On Sun, 26 Nov 1995 GaltJohn22@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 95-11-26 16:59:48 EST, you write:
>
> >You have chosen to cite examples from Marine Corps history that honor the
> >"China Marine" era. Nothing wrong with that, but I would argue that the
> >modern, information driven, highly administrated enviornment the
> >contemporary Marine Corps has to operate in requires sophisticated
> >"knowledges" that require a newer organizational dynamic. The Marine
> >Corps "core" values hopefully have not changed. The operational
> >enviornment has. Thus utilizing the "knowledges" of all individual
> >Marines is important, regardless of rank or gender.
>
> Agree, but I believe (please correct if you think I'm wrong) that Marine
> Expeditionary Forces as well as other forms of *combat* organization used
> by the Corps have traditionally been and are today *task organized*. This
> is a highly adaptive method which actually "reaches down" to individual
> assignements by knowledge, skill, and experience at both the enlisted and
> commissioned levels. I say this as a matter of *practicality." The Corps
> is a relatively small organization by service standards and the common
> core values have a by-product called the "Back Channel", "Grapevine",
> "Jungle Network" or what have you. Studying this informal network, which,
> IMHO, is a critical element, would be important to any fruitful change in
> organization.
>
> Thanks for the opportunity to discuss. I'm interested in your (correct)
> comment that this was written largely of China Marines.
>
> Hal Popplewell
> GaltJohn22@aol.com
Hi Hal:
An excellent observation. Informal communications can make or break any
organization and I would believe that studying it as a phenomenon would be
most interesting. Given that I am looking for post-doctoral
employment/research, maybe this line of inquiry can be followed in some
future way.
My reference to China Marines (post-WWI to just before WWII service in the
far east) was used to point out a level of professionalism and mind set
that tends to act a "benchmark of excellence" for many Marines. Thanks
for your input.
--
Thomas A. Lifvendahl, Ed.D.
Northern Illinois University
RE/ACE Office
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
815/753-1621
P60TAL1@corn.cso.niu.edu