Col Penny, Col Starck, 1stSgt L. Nolan, Capt Keta,

Esteemed members of the 15th MEU Command Staff,

I hereby submit my application for the position of Haymaker 1 Platoon Commander.

Requirements :
At least the rank of Lance Corporal (or equivalent) : Yes
Active duty for the last 30 days : Yes
Age of 18 or older: 31
No major disciplinary actions within the last 6 months (Formal Disciplinary Actions, probation, major NJPs) : None


RESUME
15th MEU Realism Unit
21MAY14 : Application for 0311 Rifleman.
4JUN 14 to 29NOV14 : AR in Haymaker 1-1-B
30NOV14 to 25JAN15 : RM (2IC) in Haymaker 1-2-B
26JAN15 - present : FTL Haymaker 1-1-C (2IC for H 1-1)

For information purposes, my promotion tracker reflects all the information above.


During my time in the 15th MEU Realism Unit, I have held the position of Automatic Rifleman, Rifleman (FT 2-I-C) and Fire Team Leader (Squad 2IC), under the leadership of SSgt Grivas, Cpl M. Perry, Cpl McKelvie and Cpl Fury. Throughout, I have participated in numerous fire team, squad and platoon trainings, as well as numerous Sunday Operations and FTXs.

In all those official activities, I have never received an NJP, nor have any disciplinary measures been brought up against me. In fact, I would state that my performance in this unit thus far has been exemplary and I intend to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Furthermore, during my time as FTL of Haymaker 1-1-C, I have had the pleasure of shouldering the responsibilities of acting Squad Leader during the absence or wounding of our Squad Leader in trainings and operations. Those moments stand out as excellent opportunities and leadership learning experiences that I hope to put to use in the 15th MEU as Haymaker 1 Platoon Commander.

I have also completed all the CPL and SGT courses and am certified CLS and M32.


I want to add a few thoughts to my application on the nature of leadership and what I would bring to the position of Haymaker 1 Platoon Commander.

To reach victory and success, to attain the goals and objectives we give ourselves in the 15th MEU Realism Unit, we must muster the strength and will of those that serve with us. This can only be achieved through proper leadership.

This implies that any member of the 15th and especially those in leadership roles must embody the very principles that good leadership demands, throughout the activities we do in the 15th, both official and unofficial. The character of the leadership cadre must reflect these virtues and it admittedly is no easy feat. Therein lies the virtuous challenge.

Leadership means setting the bar high, clearing it yourself, teaching others to do the same while being honest and humble enough to recognise that you might have set it too high in the first place.

Leadership does not require perfection, it demands self-awareness. It isn't kicking ass and taking names, it is enduring the drudgery of hurry up and wait, while maintaining motivation and readiness until the shit hits the fan and the fun begins.

To put an end on this already too-long application, let me state the following in the clearest possible manner.

I know what I am capable of at this time. Leading Haymaker 1 is something I would be proud to do and I am firm in my knowledge and confident in my ability to do so. Should my application be selected, I will do my utmost to be the best Platoon Commander that I can be. Yet I hold no illusions that I will ever come close to filling the shoes of 2ndLt Schultz. His example is one I hold high above me as a guiding light on the path I hope to embark on. Knowing this only serves to give me motivation to learn, to adapt and overcome, to better teach and lead by example the excellent group of people that constitutes Haymaker 1.

Semper fidelis,

[quote]"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence." -- B.L. Montgomery[/quote]


ADDENDUM

Real life experience involving leadership and management that may be of interest.
2011-2015 : Emergency Management Specialist (for the Canadian equivalent of FEMA where I live) : Managing natural hazard disasters with provincial and municipal authorities.
2005-2010 : Bachelor and Masters degree in Physical Geography - Natural Hazard Management / Applied Geomatics Predictive Modelling for prehistoric archaeology
2001-2005 : professional Alpine Ski Racing coach - CSCF Level 2 : Leading a team of young athletes to compete at provincial and national levels (winter and summer training programs and racing season).