MCO 1500.61 governs Marine leader development, including the development of Marines and Sailors for personal and professional success.
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It presents a framework for leader development covering fidelity, fighter, fitness, family, finances, and future. It requires deliberate development through teaching, coaching, counseling, and mentoring, including mandatory counseling requirements.
While a formalized, structured approach to mentoring is no longer prescribed, mentoring remains an important component of developing Marines and is addressed in this Order along with teaching, coaching, and counseling. (paragraph 1)
To provide a common framework and practical tools to assist leaders in developing all Marines and Sailors to achieve their full potential and be successful. (paragraph 4)
Some counseling requirements are mandatory. Reference (f) directs that an initial counseling take place between Reporting Seniors (RS) and Marines Reported On (MRO) and reference (g) prescribes proficiency and conduct counseling at regular intervals. (paragraph 4)
Effective leaders take a holistic approach to developing subordinates. Leaders model behaviors consistent with our core values and serve as teachers and coaches. (paragraph 4)
The cumulative skill-sets and knowledge that make Marines well-rounded warriors. This addresses Professional Military Education (PME), as well as the classifications of duties, such as Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)/Navy Enlisted Code (NEC)/Navy Officer Billet Classification (NOBC), and corresponding standards of performance, interpersonal communication skills, and on and off-duty education. (paragraph 2)