Big Red Car here. Glorious day dawning in the ATX — sun rising making the sky blue and pink, filled with splendor. Rain gone for a while. In the mid-30s and headed for the mid-60s.

On Earth as it is in Texas!

So, The Boss gets a copy of the new Marine Commandant’s Planning Guidance for 2015. The Commandant is the head of the Marine Corps and he is a warrior chieftain.

In many ways, he is like any startup founder/CEO who is trying to provide clear guidance as to Vision, Mission, Strategy, Tactics, Objectives, Values and Culture.

This is a great example for a startup leader to see how well it can be done in a very serious business.

Here is a copy for your use. Now, don’t go off and join the Marines [there could be worse things] just because this guidance inspires you.

US Marine Corps, 36th Commandant’s Planning Guidance 2015

Give it a critical read to get a sense of how your Vision, Mission, Strategy, Tactics, Objectives, Values and Culture can be similarly clearly articulated. This document mashes a lot of those discreet thoughts into a single document. Of course, the Marines have been around since 10 November 1775 when they were founded in Philadelphia.

For existing companies who are out of the cradle and on the crawl, walk, run continuum take a read and see how you might clearly re-boot and revise your documents.

I am very glad the United States Marine Corps is on our side. Very glad.

Semper Fi, Jarheads [hey, The Boss was an Army guy and likes to rib the Marines but many of his classmates were Marines and he loves the Marines].

Just like the Marines, you are going to fight and win! Just like the Marine Corps, you are going to have a clear VISION.

But, hey, what the Hell do I really know anyway? I’m just a Big Red Car. Semper Fi!