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Commanding general of Parris Island: ‘at the heart of every military concept lies the individual.’

Advancing technology and improved weapons systems are critical in the United States maintaining a powerful, well-trained military. But the commanding general of the second-oldest U.S. Marine Corps base in the country said the men and women who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces are what make that military what it is today.

Brig. Gen. Lance Langfeldt, who oversees Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island and Eastern Recruiting Region, spoke at the 107th National Convention in Louisville, Ky., on Sept. 1. Approximately 20,000 recruits are trained to be Marines at Parris Island each year. Langfeldt oversees both the training at the base and recruiting in the eastern half of the United States.

“We always speak of modernizing our military, of advanced technologies, of global networks and of next-generation capabilities designed to protect our nation in a complex security environment,” said Langfeldt, who assumed command at Parris Island in May. “But as a commander, I am constantly reminded of a fundamental truth: at the heart of every military concept lies the individual. Our weapons systems, our equipment and our joint formations require uncompromising discipline and character of the individual to make them successful. The ultimate strategic asset of the United States of America is not our hardware. It is the unyielding spirit, the integrity and the sheer heart of the American warfighter.”

Langfeldt said the strength of the U.S. military is based in “our joint unity and our shared purpose. To maintain our decisive edge, our standards must remain uncompromising and clear. That is why we focus heavily on the development of the whole warfighter.

“We teach our men and women that service is not a shift we work in. It is a lifelong calling. True discipline is not a switch to flip when you put on the uniform. And it’s not something you end when you step off the base. Character is tested when no one is ordering you to act.”

Prior to his remarks, �鶹��ƵAV presented its Spirit of Service Award winners to members of each of the seven branches of the U.S. military. The recipients are nominated and chosen by their branch of service for their community service efforts.

Langfeldt took time to recognize them. “They represent the absolute best of our enlisted ranks, who form the backbone of our armed forces,” he said. “On their own initiative, off-duty and out of uniform, these seven individuals saw a need in their communities, stepped forward and took command.

“What we’re witnessing in these seven leaders is what I define as service in service. It is the understanding that our oath to defend and support the United States does not end at the gate of our bases. It is the realization that a nation’s defense is only as strong as the communities that support it. These young leaders have proven that the discipline, organization and bias for action we instill in them for combat make them an unstoppable force for good in civilian society.”

Langfeldt also praised those he was addressing.

“The active-duty leaders standing before you today are walking the very path you paved,” he said. “The weapons may have changed. The uniforms may look different. But the core character of the American warfighter remains completely unbroken.

“You lived a life of service in service. And you transitioned seamlessly into a lifetime of service after service. Through your work in local communities, your support to veteran families and your defense of American values, you have kept our nation strong from within.”