Compass Points - More on Al Gray
Thanks for the leadership and love.
March 21, 2024
.
General Al Gray sunk his roots deep in the history of the Marine Corps and deep in the history of war. Those deep roots gave him the strength to grow and to change. He expected others to grow and to change as well and he expected the same of the Marine Corps. Gray was a gruff and always motivating leader, never leaving anything as it was -- or anyone.
In his article, "Transforming the Marines for an Uncertain Future" General Charles Wilhelm summarized the impact Gray had on the Marine Corps.
.
================
.
Transforming the Marines for an Uncertain Future
By Charles Wilhelm
. . . Nine months later, in July 1987, Gen. Alfred Mason Gray was installed as the twenty-ninth commandant of the Marine Corps. Gray was among the senior leaders who embraced the tenets of Goldwater-Nichols. This tough-talking, tobacco-chewing New Jersey native’s gruff demeanor failed to disguise a razor-sharp intellect. He immediately set about the task of refocusing the Marine Corps on its traditional core competencies. Measures of merit for leaders changed dramatically, and while the Corps’ emphasis on physical fitness and a sharp personal appearance was undiminished, highly shined shoes and shaved heads took a back seat to the study of military history and critical thinking about the nature of war and the qualities needed by the men and women who would fight them.
The twenty-ninth commandant’s mantra was encapsulated in a pamphlet-sized publication, simply titled “Warfighting.” Sure, there were quips, but for the most part, they were good-natured. Warfighting? Isn’t that like “food eating” and “water drinking”? The response was direct and uncompromising. Eating and drinking are physical acts that sustain life, while warfighting is, first and foremost, an intellectual activity that often ends it. While Warfighting redefined the character of war, a companion concept, “Maneuver Warfare,” emerged as an offshoot of that epistle. Drawing on lessons learned from Genghis Khan, the German Blitzkrieg, and Israeli operations in the Middle East, maneuver warfare redefined how the Marine Corps would fight on future battlefields. Dismissing the last man standing tenants of the attrition models prevalent in the two world wars and previous conflicts, maneuver warfare was and is a philosophy that seeks to shatter the enemy’s cohesion through a variety of rapid, focused, and unexpected actions that create a turbulent, quickly deteriorating situation with which the enemy cannot cope. Reduced to its simplest terms, Marines would both outfight and outthink their adversaries. Under this concept, massed forces gave way to massed capabilities, an operational approach best executed by versatile combined arms teams. Accordingly, Gray retained and enhanced the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) organizational model that had served the Corps well in multiple “climes and places.”
Emphasizing the virtues of maneuver warfare and the aggregate utility of MAGTFs, Gray vigorously supported the activities of the geographic combatant commanders carrying out their responsibilities defined under the Goldwater-Nichols act. His direction to MAGTF commanders was forceful and direct. They were enjoined to be the combatant commanders' “force of choice” for initial responses to unexpected, fast-breaking combat and non-combat contingencies. Active players rather than passive spectators, they were counseled not to wait to be asked to undertake these tasks. Rather they were directed to step up to the plate and offer their forces and capabilities along with rapidly conceived plans for their employment.
Attuned to and supportive of joint force concepts and doctrine, Marines were expected to study the capabilities and operational techniques of the other services and joint commands, with particular emphasis on those of the Special Operations Command created by the 1987 Nunn-Cohen Amendment. Under Joint Force Doctrine, forces from the respective services were expected to be complementary, not duplicative. In the case of the Marine Corps, this led some critics to assert that the nation did not require two land armies—a valid position, as the United States already had the best army in the world, a fact fully appreciated by Marines.
Still, when the occasion demanded, it proved useful for the nation to have at its disposal a force capable of rapidly reconfiguring itself, with minimal augmentation, to perform many of the functions of a second army. The Gulf War, the last conflict in which the United States achieved all of its strategic objectives, serves as a case in point. President George H.W. Bush and Generals Colin Powell and Norman Schwarzkopf found it beneficial to have a force adept at operating with coalition partners and capable of breaching an extensive barrier system while mounting a frontal attack on Iraqi forces. The Marines played a key role in supporting the brilliant Army-led flanking main attack through Saudi Arabia that unhinged the Iraqi Republican Guards. Simultaneously, the presence of a Marine Expeditionary Brigade offshore on amphibious ships posed an additional threat to Iraq, requiring the diversion of four combat divisions . . . .
-- Charles Wilhelm
.
================
.
But Al Gray was much more than just a leader of the Marine Corps, he was a leader of Marines. Everyone who had a chance to work with him has their own story to tell. Even Marines who never met him in person felt drawn to him, mentored by him, and motivated by him. Just two of Gray's well-known quotes:
.
================
.
I don't run a democracy. I train troops to defend democracy and I happen to be their surrogate father and mother as well as their commanding general.
-- A.M. Gray
.
Every Marine is, first and foremost, a rifleman. All other conditions are secondary.
-- A.M. Gray
.
================
.
Paul Otte has complied an entire book of "Grayisms" quotes, comments, and stories about Al Gray. One story connects Gray with another Commandant, John A Lejeune.
.
================
.
Grayism: "You are the one responsible"
General Gray has always seen himself as the one ultimately responsible for what happened to his Marines. In 1990, after a helicopter crash in Korea, Marines were medically evacuated to the Burn Center at San Antonio, Texas. Sergeant Major Sommers was with him when General Gray walked into the waiting room, told the families assembled there that he was responsible for their sons’ injuries, and asked them what he could do to help.
This took moral courage.
His actions symbolize the unspoken bond between Marines, a spirit that has led them through hard times. Even today, he is asked to many reunions, numerous special occasions, and despite a very busy schedule, he joins his Marines whenever he can – Why? It is a part of his sense of responsibility. Marines have, or at least believe they have, a relationship with the Commandant. And the Commandant readily accepts that he’s responsible for all they do, or fail to do.
It goes back to General John A. Lejeune, our 13th Commandant, when he said the relationship between officers and enlisted Marines is not one of a superior to a subordinate, but more like a teacher and a scholar; and he implored that all Marines should be responsible for their activities, and that you owe it to your Marines to see to it that each one is stronger morally, mentally, and physically when he leaves you than when he joins you.
And that’s a cardinal thought process that Marine Commandants share and accept as a responsibility.
-- Paul Otte on A.M. Gray
.
================
.
Compass Points readers have been quick to respond to the passing of the 29th Commandant.
.
================
.
Don Whisnant
After my retirement from the Marines, I worked for a defense contractor as head of a systems engineering department that was preparing a proposal for some full MILSPEC system. None of my engineers had been in the service, so they had no feel for many of the requirements of the system (why does the operator terminal have to be waterproof? Do the operators really sit in the rain?). I decided a good introduction would be to take a couple of senior engineers back to Quantico for one of the ‘Industry meets Marines’ conferences so they could see what fielded equipment looks like and talk with the users.
General Gray was head of the Development Center at that time and gave one of his motivational speeches to the group of visitors including my engineers. It was so motivational that one of my senior engineers told me on the plane home that he was going to quit his job and join the Marines! I convinced him to discuss this with his wife before doing anything radical, which he did, and that ended his desire to be a Marine. I told this story to General Gray years later.
I first met General Gray over 50 years ago and have never met a finer human being or better Marine. A tremendous loss to the world and Marine Corps.
-------------------
Coffeejoejava
I was a young Lance Corporal with 1st Force Recon Company in 1991on Los Flores at Camp Pendelton. Walking back from lunch at the chowhall I see an entourage of Marines with a whole lot of shiny stuff on collars. As they were coming toward me on the same sidewalk I was on (and knowing 1st Sergeant's penchant for not walking on "their grass") I steeled myself and rendered my best boot camp salute. Gen Gray plowed that hand into my shoulder and yelled "How ya doing Marine!" as they walked past. I remember it like it was yesterday.
He gave us pride and we junior Marines seriously looked up to the man who started as we had.
Semper Fi General. Until Valhalla.
-------------------
Jeffrey Dinsmore
I was a LCpl when he became Commandant. The tectonic cultural shift in the Corps during his four years was palpable. I attended formations where he re-enlisted administrators--on the spot--whose MOS was closed, on the condition they lat move to combat arms. He ushered out the careerists, and kept his senior officers on their toes, on behalf of the enlisted Marine and in the service of selfless leadership. He kept me in the Corps as I experienced this shift.
I was granted the honor of commanding 1st Radio Battalion 25 years later. I obtained his email and sent him an invitation to check in with his unit and the intelligence discipline that he fathered. He did check in, and frequently called to chat--to ask if we needed anything and how the LAV-EW's were doing on maintenance. His continued influence changed the battalion during that time and re-invigorated the warrior spirit among those Marines. And this LCpl got to speak to him on the phone and get to know him! What a gift.
Maybe the first time I've shed personal tears for the passing of a retired general. One of a kind. Rest well, warrior.
-------------------
Palmer Brown
I worked for General Gray twice, once when he as a BGen was Head of the Development Center, MCDEC Quantico and I was the Branch Head of the SIGINT/EW Branch; and again, when he was CMC and I, CO of the Marine Support Battalion. At Quantico, I hated walking past his office - if he saw me, he would ask me in and then tell me the things I should be doing in SIGINT/EW. I felt like saying, "I know what to do General, now just let me go do it." But of course, I didn't do that. I also ran into him several times in Vietnam when he was CO of 1st Radio Battalion. A great Marine, respected by all and loved by many. May he Rest In Peace - Semper Fidelis, Sir.
-------------------
Robert A Mosher
In 30 years at State, including 2 years at OSD/DOD, I met a number of generals of various grades and a good number of 4 stars. I met more while working as a contractor SME at NTC and several JRTCs. General Gray was one of the reasons I suspect that a prior service supervisor complained that I was too relaxed in the presence of 4 stars. Partially, of course, this reflected a lifetime representing the senior Cabinet department, but it also came about because General Gray and several others made it clear that if you were squared away and knew your stuff there was nothing to worry about but doing your job.
-------------------
Ray “Skip” Polak
MCU was his. Education of all Marines was his goal. Great Marine!
-------------------
Brutus
A Marine Corps hero who's leadership and understanding of our true "Corps" Values are SORELY missed. The current leadership should be ashamed of the direction that they are taking our Corps!!!!! May he rest in peace! God Bless him and God Bless the USMC.
-------------------
Douglas C Rapé
I considered myself a Gray trained Marine. As the CO 4th MAB and as the CMC he was a role model, father figure, mentor and led us into mission orders, commander’s intent and maneuver warfare. He built on what Gen Wilson established at 29 Palms and Gen Barrow inculcated. His emphasis on professional reading reinforced what my seniors had insisted on since 1974 as he imposed it on the reluctant. His war fighting ethos spread from the fairly small number of practitioners to the entire Corps left to right, top to bottom. We appreciated his ability to cut through the fog, smoke screens and double speak to get to the heart of an issue. He had a remarkable ability to remember the names and faces of the dedicated and get the best out of the marginal performers. We will miss him. His influence lasted decades past his active-duty time.
-------------------
GI Wilson
There are great men and on an exceedingly rare occasion there are even greater Marines; so was General Gray. Sir, RIP. Semper Fi.
-------------------
Bud Meador
General Gray was with us, and we are better now for his presence then. What a legacy, and to think he will be remembered with General LeJeune as a great educator. He will be very hard to replace. RIP, General Al Gray. Semper Fi!
-------------------
Michael T Gerdau
I am sadden to hear of General Gray's passing; he was a truly great man. I met him while serving with the Command Element of 4 MAB, under another great man, General Mundy. Both, men had a profound impact upon me as a new Gunny. General Gray was FMFLant at the time and he came aboard the USS Mt. Whitney for our float to Norway. I was hesitant to be around him because of his no nonsense demeanor. But that changed quickly, I found him to be more like a caring, senior, family-member. I remember, in Norway, the rest of the Command Element Officers were arriving and I was directed to have the junior enlisted unload the bus they were arriving in. When the bus arrived the enlisted ran out to the bus and the Officers were already walking to the building where they were to be billet. I was watching the junior enlist unload the luggage from the bus, and all of the sudden behind me came this loud voice; it was General Gray, telling the Officers to "unload your own damn luggage." I looked up and there on the steps was General Gray with his hands on his hips . . . What a great Marine!
-------------------
Wargame Marine
In 1988, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek satire piece for the Washington Times suggesting that the Air Force be broken up and its component parts given to the other services. I included the obligatory phrase in the bio line that, it did not reflect the views of the Marine Corps or the Department of Defense. I had just taken command of the 3d Light Infantry (now 3d Light Armored Reconnaissance) Battalion, and I had sent my editor an invitation to my change of command ceremony. Not understanding military politics, she mentioned my command status in the bio line thinking it would enhance my credibility. To add insult to injury, they published a cartoon showing a pterodactyl with a wing bearing an Air Force logo falling off. Apparently, the Chief of Staff of the Air force nearly choked on his corn flakes when he read it the morning it was published.
Meanwhile, I was in San Diego embarking my battalion for a deployment to Japan. Since it was a three-year mission, my parents had come out to see us off. It was New Year's Eve, and we were sitting in a motel room enjoying a toddy when the phone rang. My Dad answered it (He had risen to the heady ranks of a Marine Corporal in WWII). I had never seen him go white.
He said, "It's the Commandant."
When I took the phone, General Gray said; "How fast can you get out of town? I just told the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that I had cut your hair and sent you to Okinawa."
That is the kind of leader he was. I am afraid that we will not see his like again.
-------------------
medevicerep
St. Peter better be ready for a quick punch to the shoulder when Big Al reports in at the front gate!
.
================
.
General Al Gray sunk his roots deep in the history of the Corps and deep in the history of war. Those deep roots gave him the strength to grow and the strength to change. He expected others to grow and to change as well and he expected the same of the Marine Corps. Gray was a gruff and always motivating leader, never leaving anything as it was -- or anyone.
.
Compass Points joins the entire Marine community in honoring Al Gray and celebrating his life. Sadness at his passing is tempered by gratitude for his abiding leadership. If every Marine is a rifleman, Al Gray was a rifleman who had a way of putting every round on target. Marines are steeped in their history. Warriors now gone live again as their tales are told and retold. The heroes of the Corps' great history never die because each day new Marines stretch themselves toward the standards of stellar Marines like Al Gray. For Gray the long march is over now, but for the Marine Corps he loved, the march goes on. Marines on the march today will not grow weary. Their strength will be renewed by the power and example of the 29th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Al Gray.
.
- - - - -
.
The National Interest - 01/21/2024
Transforming the Marines for an Uncertain Future
By Charles Wilhelm
Gen. Charles Wilhelm is a career infantry officer. His last assignment was Commander, United States Southern Command.
https://nationalinterest.org/feature/transforming-marines-uncertain-future-206131
.
- - - - -
.
Potomac Institute Press
GRAYISMS and other thoughts on leadership
From General Al Gray, USMC (Retired)
29th Commandant of the Marine Corps
Compiled by Paul Otte
https://potomacinstitute.org/images/stories/publications/Grayisms.pdf
“Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?” William Shakespeare ………We need one now.
This is where General Gray excelled.
https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/03/21/the-enlisted-marines-commandant-al-grays-personal-touch/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mil-ebb&SToverlay=342f5a58-c37b-4142-b049-1f737335b507