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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The Marine
expeditionary unit represents everything the Marine Corps offers.
The Marines that comprise the MEU are the first responders to
crises around the world. The success is determined by young Marines
dedicated to maintaining a force in readiness. However, this would
not be possible without exceptional senior leadership at the MEU.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert A. Chute has learned a lot about
himself and leadership throughout his 16 years serving in the Marine
Corps. He has made several deployments as both enlisted and a
warrant officer; during this period he developed the skills needed
to lead both enlisted and officers alike. Chute, from Riverside,
Calif., the chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense
officer for the 15th MEU, uses the tools he has learned in his
career to lead and inspire his Marines.
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June 16, 2014 - Chief Warrant Officer 3
Robert A. Chute has had more than 16 years in the Corps to develop
as a leader. His time in the infantry before crossing over to the
warrant officer side of the Corps has played a role in developing
himself as a leader. Chute, from Riverside, Calif., is the chemical,
biological, radiological, and nuclear defense officer with the 15th
MEU. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Miguel Carrasco)
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In this interview, he shares how his leadership has
developed and what it takes to be a good leader.
Q:
Why did you choose warrant officer route?
A: I wanted to do something in the
Marine Corps other than being a grunt. I was ready to try
something different in the Marine Corps, and the money
helped too.
Q: What was your enlisted career like?
A: I started out in the infantry as an [anti-tank
missileman], then [light armored vehicle crewman] and once I
picked up staff sergeant I was an [infantry unit leader]. I
did a few at sea deployments and deployments to Ramadi,
Iraq, with 5th Marine Regiment. I figure I can provide my
experience to the command element of the MEU.
Q: What
is the biggest change from enlisted to warrant officer?
A: My role from enlisted to warrant officer changed
significantly. The transition was good but weird at the same
time. At first, the enlisted and officer Marines don't know
how to approach you as a warrant officer. It takes some time
to get used to it.
Q: What does it take to be a good
leader in the Marine Corps?
A: I think that a good
leader needs to be fair and open-minded. A leader cannot be
scared to let the small unit leadership do its job.
Q: What kind of leader do you consider yourself?
A: I
feel as though I am fair, I like to let people do their job
without stressing them out. I make sure they have everything
they need to succeed and go from there.
Q: As a
leader, what do you expect from your Marines?
A: I
expect them to know their job. I shouldn't have to tell them
how to do their job. I will guide them and steer them in the
right direction, but I expect them to get the job done.
Q: What's one of the hardest challenges a leader faces?
A: I think the hardest challenge as a leader is making
sure you make the right decision. Whether you are on the
battlefield or away from danger, you don't want to let your
Marines down.
By U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Miguel Carrasco
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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