About the Book
Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) are the backbone of the US Marine Corps. They execute orders and lead their fellow Marines into battle. NCOs are an important part of America's military heritage and history, and their traditions are deeply entwined with the history of the United States. Marine NCOs are heroes and leaders who, despite their varied leadership styles, share a number of important attributes. Part history, part biography, part leadership guide, this unique book takes a close look at the U.S. Marine Corps, at the NCOs who serve as the bedrock of the service. This book provides a unique insight into the history of the culture Marine NCOs as well as important leadership lessons that readers can apply to their own lives.
Table of Contents:
Introduction: The NCO—Backbone of the U.S. Marine Corps /1. BEARING /2. COURAGE /3. DECISIVENESS /4. DEPENDABILITY /5. ENDURANCE /6. ENTHUSIASM /7. INITIATIVE /8. INTEGRITY /9. JUDGMENT /10. JUSTICE /11. KNOWLEDGE /12. LOYALTY /13. TACT /14. UNSELFISHNESS /Conclusion: The NCO—Leadership Model /Index
About the Author :
Julia Dye earned her doctorate in hoplology (the study of human conflict) from Union Institute. She is a frequent consultant for the History Channel, Military Channel, and Discovery Channel, and has served as consulting expert on a number of television and film productions for the likes of HBO as well as for Oliver Stone, Ben Stiller, Barry Levinson, and other leading directors through her work with Warriors, Inc., a technical advisory firm founded by her husband Capt. Dale Dye, USMC, Ret. (The War in the Pacific, Osprey 2010). Julia also has served as Executive Director of the Society of American Fight Directors. For additional information, visit http://www.julia.vg/ and http://warriorsinc.com.
Review :
"A primer for life and a classic about values. While certain to be studied in military circles, it actually deserves to be read by all college students." --Bing West, best-selling author of The Village, The Strongest Tribe, and The Wrong War
"This remarkable book cracks the bone and examines the 'marrow' of leadership. One of the best books ever written about leadership, with powerful, riveting examples and direct application to the business world, or any other field of endeavor. Required reading for every Marine, for everyone who honors and studies our military, and for everyone who studies and strives in the field of leadership." --LtCol Dave Grossman, USA (ret.), author of On Killing and On Combat
"OUTSTANDING! A great capture of the Marine NCO. This should be required reading for all Devil Dogs. A big 'atta boy' goes to the author. Any businessman, or anyone in a leadership position, will benefit greatly by reading this book." --GySgt R. Lee Ermey
"Few people have the privilege of serving as a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, but anyone who is interested in leading the kind of purpose-driven and values-centered life that marks the best Marine NCOs can learn from this book. And anyone in the business of leading people--whether it's in business, the classroom, or the playing field--should study the men and women Dye writes about with such insight. These NCOs don't just teach young Marines; they have a great deal to teach anyone smart enough to read, listen, and learn." --Ed Ruggero, author of The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save DDay
"Dr. Julia D. Dye has written an absolutely fascinating book on U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers (NCOs)--the backbone of the Corps. Taking fourteen leadership traits that are endemic to what constitutes the essence of a Marine NCO, Dr. Dye deftly interweaves personal stories from the past and present and demonstrates why the Marine Corps remains the elite military service that it is today. I predict that Dr. Dye's book will be required reading for anyone who aspires to improve themselves or, more importantly, desires to wear the earned and respected chevrons of a Marine NCO." --Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, Director and Chief, USMC History
"Backbone defines the spirit and ethos of leadership exemplified by the few and the proud, the United States Marine. Julia Dye focuses on the critical role of the noncommissioned officer as the nucleus for successful mission accomplishment, she gives the reader a fascinating insight to the culture, ethics, and tradition that has molded Marine NCOs as leaders on and off the battlefield for generations. Backbone gives us an understanding of the unique metrics that shape Marine NCOs, giving the reader a compelling overview on what defines, influences, and creates successful leaders. Backbone is a must read for any organization or individual that views leadership as being centric to their success." --Captain Jim Palmersheim, Managing Director, Veterans and Military Programs, American Airlines
"Backbone is essential reading for everyone in a position of leadership--and all who aspire to lead--no matter their walk of life. Julia Dye nails it--and her exemplars are the finest leaders on the planet--people who know the meaning of 'Semper Fidelis.'" --LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), Host of "War Stories" on FOX News Channel
A primer for life and a classic about values. While certain to be studied in military circles, it actually deserves to be read by all college students. "Bing West, best-selling author of The Village, The Strongest Tribe, and The Wrong War"
This remarkable book cracks the bone and examines the 'marrow' of leadership. One of the best books ever written about leadership, with powerful, riveting examples and direct application to the business world, or any other field of endeavor. Required reading for every Marine, for everyone who honors and studies our military, and for everyone who studies and strives in the field of leadership. "LtCol Dave Grossman, USA (ret.), author of On Killing and On Combat"
OUTSTANDING! A great capture of the Marine NCO. This should be required reading for all Devil Dogs. A big 'atta boy' goes to the author. Any businessman, or anyone in a leadership position, will benefit greatly by reading this book. "GySgt R. Lee Ermey"
Few people have the privilege of serving as a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, but anyone who is interested in leading the kind of purpose-driven and values-centered life that marks the best Marine NCOs can learn from this book. And anyone in the business of leading people--whether it's in business, the classroom, or the playing field--should study the men and women Dye writes about with such insight. These NCOs don't just teach young Marines; they have a great deal to teach anyone smart enough to read, listen, and learn. "Ed Ruggero, author of The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save DDay"
Dr. Julia D. Dye has written an absolutely fascinating book on U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers (NCOs)--the backbone of the Corps. Taking fourteen leadership traits that are endemic to what constitutes the essence of a Marine NCO, Dr. Dye deftly interweaves personal stories from the past and present and demonstrates why the Marine Corps remains the elite military service that it is today. I predict that Dr. Dye's book will be required reading for anyone who aspires to improve themselves or, more importantly, desires to wear the earned and respected chevrons of a Marine NCO. "Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, Director and Chief, USMC History"
Backbone defines the spirit and ethos of leadership exemplified by the few and the proud, the United States Marine. Julia Dye focuses on the critical role of the noncommissioned officer as the nucleus for successful mission accomplishment, she gives the reader a fascinating insight to the culture, ethics, and tradition that has molded Marine NCOs as leaders on and off the battlefield for generations. Backbone gives us an understanding of the unique metrics that shape Marine NCOs, giving the reader a compelling overview on what defines, influences, and creates successful leaders. Backbone is a must read for any organization or individual that views leadership as being centric to their success. "Captain Jim Palmersheim, Managing Director, Veterans and Military Programs, American Airlines"
Backbone is essential reading for everyone in a position of leadership--and all who aspire to lead--no matter their walk of life. Julia Dye nails it--and her exemplars are the finest leaders on the planet--people who know the meaning of 'Semper Fidelis.' "LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), Host of War Stories on FOX News Channel""
Praise for "Backbone"
OUTSTANDING! A great capture of the Marine NCO. This should be required reading for all Devil Dogs. A big atta boy goes to the author. Any businessman, or anyone in a leadership position, will benefit greatly by reading this book.
GySgt R. Lee Ermey
This remarkable book cracks the bone and examines the marrow of leadership. One of the best books ever written about leadership, with powerful, riveting examples and direct application to the business world, or any other field of endeavor. Required reading for every Marine, for everyone who honors and studies our military, and for everyone who studies and strives in the field of leadership.
LtCol Dave Grossman, USA (ret.), author of "On Killing "and" On Combat"
Dr. Julia D. Dye has written an absolutely fascinating book on U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers (NCOs) the backbone of the Corps. Taking fourteen leadership traits that are endemic to what constitutes the essence of a Marine NCO, Dr. Dye deftly interweaves personal stories from the past and present and demonstrates why the Marine Corps remains the elite military service that it is today. I predict that Dr. Dye s book will be required reading for anyone who aspires to improve themselves or, more importantly, desires to wear the earned and respected chevrons of a Marine NCO.
Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, Director and Chief, USMC History
"Backbone" is essential reading for everyone in a position of leadership and all who aspire to lead no matter their walk of life. Julia Dye nails it and her exemplars are the finest leaders on the planet - people who know the meaning of Semper Fidelis.
LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), Host of War Stories on FOX News Channel
"Backbone"defines the spirit and ethos of leadershipexemplified by the few and the proud, theUnited States Marine. Julia Dyefocuses on thecritical roleof the noncommissioned officer as the nucleus for successful mission accomplishment, shegives the reader afascinating insight to the culture, ethics, and tradition thathas molded Marine NCOs as leaders on and off the battlefield for generations."Backbone "gives us an understanding ofthe unique metrics that shape Marine NCOs, giving the reader a compelling overviewon what defines, influences, and creates successful leaders. "Backbone" is a must read for any organization or individual that viewsleadership as being centric to their success
Captain Jim Palmersheim, Managing Director, Veterans and Military Programs, American Airlines
Few people have the privilege of serving as a noncommissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, but anyone who is interested in leading the kind of purpose-driven and values-centered life that marks the best Marine NCOs can learn from this book. And anyone in the business of leading people whether it s in business, the classroom, or the playing field should study the men and women Dye writes about with such insight. These NCOs don t just teach young Marines; they have a great deal to teach anyone smart enough to read, listen, and learn.
Ed Ruggero, author of "The First Men In: US Paratroopers and the Fight to Save D-Day"
A primer for life and a classic about values. While certain to be studied in military circles, it actually deserves to be read by all college students.
Bing West, best-selling author of "The Village, The Strongest Tribe, "and" The Wrong War"
"
Praise for "Backbone"
"OUTSTANDING! A great capture of the Marine NCO. This should be required reading for all Devil Dogs. A big 'atta boy' goes to the author. Any businessman, or anyone in a leadership position, will benefit greatly by reading this book."
--GySgt R. Lee Ermey
"This remarkable book cracks the bone and examines the 'marrow' of leadership. One of the best books ever written about leadership, with powerful, riveting examples and direct application to the business world, or any other field of endeavor. Required reading for every Marine, for everyone who honors and studies our military, and for everyone who studies and strives in the field of leadership."
--LtCol Dave Grossman, USA (ret.), author of "On Killing "and" On Combat"
"Dr. Julia D. Dye has written an absolutely fascinating book on U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers (NCOs)--the backbone of the Corps. Taking fourteen leadership traits that are endemic to what constitutes the essence of a Marine NCO, Dr. Dye deftly interweaves personal stories from the past and present and demonstrates why the Marine Corps remains the elite military service that it is today. I predict that Dr. Dye's book will be required reading for anyone who aspires to improve themselves or, more importantly, desires to wear the earned and respected chevrons of a Marine NCO."
--Dr. Charles P. Neimeyer, Director and Chief, USMC History
""Backbone" is essential reading for everyone in a position of leadership--and all who aspire to lead--no matter their walk of life. Julia Dye nails it--and her exemplars are the finest leaders on the planet - people who know the meaning of 'Semper Fidelis.'"
--LtCol Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), Host of "War Stories" on FOX News Channel
""Backbone "defines the spirit and ethos of leadership exemplified by the few and the proud, the United States Marine. Julia Dye focuses on the critical role of the noncommissioned officer as the nuc
Praise for Backbone:
This remarkable book cracks the bone and examines the "marrow" of leadership! One of the best books ever written about leadership, with powerful, riveting examples and direct application to the business world, or any other field of endeavor. Required reading for every Marine, for everyone who honors and studies our military, and for everyone who studies and strives in the field of leadership!
--LtCol Dave Grossman, USA (ret.), author of "On Killing" and "On Combat"
" "
Dr Julia D. Dye has written an absolutely fascinating book on U.S. Marine Corps non-commissioned officers (NCOs)--the backbone of the Corps. Taking 14 leadership traits that are endemic to what constitutes the essence of a Marine NCO, Dr. Dye deftly interweaves personal stories from the past and present and demonstrates why the Marine Corps remains the elite military service that it is today. I predict that Dr. Dye's book will be required reading for anyone who aspires to improve th
