Why Write?

I am an officer in the United States Marine Corps.  As a graduate of a respectable Midwestern university, I've spent four years of my life studying domestic politics, public policy, and international relations.  As graduation approached, there was level of intellectualism that I sought to experience as a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps.  For some reason or another, that scholarly satisfaction was never realized.  

I'm writing this blog for three reasons:

1. To improve my own ability to write and effectively communicate.
2. To build credibility within my area of expertise. 
3. To encourage other officers to engage in professional writing.

To be honest, I do not think that I am a very good writer.  I feel as though my writing style is boring and more often than not laden with errors. This blog is an attempt to improve my writing style and grammar.  You're more than welcome to make corrections in the comments below my posts, however, I would be more receptive towards criticism if it was sent in the form of a personal message.

In regards to building credibility, I majored in political science and international studies.  Upon completion of college, I was immediate taken in by the Marine Corps and as a result have very limited time devoted strictly to these areas.  Recognizing that my time as a Marine is limited, I should devote some quantity of time to strengthening my knowledge in these fields.

The most important aspect of creating this blog is to encourage professional dialogue between my peers.  So often I hear of young officers leaving the military because they find themselves at odds with the powers at be.  Rather than identifying problems and seeking out solutions, it seems the immediate response is to seek employment in a civilian sector.  I'd like to see more junior officers engage in public discourse without the fear of rejection or reprisal.  

I believe that many of the timeless problems we face as leaders can be alleviated with the help of junior officers.  It's hard to imagine a general or even a colonel coming to a young captain and asking for his take on given situation.  However, what is less hard to imagine is a general or colonel picking up the most recent copy of the Marine Corps Gazette and recognizing a good idea when he sees one.  You see, I believe that professional writing makes us all equals.  Even if it is just for the duration of time spent reading a particular piece, professional writing brings the low high and high low.  It's when we're all on a level playing field that progress is made.

It is my hope that by using this blog as the medium, I can set out to achieve these goals without compromising any obligations I have as a leader of Marines and officer in the United States Marine Corps.

Semper Fidelis, 

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W&P