Diversity
is a national security issue, said Major General Ronald Bailey, the
commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Recruiting
Command.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“When we can pull from all backgrounds, it allows the military to be innovative,” Bailey said. “From that perspective, we improve and we get better.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Bailey will soon assume command of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California – one of the most prestigious divisions in the world, he said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>On June 22, Bailey spoke about diversity in leadership at Saint Louis University for a dinner hosted by the Midwest Marines. He took time to speak to The American on Tuesday night before enjoying the St. Louis Cardinals home game.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Bailey’s St. Louis visit was part of Marine Week St. Louis 2011 from June 20 to 26, where the Corps hosted community activities and displayed military ground vehicles, aircraft, and weaponry at various locations downtown.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>When people look at a picture of the Marine Corps, Bailey said, they should feel represented. To achieve this level of inclusion, Bailey embraces the Marine Corps’ “All Community Approach.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“We don’t just come to one venue,” he said. “We talk to educators, political leaders, coaches, teachers, parents. We are able to reach out and touch all these leaders. That’s what it’s about.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>During Marine Week St. Louis, representatives visited the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club and several churches in the area.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“One of the important things when we talk about diversity is attitude and belief,” he said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>In the Marines, there’s a saying: “We make Marines, we win battles and we return to society good citizens,” he said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>The leadership traits of Marines tie in directly to the future of diversity, he said. Nationally, about 71 percent of all students graduate from high school on time with a regular diploma, but barely half of African-American and Hispanic students earn diplomas with their peers.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“That is a challenge and a problem for our nation,” he said. “When we talk with African-American, Latino and Asian and other minority communities, we are talking about the tangible and intangible of what the Marine Corps brings to this nation.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>If U.S. high schools and colleges raise the graduation rates of Hispanic, African-American, and Native American students to the levels of white students by 2020, the potential increase in personal income would add more than $310 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the Alliance for Excellent Education.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“My passion is about improving this nation,” Bailey said, “and helping people improve themselves.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>There are many different reasons why people join the military. But for Bailey, there’s nothing like being a Marine, he said.
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>“I wish I could relate the experience,” he said. “If you had the opportunity to visit the depot, we are transforming young women and men. In 63 days, they are different. I am proud to be a part of that. We train them up to be the future leaders in this nation.”
“font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Verdana;”>Currently, more than 2,300 active duty and reserve Marines from Missouri are serving at home and overseas, including Marines participating in combat operations in Afghanistan. Over 20,000 men and women living in the greater St. Louis area have served, or are currently serving, in the Marine Corps.
