Dave Berke, a former Marine Corps officer, discusses the importance of continuous learning in the Marine Corps. Topics include the release of a new doctrinal publication on learning, the difference between training and education, the challenge of truly knowing oneself, understanding human nature in combat, learning from mistakes, the importance of being capable, and the role of a specific beverage in boosting focus and productivity.
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Quick takeaways
MCDP7 learning emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional competence among Marines.
Marines need to continuously improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes through formal and informal learning opportunities.
Marines must develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities to effectively address complex problems and develop teamwork in various situations.
Learning plays a crucial role in maneuver warfare, enabling Marines to quickly observe, orient, decide, and act in the battlefield.
Marines are encouraged to develop adaptability by adjusting their response to new conditions and accepting feedback to enhance their learning and professional competence.
Deep dives
Marine Corps doctrinal publication seven learning: Introduction and Background
Marine Corps doctrinal publication seven (MCDP7), titled 'Learning,' is a new publication released by the Marine Corps in 2020. It formalizes the philosophy, principles, concepts, and expectations of learning within the Marine Corps. The publication emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and professional competence to develop adaptive leaders capable of successful maneuver warfare in complex environments. MCDP7 learning serves as a guide for creating a culture of continuous learning and professional competence among all Marines.
The Importance of Continuous Learning and Professional Competence
Marine Corps learning philosophy seeks to create a culture of continuous learning and professional competence. It highlights the significance of developing adaptive leaders who can quickly adapt to changing conditions in the battlefield and make timely decisions against a thinking enemy. Marines are expected to continuously improve their knowledge, skills, and attitudes through formal and informal learning opportunities. Continuous learning is crucial for Marines to effectively address complex problems and develop teamwork in various situations, ultimately increasing their readiness and effectiveness.
Learning Principles and Skills for Marines
The Marine Corps outlines key principles of learning for Marines. These principles include knowing oneself and seeking self-improvement, being ready and willing to learn, and understanding why learning is important. Marines need to recognize how their values, ethics, and perspectives influence their learning decisions and actions. They must actively take part in learning, embrace intellectual curiosity, and adapt their learning to relevant situations. Additionally, Marines are encouraged to develop memory skills, build awareness of their own thought processes, and focus on improving their critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Outlearning the Enemy: The Role of Learning in Warfare
Learning has a crucial role in maneuver warfare, where intelligent and adaptive leaders hold an advantage. Marines develop an intellectual edge by continually improving their knowledge and experience, enabling them to quickly observe, orient, decide, and act in the battlefield. Marines must understand the importance of learning in warfighting and the need to outlearn the enemy. By being intellectually curious, courageous, humble, and disciplined, Marines can effectively apply their learning to novel and complex situations, enhancing their competency and adaptability.
The Importance of Adaptability and Constructive Feedback
Marines are taught the importance of adaptability and the significance of constructive feedback in the learning process. They understand that connecting different concepts and receiving feedback are crucial for their development. Marines are encouraged to develop adaptability by adjusting their response to new conditions. Intrinsic and extrinsic feedback are recognized as important sources for learning. Marines are encouraged to provide and accept feedback to enhance their learning and develop their professional competence. They also study history and world events to be better prepared for new challenges.
Understanding Human Nature in Conflict
The podcast explores the significance of understanding human nature in conflict. Marines are encouraged to study social, economic, political, cultural, environmental, interpersonal, and intrapersonal factors that influence conflict. Leadership is emphasized as a human endeavor, highlighting the importance of understanding the human components when dealing with adversaries. Marines strive to view situations objectively and unemotionally and provide candid feedback to each other. They develop mental, moral, spiritual, and ethical understanding to navigate the complexities of combat effectively.
The Role of Problem Solving in Warfighting
Problem-solving skills are recognized as essential in warfighting. Marines are taught to recognize potential problems, reason critically, and think creatively. They develop skills such as inference, evaluation, interpretation, and explanation to understand information and its implications. Problem-solving requires Marines to understand the dynamic and complex nature of the situation and adapt accordingly. Decentralized execution within the commander's intent is emphasized. Problem-solving is considered a warfighting capability that requires continuous learning and the ability to adjust to rapidly changing situations.
Creating a Learning Culture and Tolerating Mistakes
Marines value a learning culture that fosters adaptability, critical thinking, and active listening. Leaders play a crucial role in creating an environment that encourages learning and tolerates mistakes. Constructive feedback and willingness to challenge ideas are promoted to improve learning. Marines are urged to take prudent risks, embrace failures as opportunities for growth, and learn from mistakes. The importance of embracing individual responsibility for learning outcomes is stressed, and the mission of continuous learning is emphasized throughout a Marine's career.
Individual Responsibility and Intelligent Action
Each individual Marine has a responsibility to progress in their own self-education and build a bias for intelligent action. It is incumbent upon every Marine to learn as much as possible and take action that is smart and meaningful. This responsibility extends from individual Marines all the way up to the Marine Corps as an institution.
Leaders' Role in Setting Conditions for Learning
Leaders at all levels within the Marine Corps are responsible for creating the conditions necessary for their subordinates' professional military learning and development. While instructors in formal schools are important, leaders within the unit play a critical role in facilitating learning and growth. This hierarchical component ensures that every Marine understands their role and contribution within the larger organizational picture. Additionally, the Marine Corps as an institution embraces continuous learning by refining methods and providing resources for professional development.
