Major General Bill Bowers, USMC - Leadership, Accountability, and Recruiting the Future of the Marine Corps
In this episode, Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, shares powerful leadership lessons from his time as a young lieutenant to a two-star general, reflecting on mentorship, peer accountability, recruiting challenges, and the evolving responsibilities of military leadership.
Welcome to the first Moments in Leadership episode of 2025! This episode marks four years of the podcast, and we’re honored to feature Major General Bill Bowers, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. A longtime friend of host David B. Armstrong, General Bowers reflects on his leadership journey, the critical role of mentorship, and how peer accountability shaped his career from his early days as a young lieutenant to his current role leading Marine Corps recruiting.
In this engaging and insightful conversation, General Bowers and Dave discuss:
- The power of peer accountability and why young leaders need idealism
- Lessons from early leadership mistakes and the importance of learning from failure
- How mentorship from senior enlisted leaders can shape careers
- The challenges of recruiting and retaining the right Marines in today’s environment
- The role of awards and recognition in motivating Marines
- How young officers can prepare for command and build lasting relationships
General Bowers also shares incredible stories from his time in the field, including a mess night surprise that changed a Marine’s future and how recruiting is more than just numbers—it’s about changing lives.
Whether you’re a junior officer, an aspiring leader, or someone interested in the inner workings of Marine Corps leadership, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons, personal anecdotes, and deep insights from one of the Marine Corps’ top generals.
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