94                                    U.S. MARINES IN THE PERSIAN GULF, 199O~1991

Proceedings: In closing, I'd like to give you a chance to answer any question I
haven't asked.

Boomer:    The carnpaign was successful,   and I wouldn't do things much
differently. The experience reinforced something that I have always believed in:
Training must remain our first priority not only for Fleet Marine Force units,
but at Marine Corps bases, as well.  Quantico must take the lead in this.
   The thing that made the big difference on the battlefield is that we had
thousands and thousands of individual Marines constantly taking the initiative.
The young lance corporal would take a look, see something 75 or 100 meters
out in front that needed to be done, and go out and do it without being told. As
I read through award citations from Desert Shield and Desert Storm, this theme
reappears, time and time again.     That aggressive spirit comes from being
well-trained, and confident in your professional knowledge. It is young Marines
with that aggressive spirit who take their divisions ahead.  When you say that
the division is moving forward, you are really saying that thousands of Marines
are forging ahead as individuals and in small units. They are the real heroes of
any battle. You can have the best battle plan in the world, but without the right
people to execute that plan it is no more than a pipe dream. It's the well-trained
Marine who turns that plan into reality.

Proceedings: Once again, it comes right back down to that young rifleman. .

Boomer: Yes--and the young truck driver, and the young conununicator, and the
young engineer.   Everyone has a piece of the action, and every piece is
important.