Brigadier General Ronald L. Bailey
B
rigadier General Ronald L. Bailey corps and camaraderie. I say to African
was commissioned a second lieu- Americans, if you’re looking for a chal-
tenant in the United States Marine Corps lenge or an opportunity to serve, then
in 1977. He is an Infantry Officer who become a Marine Corps Officer.
has commanded at multiple levels, from What are some of the leadership
a Marine Rifle Platoon to a Marine Expe- attributes that you look for in recruits?
ditionary Brigade and has served as a The characteristics I look for in
source of inspiration to young Marines recruits are honesty, courage and integri-
since day one. From 1989 to June 1992 ty. I tell young men and women to
he served at Marine Barracks, 8th and I, remember the traditions that have been
Washington, DC, as Department Chief, established. I look for commitment. I
Professional Military Education and look for people who show initiative and
marched as the Parade Commander. In who are determined. When I give them
June 2000, BGen Bailey was assigned as a mission they need to demonstrate the
the Deputy, Joint Contact Team Program initiative and innovation that is required
and Plans Officer, J-5, Headquarters US to accomplish the mission. We look for
European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. them to take on that leadership role
In 2003, BGen Bailey commanded the 2d because they are our future leaders.
Marine Regiment during Operation Iraqi What inspired you to join the United What are the top three reasons peo-
Freedom, and from 2004 to 2005 he was States Marine Corps? ple should consider a career in the
assigned as the CMC National Fellow at I ran into an officer selection officer at Marines?
the Council on Foreign Relations. my campus and he explained the pro- The top three reasons to consider a
Bailey has received numerous influen- gram to me, and I told him that I was career in the Marine Corps is first to
tial awards throughout his career, includ- interested in doing something else. And enhance and refine leadership skills –
ing the Defense Superior Service Medal he turned away and told me “This could getting the opportunity to lead people in
with bronze oak leaf, the Legion of be too tough for you,” and that caught different jobs. Second, the people that
Merit with combat V and the Meritorious my attention. The next thing I know, it’s you meet are friends for life. When you
Service Medal with two gold stars. 32 years later and here I stand. It’s been a hear us talk about the Marine Corps we
We caught up with this renowned wonderful tour and time. don’t talk about ex-Marine, its former
leader recently at the Change of Com- What has been your biggest obstacle Marine because you’re a Marine for life.
mand ceremony in San Diego, where he and how did you overcome it? Third, there is nothing like being in an
assumed command of the Marine Corps I don’t see obstacles as obstacles. I see organization that takes pride in itself.
Recruit Depot / Western Recruiting them as opportunities. Being out there These are the type of things you can’t
Region from Brigadier General Angela leading Marines forces me to stay in the find in a book, and that you will experi-
Salinas and asked him about his inspira- best physical condition, so I can push my ence when you’re in the Marine Corps;
tional career. recruits to stay at the top of their game. I where you’ll see it, you’ll feel it and
see this as an opportunity and not a chal- you’ll experience it.
lenge. What do you value the most in your
What advice would you give other USMC career?
African Americans looking to become Most memorable, and most touching
future leaders in their professions? for me is those young Marines who just
When you start talking future leader- go out and do their jobs. This nation has
ship, it’s about being a Marine. It’s given me the opportunity lead Marines in
about service. It’s about teamwork. It’s combat and to see Marines step up to the
about discipline. In the Marine Corps, plate time and again, no matter what the
the first thing I’ll tell you is you’ll have circumstances or difficulty. I can’t say
the opportunity to lead. You’ll have the enough about the importance they play in
opportunity to do things you’ll never do ensuring that our Corps remains the best
in the civilian community. You’ll bond Corps, and that our organization contin-
and work with Marines who will stay ues to do those great things that Marines
with you your entire career. It’s esprit de are known for.
68
www.blackeoejournal.com The Black E.O.E. Journal
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84