ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND

1. Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Teammates, I am honored and privileged to serve as your Commanding General. As II MEF aggressively pursues our mission to prepare, deploy, and when directed, employ forces for global crisis and contingencies, I want to share with you the lens through which I view our activities. This leadership philosophy governs both my thoughts and actions, and I'd ask you use this lens as we work to set the "Conditions for Success" within your unit!

• (U) Mindset/Mentality. In II Marine Expeditionary Force, we must fully grasp and embrace the tenets of MCDP-1 Warfighting. There is nothing more important than preparing our Marines and Sailors for the inevitability of combat. Prepare your teams accordingly, inculcating a culture of high standards and iron-clad discipline. We will be ready - Combat Ready - when called.

• (U) Mission. Marines, Sailors, and our Civilian teammates must understand their specific role in supporting their unit and higher headquarters' mission success. Every member of the Force must understand the mission essential tasks, associated battle drills, readiness requirement(s) and train accordingly. 

• (U) Marines, Sailors, and our Civilian Teammates form the Center of Gravity that enables our Warfighting capability and capacity. We will endeavor to take care of them and support them and their families in the execution of their duties; during peacetime training and preparation, and at war.

2. I will promulgate more specific campaign guidance in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I look forward to working with all of you. I'm truly honored to serve as your Commanding General and look forward to meeting the hardworking Marines, Sailors, and Civilian Teammates of the MEF!! Come to Fight - Come to Win!!

Semper Fidelis!!