13:02
When I raised my hand and swore an oath of allegiance to our nation's Navy and Marine Corps I had only one thing on my mind. How do I make us the most formidable fighting force in the history of the world? Standing on the shoulders of giants of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, watching the towers fall on September 11, we have fought the enemy for over 20 years. And our work is not yet finished. To succeed, I need you to be physically, mentally, and spiritually tough. I am receiving reports that active duty military personnel are committing suicide. In the Marine Corps, these figures are higher. We must openly confront this wave of suicides.
Some people believe that the more you talk about it, the more often it happens. That talking about it is creating a social epidemic. Therefore, management often avoids this topic. This thinking is false and not supported by data. For the sake of your sailors and marines, you must address any problem directly. You shouldn't be afraid to ask direct, pointed questions if you or someone close to you suspects that a person is having suicidal thoughts. Every sailor and marine in a leadership position is required to know their subordinates. Every leader, from sergeant to senior officer, is required to know his people. There can be no excuses. I mean knowing which petty officer or corporal has an A-
level child and whose husband or wife is being treated for cancer. I'm talking about knowing people well enough to know by the expression on their face that something is wrong. And then have the integrity to intervene. Again, ask the tough questions, because if not you, then who? For too long, I have seen leaders who served their time in office. More concerned with not getting fired or getting promoted than with knowing the people who work long days for the mission. Leadership is not a title you hold. Leadership is service, and first and foremost it is service to your people, because people are the mission.
Your job is to be involved to meet the moment of crisis when it comes. I will give you the tools, but you must do your work. Be leaders. I did it, and I expect the same from you. To our sailors and marines: if you make a real and final decision to end your life, know that you are transferring your pain to another. To your husband or wife, parents, children, and colleagues. They will live not only with your pain, but also with their own. Statistically, for many family members, this burden becomes too heavy, and they follow the same tragic path. I'm not saying life will be easy. I'm telling you to find something worth living for. Whether you know it or not, we all leave a legacy behind.
Our country still needs you. Don't give up on yourself and the people around you. You were created and are here for a purpose. Let's win this fight together. I am never above you, never below you. I am always by your side. Semper Fi, and hooray.
