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Editorial: Enforce rules equally

It takes a special kind of person to throw caution to the wind and kick in a door, knowing that men with guns are waiting on the other side.

Unfortunately, the line between “conspicuous gallantry” and “downright crazy” generally depends on the situation and the stakes.

On the battlefield, daring is rewarded. On the highway, it is often more accurately termed recklessness.

So far in fiscal 2008, 10 Marines have died on motorcycles and 14 in automobile accidents. That’s more than have been killed in combat in two war zones over the same period.

Conventional wisdom would suggest that these two dozen leathernecks were young and immature

But alarmingly, half of those killed on bikes were noncommissioned officers and staff NCOs — two gunnery sergeants, a staff sergeant, a sergeant and a corporal. The automobile total includes a second lieutenant, a sergeant and two corporals. More than one in four of those Marines were responsible for setting an example for more junior troops.

Now the Corps is taking a radical approach to private motor-vehicle safety. It is launching a two-pronged attack, including both prevention and punishment, aimed at reversing the trends. But as these new policies go into effect, senior leaders must remember to give their peers the same hard looks they’ll give the junior troops they lead.

Just as bravery is not limited by rank, neither is recklessness.

The Corps’ new push to hold NCOs and other senior leaders accountable for their junior Marines will result in tough love. Some will restrict liberty. Others will take a still harder line. They just need to remember: There’s nothing wrong with tough love, so long as it is applied fairly at all levels.

DISCUSS: Is equitability possible?