As a Young Marine SNCO you now represent the Young Marines at a high leadership position. Conduct yourself with dignity, courtesy, and self restraint.

Avoid any show of self-importance. Do not bluster, especially towards civilians or subordinate Young Marines.

Be wary of situations beyond your capabilities. New SNCOs are not expected to be all-wise. They are expected to keep their head, and to posses enough common sense and knowledge of their own limitations to prevent them from overextending themselves.

Something else will be expected of you: not to make the same mistake twice, particularly after having been told by a senior. Learn to accept criticism positively and with grace.

On returning to your unit after having been through SNCO school, you will be closely looked over by all hands. The first impressions can make (or break) you. Be natural and courteous, prompt and punctual, "squared away" in uniform and deportment. At all costs avoid the impression of a brash young know-it-all.

Avoid the habit of complaining or whining, and avoid those who do. Teach other Young Marines to look for solutions rather than look for support of their complaint. Refrain from criticizing unless you are ready and able to provide a better solution. By the same token, cultivate the habit of optimism. An optimist is like a breath of fresh air. S/he cheers all with whom she/he comes in contact.

Be industrious and persevering, attentive to duty, and attentive to essential detail. The best SNCOs are those who possess powers of observation, and, having those powers, know how to use them. Akin to observation is the power and habit of forethought.

Learn to control and hide your feelings. A SNCO who wears his/her feeling on his/her shoulders will not be successful in the long run. Losing your temper only makes you look like a fool. In addition to being alert, always try to look alert.

If you are asked a question and are unfamiliar with the answer, don't bluff. The proper answer from a SNCO in such circumstances is, "I'll find out."

Do not procrastinate. When you have a job to do, do it at once. If you have several items to be accomplished, do the important thing first. If you find yourself stymied, don't shove the matter aside or report back that you can't do it - try some other way, and keep on trying. Remember that if you can acquire the reputation of a capable SNCO, you are on your way to success.

Always give thought to the reputation that you build and acquire. A SNCO's reputation for character and efficiency is all important. Take this away and your usefulness is gone. DO NOT compromise yourself! And remember, you cannot fool your Commander or fellow Young Marines. You know what is right and wrong and you should convey this image to your Young Marines.

Personal appearance is most important in the Young Marines as well as your daily life. Nobody in the world looks more shabby than a shabby SNCO.

Keep fit. Avoid fat. The Young Marines will help you with this by quarterly physical fitness tests and by physical training all year long, but fitness is a continuous concern of every SNCO. No Young Marine can afford to let himself/herself become fat.

Stand straight. Keep you hands out of your pockets. Never chew gum in public.

In your dealing with other Young Marine SNCOs avoid taking sides if there are problems. Don't gossip; gossip always finds it way back. Only say of a fellow SNCO who is absent what you would say to his/her face.

Conduct all your business through proper channels. When asked a question answer smartly, not smart-alleckly.