieutenant Matthew J. Nagle, U.S. Coast Guard
May 2024
The crew of the USS Stockdale (DDG-106) often celebrate their ship and her namesake, including holding a commissioning anniversary party and inviting guests from the ship’s commissioning as well as one of Vice Admiral James Stockdale’s sons. Events such as these indoctrinate sailors in a command’s culture and get them invested in its brand.

Build Your Command Brand

Connectedness and trust are integral to mission success—branding is one method to increase both.

Captain Brandon Booher, U.S. Navy
April 2024
Enginemen conduct maintenance on board the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD-50). Navy leaders have to consider key decisions, such as when to share the workload among multiple departments, to meet evaluation dates and other deadlines.

Command Requires a Clear Philosophy

Every prospective CO would do well to emulate Captain Rinn’s ability to make a hard command decision based on his instinct and well-thought-out command philosophy.

Rear Admiral James B. Hinkle, U.S. Navy (Retired)
March 2024
Admirals Chester Nimitz and William Halsey on board the USS Curtiss (AV-4) in January 1946. After Rear Admiral Wilson Brown declined to lead the Navy’s attack in the Marshall Islands, Nimitz presented the opportunity to Halsey, who jumped at the mission. A strong leader must assess his subordinates and choose the right leader for the right job.

The Nimitz Way Still Applies

Giving your people opportunities to grow and succeed is a vital part of being a good leader.

Lieutenant Seth C. Breen, U.S. Navy
February 2024
After a hazing incident, the author adopted Medal of Honor runs for his platoon, using the citations of former company members to help inspire his Marines to aspire for more.

You Never Know Who Will Be the Next Hero

Marines need to begin forging bonds from the day they arrive to their unit, and it begins with a welcome hand from their fellow Marines.

Major Michael A. Hanson, U.S. Marine Corps
January 2024
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