Questions to Ask a Marine
Respectful questions to ask a Marine about their service, experiences, and perspectives, covering their journey, values, and insights to help you understand their unique perspective and honor their service.
1What inspired you to join the Marine Corps, and what drew you to this branch of service?
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What inspired you to join the Marine Corps, and what drew you to this branch of service?
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Why this works
Shows respect for their decision and helps you understand their motivation and connection to the Marine Corps values.
2What are the core values of the Marine Corps, and how do you see them influencing your daily life?
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What are the core values of the Marine Corps, and how do you see them influencing your daily life?
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Why this works
Explores their connection to Marine Corps values and helps you understand how these principles guide their life and decisions.
3What are some of the most important lessons you've learned through your service, and how have they shaped you?
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What are some of the most important lessons you've learned through your service, and how have they shaped you?
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Why this works
Reveals the impact of their service and helps you understand how their experiences have influenced their character and perspective.
4How do you handle different types of challenges, and what approaches do you use for problem-solving?
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How do you handle different types of challenges, and what approaches do you use for problem-solving?
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Why this works
Explores their resilience and helps you understand how their military training influences their approach to challenges.
5What are your thoughts on leadership, and how do you see yourself applying these principles in different situations?
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What are your thoughts on leadership, and how do you see yourself applying these principles in different situations?
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Why this works
Addresses their leadership philosophy and helps you understand how they approach leadership in various contexts.
6How do you handle different types of stress and pressure, and what coping mechanisms do you use?
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How do you handle different types of stress and pressure, and what coping mechanisms do you use?
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Why this works
Explores their stress management and helps you understand how they handle pressure and maintain resilience.
7What are your thoughts on teamwork and collaboration, and how do you see yourself contributing to team success?
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What are your thoughts on teamwork and collaboration, and how do you see yourself contributing to team success?
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Why this works
Addresses their teamwork philosophy and helps you understand how they approach collaboration and team dynamics.
8How do you handle different types of communication, and what approaches do you use for effective interaction?
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How do you handle different types of communication, and what approaches do you use for effective interaction?
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Why this works
Explores their communication style and helps you understand how they approach different types of interpersonal communication.
9What are your thoughts on discipline and self-control, and how do you see these qualities influencing your life?
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What are your thoughts on discipline and self-control, and how do you see these qualities influencing your life?
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Why this works
Addresses their approach to discipline and helps you understand how these qualities shape their daily life and decisions.
10How do you handle different types of change and adaptation, and what strategies do you use for adjustment?
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How do you handle different types of change and adaptation, and what strategies do you use for adjustment?
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Why this works
Explores their adaptability and helps you understand how they handle transitions and new situations.
11What are your thoughts on service and sacrifice, and how do you see yourself continuing to serve others?
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What are your thoughts on service and sacrifice, and how do you see yourself continuing to serve others?
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Why this works
Addresses their commitment to service and helps you understand how they view their role in serving others.
12How do you handle different types of relationships, and what approaches do you use for building connections?
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How do you handle different types of relationships, and what approaches do you use for building connections?
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Why this works
Explores their relationship skills and helps you understand how they approach building and maintaining relationships.
13What are your thoughts on honor and integrity, and how do you see these values influencing your decisions?
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What are your thoughts on honor and integrity, and how do you see these values influencing your decisions?
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Why this works
Addresses their moral compass and helps you understand how these values guide their choices and actions.
14How do you handle different types of conflict and disagreement, and what approaches do you use for resolution?
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How do you handle different types of conflict and disagreement, and what approaches do you use for resolution?
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Why this works
Explores their conflict resolution skills and helps you understand how they approach disagreements and problem-solving.
15What are your thoughts on personal growth and development, and how do you see yourself continuing to evolve?
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What are your thoughts on personal growth and development, and how do you see yourself continuing to evolve?
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Why this works
Addresses their commitment to growth and helps you understand how they approach personal development and self-improvement.
16How do you handle different types of responsibility and accountability, and what approaches do you use for management?
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How do you handle different types of responsibility and accountability, and what approaches do you use for management?
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Why this works
Explores their approach to responsibility and helps you understand how they handle accountability and duty.
17What are your thoughts on courage and bravery, and how do you see these qualities influencing your life?
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What are your thoughts on courage and bravery, and how do you see these qualities influencing your life?
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Why this works
Addresses their understanding of courage and helps you understand how these qualities shape their approach to challenges.
18How do you handle different types of adversity and setback, and what strategies do you use for recovery?
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How do you handle different types of adversity and setback, and what strategies do you use for recovery?
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Why this works
Explores their resilience and helps you understand how they handle difficult situations and bounce back from setbacks.
19What are your thoughts on the future, and how do you see yourself continuing to contribute to your community?
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What are your thoughts on the future, and how do you see yourself continuing to contribute to your community?
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Why this works
Addresses their vision for the future and helps you understand how they plan to continue making a positive impact.
20What questions do you have for me about my perspective on service, or what would you like me to understand about your experience?
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What questions do you have for me about my perspective on service, or what would you like me to understand about your experience?
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Why this works
Shows your respect and interest in their perspective while giving you insight into what they value in conversations about service.
How to Have Respectful Conversations with Marines
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Respect and Gratitude
Always approach conversations with respect and gratitude for their service, acknowledging the sacrifices they've made.
Ask About Their Values and Principles
Focus on questions that help you understand their values, principles, and how their service has shaped their perspective.
Listen with Empathy and Understanding
Listen to their responses with empathy and understanding, recognizing that their experiences may be different from your own.
Question Sequences
The Values and Principles Sequence
The Leadership and Growth Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask About Combat Experiences
Avoid asking about specific combat experiences or traumatic events unless they bring it up themselves.
Don't Make Assumptions
Don't assume their experiences or make generalizations about military service or their personal journey.
Don't Ignore Their Feelings
Pay attention to their emotional responses and be sensitive to how they feel about the questions and topics.